Sports Illustrated has published an interview with Samoa Joe, who addresses what it means to be the new AEW World Champion following Worlds End.
Joe, who defeated MJF for the title at the final pay-per-view of 2023 for the company, stated that he wants to put more attention on the product itself:
“I understand the world of professional wrestling. I’ve seen things work at a very high level, and I understand the type of people backstage that it takes for that to happen. I try to be that person.
As champion, you’re the standard-bearer. I’m more than happy to take up that mantle. I really want to make a focus of getting the fans’ attention back on the conflict in the ring, and a lot of the petty stuff needs to melt away. Let’s get back to entertaining people.”
Joe would go on to talk about his lengthy career in the business with stints in ROH, TNA, and WWE, and what he looks to bring to the table wherever he is signed:
“Any company I join, my goal is to enrich that company. I’ve been with several different companies throughout my career, and when I join up with an organization, I’m not signing up to add to my personal trophy case. I’m there to deliver and show them they made a fantastic investment.
I want to ensure they’re getting everything they paid for and more. With that approach in life, you’re bound to find success. It’s not what they’re going to do for me or my legacy, but what I can do for them and theirs.”