"It's a loss for the company" - Booker T on released WWE star

Booker T has discussed the release of Samoa Joe by WWE, stating that Joe was a consummate professional and his release will be a big loss for WWE.

Samoa Joe, who joined WWE in 2015, put on fantastic matches on NXT and also won the NXT Championship twice - one of four Superstars to do so. He was called up to the main roster in 2017 and many expected him to win a few World Titles, but Joe only won the United States Championship.

On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T admitted he was surprised by WWE's decision to let Samoa Joe leave. He stated that the two-time US Champion was open to doing multiple things for the company.

Here's what Booker T had to say about Joe's release:

"He was on the sidelines, but I always thought Joe was going to do that job. Joe is like me - he's kind of like a utility guy. 'You need me over here, I'll do that; you need me over here, I'll do that.' And be content with actually doing that, not being consumed with: 'Man, I got to get back in the ring, I'm missing the boat.' But, am I surprised that Joe was on the list? I must say 100%, I am. I don't know the ramifications of what happened but I do think it's a loss for the company."

Booker T went on to heap praise on the former United States Champion and stated that Samoa Joe would be a success wherever he goes next.

Booker T and Samoa Joe's in-ring history

Samoa Joe should’ve beaten Brock Lesnar for the Universal title Samoa Joe should’ve beaten AJ Styles for the WWE titleSamoa Joe could’ve beaten Roman Reigns for the Universal title (current reign)Samoa Joe should’ve been world champion in WWE. Period. pic.twitter.com/YjohuxgYw4

— ❌CULT OF PERSONALITY❌ (@JsmallSAINTS) April 16, 2021

Booker T and Samoa Joe crossed paths on a few occasions when the two were a part of TNA in the 2000s.

They faced each other in singles and tag team matches, including an encounter for the TNA World Heavyweight title.

Booker T challenges Samoa Joe for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a Six Sides of Steel Weapons match at the Hard Justice 2008 PPV pic.twitter.com/Z979lqZvUj

— Rasslin' History 101 (@WrestlingIsKing) July 29, 2020

Please H/T Hall of Fame and Sportskeeda if you use any of the above quotes.