The WWE may have finally found a solution for the commentator's booth on Monday nights. Samoa Joe has filled in alongside Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton for the last two episodes of RAW, to great success. The Samoan Submission Machine has provided a versatile, knowledgeable voice to the booth that had been missing for months.This is Joe's second stint as a commentator on RAW, this time filling in for Jerry Lawler after his recent comments drew backlash from fans. Pro Wrestling Sheet first reported that the 41-year old filmed two episodes after returning to the commentary table. There's been no update on who will be on commentary next Monday, but the superstar's overwhelming success in the position has some fans clamoring for Joe to make the transition permanent.
The desire for Joe to become a commentator wouldn't matter if he didn't enjoy the role. If WWE chooses to keep him out of the ring against his wishes, the relationship could fall apart, similar to when Randy Savage left a commentary role with WWE to be a full-time wrestler with WCW. Fortunately, Joe spoke very highly of the opportunity to be a commentator and was open to the possibility of transitioning after his in-ring career."It was great. It's something that I'm very passionate about in the ring, so it was cool to get that opportunity outside of the ring," Joe said in an interview with Sport Bible in March. "It's always a possibility [to pursue commentary]. I don't think it's far-fetched or a crazy thing to think."Joe, who is recovering from a head injury, was at the desk for the May 4th edition of RAW, and his performance once again drew rave reviews. His calm, articulate commentary meshed well with Phillips and Saxton while adding a wrestler's perspective to the progression of storylines.The best example of this took place during the Last Chance Gauntlet match for Money in the Bank. Early in the match, Bobby Lashley, without Lana at ringside, got himself disqualified for not listening to the official's count. Later in the match, the same thing nearly happened to Angel Garza, but Joe shrewdly mentioned that Zelina Vega's presence was able to calm him and keep him from getting DQ'd. Joe's eye for the little things while making every wrestler's decision seem important has made a world of difference. The larger WWE Universe has taken note of Joe's skillful commentary, and even legends like Mick Foley have praised his work.
Joe's in-ring career with WWE has been marred with injuries and missed opportunities. Since 2017, separate knee, foot and thumb injuries caused him to miss almost a year of action. His recent head injury occurred while filming a commercial in February, costing Joe a spot in RAW's second most high-profile feud.
The decision to remain an active wrestler is entirely up to Joe. However, extended absences and continued success as a commentator presents him with a tough decision. As WWE has a history of not giving big pushes to injury-prone superstars, is it best for Joe to give up his wrestling career to move into a commentary role while the iron is hot? Or should he return to the ring, where he is still one of the most over superstars on the roster?
While there is no guarantee that WWE even wants Joe to take over Lawler's seat at the booth, fans have already warmed to the idea of having him there, which will go a long way as he continues to pave his already successful career outside the ring.