Report: Samoa Joe Set For WWE NXT Return In On-Screen Authority Role

Samoa Joe is reportedly set for a shock return to NXT and could be set to take over from William Regal as the man in charge of the black-and-gold brand.

Joe was released by WWE in April as part of the company's budgetary cuts, with the Samoan Submission Machine not cleared for a return to in-ring action. He last competed in WWE in February 2020.

The 42-year-old was reportedly seen at the WWE Peformance Center in the last week and Meltzer says Joe has agreed a return to WWE NXT.

With William Regal suggesting at the close of NXT TakeOver: In Your House that it's 'time for a change' on WWE's third brand, Meltzer believes Joe could be set to take an authority role on NXT while also working behind the scenes.

Speaking on Wrestling Oberver Radio, Meltzer said on Regal's comments: "So, I think that’s the cue for Samoa Joe. I don’t know that 100%. I was told today that Samoa Joe was gonna be in a Regal-like role, then all of a sudden Regal’s talking like he’s stepping down, so maybe the Regal-like role is Regal’s role.

"But if he’s leaving, based on what I was told, Samoa Joe was definitely the favourite to be the new Commissioner. But Joe is in, and he’s in as a non-wrestler, so I think that tells you that he’s not cleared.

"He’s taken a job in NXT and he’s doing something there, and he may be the new authority figure on television, or he may not be. But he’s gonna be behind-the-scenes."

H/T WrestleTalk