Samoa Joe reflects on his history with CM Punk.
AEW Collision‘s first main event will see Samoa Joe, Jay White, and Juice Robinson take on the trio of CM Punk and FTR. Joe and Punk’s history dates back to 2003 when they first crossed paths in Ring of Honor.
Ahead of their clash, Joe spoke to Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated about his storied past with “The Second City Saint.”
“We’ve always competed to have the best match of the night, and that’s what we’re still competing to do,” Joe said. “It was our ambition that brought us together. We were two young gentlemen who believed we were the best in the world and that we could take it to anybody. That was evident in the young versions of both of us, and it’s manifested to where we are today.”
When it comes to Punk being outspoken, Joe reminded everyone that he knows what to expect.
“I understand the nature of the beast,” Joe responded. “It’s not a beast that’s easily tamed, so color me unsurprised. I don’t lie to myself and think that everybody acts the same way. People have their own interpretations of things. So color me unphased. The guy’s my friend. He’s been my friend for years, and I have a lot of respect for him. But I understand the nature of the beast. I know what to expect.”
Although they haven’t wrestled each other since 2005, Joe certainly knows Punk well considering Punk has not been able to beat Joe throughout their six singles matches. All these years later, Joe is excited to see what they bring to the squared circle.
“When you look at the breadth of our careers, there was a large span of time when we didn’t touch,” Joe said. “Now we’re back together, doing what we do best. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s picked up, I’m down to show him what I’ve picked up, and we’ll see how it all hashes out in the ring.”
Regarding who truly is the best in the world, Joe stated, “I’m out there to pick a fight, get into one, and rock that building to its foundation,” says Joe. “The mantra and mission haven’t changed. This is a chance to show who really is the best in the world.”
WrestleZone will have full coverage of AEW Collision as it airs on June 17.
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