Samoa Joe Discusses the Recent Losses of Andy Williams and Benjamin Satterley, Tony Khan’s Sensitivity to These Situations

During a recent interview with TVInsider, AEW star and former AEW World Champion Samoa Joe discussed returning to AEW recently and moving forward following the losses of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher, and Benjamin Satterley, aka PAC. Below are some highlights:

Samoa Joe on Returning to AEW Following the Losses of Andy Williams and Benjamin Satterley

“You know, the truth of it is there is no real established protocol beyond how anybody grieves amongst friends and loved ones. I think in times like this we try to be there for each other and available for that late-night call if you need to talk about it or something like that. I think we’re just more sensitive to that around these times. Obviously, the loss of Ben and Andy was felt far and beyond even AEW. Almost every locker room in the world felt it because they made an impact in the many places that they worked. With the show must go on mentality, I think if anything, we’re grateful that we even have the opportunity to have the show go on. I think we’re just more cognizant of that; I think we’re a bit more grateful of that. I think the endeavor that kind of starts with gratitude usually ends up being pretty spectacular in the end.”

On How Tony Khan Is Sensitive to These Situations

“Tony [Khan] is very admirable in that he’s very sensitive to these types of situations and how much we as performers mean to each other, especially over the breadth of our career and the journey that is what we do. However, I think that is across the board. I think it’d be selfish to say it is just AEW. I think we all understand the great loss that we’ve had to endure these past months. I think in these times we band together. We definitely cherish and have a better understanding that our time on this earth is precious. We should tell the people that we care about them, and we love them when we get the opportunity.”

On AEW Being in an Era of New Faces

“It’s definitely an era of new faces. I think you’re seeing a lot of younger guys that maybe weren’t in the spotlight or indefinitely in the main event picture, kind of forcing themselves into the picture, and rightfully so. It’s an exciting time being a part of this company. For me, it’s very special and very fun because you’re getting to see the evolution of so many young, extremely awesome talents kind of coming into their own.”

Samoa Joe returned to the ring last week at AEW Grand Slam France. He beat Jack Perry in a Clockwork Carnage Qualifying bout. He will now compete against AEW World Champion Will Ospreay, Mike Bailey, and five other competitors in a Clockwork Carnage Match for the title at AEW WrestleDream later this weekend.