During an interview, Tony Khan spoke about the CM Punk backstage AEW incident at Wembley Stadium in 2023, noting that Samoa Joe was instrumental in calming tensions and ensuring the event went ahead as planned. Khan highlighted how Joe’s leadership enabled CM Punk and Jack Perry to perform as scheduled, and affirmed Joe’s crucial role as locker room leader during the heated situation.
Samoa Joe’s Influence During the Wembley Incident
The backstage altercation between CM Punk and Jack Perry at AEW’s All In event in Wembley became a significant moment for the promotion, occurring right before the main show. According to Tony Khan, when emotions ran high, Samoa Joe’s steady presence helped bring the locker room together. Joe’s professionalism allowed Punk and Joe to continue with their scheduled match, which contributed to the night’s overall success and kept the event on track.
Khan addressed the situation during a recent Q101 interview. He underscored Joe’s impact as a two-time AEW World Champion and described how Joe’s actions in both wrestling and backstage environments exemplified the qualities of a true leader. Khan praised Joe for setting an example for other performers and considered him entirely deserving of his respected title as locker room leader.
“I think it was very good that Samoa Joe de-escalated the situation and also that Samoa Joe made sure that the fans got the match that they thought they had paid to see. He went out there and everything was great, and he was such a professional and that exemplifies Samoa Joe in the ring and out of the ring the most professional man and he was so great that day and so many other times. He’s one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met what the leader Samoa Joe is in the ring and out of the ring a captain, a true captain of a team and I’m very blessed that he’s in AEW” – Tony Khan, AEW CEO
Khan’s gratitude towards Samoa Joe was apparent, as he emphasized how essential it was to have a calming and dedicated leader backstage, especially during moments when tensions could have easily spilled over and affected the outcome of the show. For Khan and the AEW team, Joe’s experience and attitude ensured that the fans got what they anticipated, and the event continued without further disruptions.
Samoa Joe’s Standing Among Wrestlers and Fans
Samoa Joe’s career spans multiple top promotions including ROH, TNA, WWE and AEW, and he is widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers from the last two decades. Not only is he respected by industry insiders and fellow performers, but his presence on any roster continues to make an impact. Joe is recognized as a veteran who can still deliver memorable performances while maintaining a strong, commanding presence behind the scenes. His ability to command respect as both a competitor and a locker room leader sets him apart in the wrestling world.
This leadership and influence have not gone unnoticed. Kyle Fletcher, a rising star in AEW, recently mentioned his desire to share the ring with Samoa Joe. Fletcher shared his admiration for Joe and reflected on the opportunity such a match would hold for his own career growth.
“The one that I keep talking about is I really want to get in there with Samoa Joe. I think that would be a really cool one for me, and a really cool test for me. It’s someone that I’ve been watching for a decade plus, so that’s someone that I would love to get in there with. Other than that, I’ve been pretty blessed, I’ve been lucky enough to get in there with a lot of the people that I looked up to growing up.” – Kyle Fletcher, AEW Wrestler
Comments from peers such as Fletcher, alongside the consistent praise Samoa Joe receives from others in the wrestling world, highlight the widespread respect Joe commands. His sustained ability to perform at high levels, combined with his guidance in challenging moments, continues to cement his legacy as both a legendary wrestler and a vital leader in AEW and the industry as a whole.
What’s Next for Leadership in AEW?
The aftermath of the CM Punk backstage AEW incident and Samoa Joe’s handling of it has had a notable effect on team morale and backstage culture within AEW. Tony Khan’s public endorsement is likely to reinforce Joe’s authority as a leader, showing that leadership and professionalism are highly valued in the company. With rising stars such as Kyle Fletcher publicly aspiring to face veterans like Samoa Joe, AEW appears to be fostering an environment where experience and mentorship are passed on, strengthening the company for future challenges and opportunities.
For AEW, the presence of seasoned figures like Samoa Joe offers stability and inspiration, both on the screen and behind the scenes, ensuring that unexpected incidents do not derail the momentum of major events. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, leaders such as Samoa Joe will remain pivotal in guiding the next generation of talent and maintaining the standard of excellence fans expect at flagship shows like All In.
Tony Khan says that the most stressful PPV was the first Wembley show by far, says Samoa Joe saved the day and is the most professional man:
“I think it was very good that Samoa Joe de-escalated the situation and also that Samoa Joe made sure that the fans got the match that… pic.twitter.com/TvqqZ1JLBa
— Self Made AO 💫 (@KXNGAO) December 30, 2025
