Earlier today, it was announced that Samoa Joe has been injured. The specific details have yet to be made clear, though the now former NXT Champion took to Twitter to announce the news. At the end of the video, he mentioned that he would return to reclaim his title. In light of this news, the NXT Championship has been relinquished.
— Samoa Joe (@SamoaJoe) September 12, 2021
“My goals were very simple,” said Samoa Joe in his video on Twitter. “I sought to ensure the respect and integrity due to both NXT and its championship. I sought to ensure that everybody understood that the needs of one individual will never outstrip the sum of the brand. Today, I find myself having to stand on those principles. Recently, WWE medical informed me that, due to certain injuries, they would like to have me step away from the ring for a brief yet still indeterminant amount of time. I realize that this week, we are on the cusp of a new NXT. We are on the brink of a new era in our history, and I realize that that era deserves a fighting champion.”
Joe continued, “That’s why it makes this very difficult decision very easy to make. Effective immediately, I relinquish the NXT Championship. Best of luck to those who will vie for it. My sincerest condolences to whoever wins, because I will be along shortly to recollect what’s mine.”
This isn’t the first time that Samoa Joe has been injured in WWE, whether on NXT or the main roster. It was during his time on the latter that these issues became especially prevalent. His last previous major injury dates back to February of 2020, when he hurt his head during the filming of a commercial. Due to repeat injuries, Joe spent considerable time as a color commentator, working alongside the likes of Byron Saxton and Tom Phillips.
With Samoa Joe injured, and having to step away, his record-setting third NXT Championship reign ends at 21 days. He won the title at NXT TakeOver 36, which took place last month. In the main event, Joe defeated current Raw Superstar Karrion Kross for the title.
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