RAW began on a very interesting note with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair taking on The IIconics in a big tag team match. And then, out of nowhere Samoa Joe's music hit and we went into commercial.
It now turns out that Samoa Joe will be the third man at the commentary desk with Vic Joseph and Jerry 'The King' Lawler. It does seem like after the assault from Brock Lesnar, Dio Maddin may have been written off the commentary role.
So, why do you guys think that Samoa Joe was chosen for this particular role, ladies and gentlemen? Also, how long do you guys think this stint at commentary will last?
I invite you guys to leave a comment in the section below.
Oh, before I forget, please rate your favorite matches from RAW right here. Also, leave a comment and let me know what you thought about each of the matches. I will compile everything into a list at the end of the week!
#5 Samoa Joe is currently injured
Samoa Joe has not wrestled since the King of the Ring semi-finals in September of 2019. During his time in the ring, he suffered a broken thumb, and he will clearly not be ready to return anytime soon. This is a great way to remind people how great the man is while he sits on the sidelines waiting for the doctors to clear him.
Samoa Joe is a natural in the ring as he has proved through his illustrious career both in WWE and outside the promotion. But then again, that is not where his talents end and as he proved through the course of the night, his commentary skills are quite impeccable too. Very few can probably make such a natural transition from one role to another, but Samoa Joe is a one-in-a-million Superstar.
#4 A natural when it comes to cutting promos
There are many Superstars in WWE who are naturals when it comes to cutting compelling promos. Samoa Joe is certainly in the top-tier of Superstars with the ability to do the same. The Miz is also someone who is passionate, albeit in a very different manner. Maybe Bray Wyatt is in the same league, although his delivery is very different indeed.
We've also seen on WWE Backstage and the NXT Kickoff Panels that when it comes to the speaking game, Samoa Joe is certainly a class apart. It makes all the sense in the world that he would be natural on the commentary desk as well. From the little we have seen from Samoa Joe at the desk thus far, he really is a pretty great fit!
Maybe, much like Jerry Lawler, the second part of Samoa Joe's career would be as the voice of the Red brand.
#3 Allows WWE to connect with the 'NXT' audience
Vic Joseph is really good at what he does, but he is seen as little more than someone in a suit who represents WWE corporate more than fans. Similarly, Jerry Lawler is one of the greatest in history, but unfortunately, he feels a little outdated in the year 2019.
We all know that there is a certain section of the audience that prefers AEW to RAW and SmackDown. Among the products under the WWE umbrella, they prefer NXT to what has been traditionally referred to as the 'main roster'.
This audience will find it easier to connect with someone like Samoa Joe as compared to the other gentlemen at the booth. To just put it plainly, Samoa Joe is cool while the other two men are not!
Samoa Joe has the edge that other announcers lack. Maybe Corey Graves is the only other WWE announcer who represents this particular section of the WWE Universe.
#2 Brings more value to the booth than Maddin
I do understand that Dio Maddin comes from the world of the NFL and therefore there is a certain amount of recognition that he brings to the desk. But from his first few weeks behind the desk, it was pretty obvious that while the man has promise he wasn't ready for the big leagues yet. Also, while he brings crossover appeal of a kind, Samoa Joe is a renowned WWE star who brings a lot more value to the desk!
I know that a lot of people miss Samoa Joe in the ring at the moment, so while he is injured he can definitely man the desk for a while. Alexa Bliss did pretty much the same thing not long ago as an authority figure on RAW, back when she was injured. It's a much better use of his talents than just being on WWE Backstage!
#1 Potentially allows for a brand new feud
Dio Maddin was attacked by Brock Lesnar at the commentary desk. One would assume that something of this nature could certainly happen to Samoa Joe as well, although I wonder who would be crazy enough to pick a fight with the big man!
This could be how Samoa Joe's next feud begins, honestly. Once he is cleared to return, there could be a Falls Count Match that potentially happens that takes the men involved all over the arena, and then thereafter, there is a major altercation with a certain member of the WWE roster and Samoa Joe!
It would be a great way to start a new feud. You can bully every commentator but not this one!
Maybe it will potentially allow for Samoa Joe to turn babyface as well, arising from his stint behind the commentary desk!