WWE in yet MORE cuts as Samoa Joe is axed by Vince McMahon for second time in space of year as cost-cutting continues
WRESTLING legend Samoa Joe has been released by WWE for the second time in a matter of months.
The 42-year-old has endured a rollercoaster year after he was initially a victim of Vince McMahon’s staff cuts back in April 2021.
His absence did not last long after Triple H pushed for his return to the company, which was completed in June.
Joe then went on to become the first-ever three-time NXT champion by defeating Karrion Kross at Takeover 36 in August.
Yet just weeks later the veteran was forced to relinquish the title due to injury.
The Samoan Submission Machine had been working in NXT as a talent scout while on the sidelines.
But the Black and Gold brand underwent huge restructure during that period as chief Triple H recovered from heart surgery as it was repackaged as NXT 2.0 and a host of young stars stepped up into action.
Now Joe’s time with WWE looks to be over again after he was named as part of the latest redundancies made by McMahon.
The former TNA star joined the likes of NXT General Manager William Regal and producer Road Dogg Jesse James in the long-list of casualties as well as a host of backstage staff.
Shortly after news of his release was confirmed, Joe took to Twitter to address the situation as he shared his gratitude for being allowed to work with some amazing young talent.
He wrote: “Extremely fortunate and grateful to all the young & amazing talent I had the pleasure of working with in the past months.
“Only saddened at the loss of an ‘excuse’ to see their continued growth & achievement . I am very excited for there future….. and mine.”