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Samoa Joe is a man deeply admired in AEW, not just by his peers but also by Tony Khan, who has occasionally expressed admiration for the Samoan Submission Machine. Joe's reputation comes from being a solid in-ring performer and an exceptional on-the-mic talent. He also acts as a mentor, leading the Opps faction, which includes rising stars Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata. With Joe seemingly nearing the final years of his career and openly discussing retirement, it can be expected that Tony Khan will ensure he is booked strongly for the time he has left.Samoa Joe challenged Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship at WrestleDream 2025. Although he lost the match, Joe stunned the crowd afterward by turning heel and attacking Page with help from the Opps. Joe explained his actions on the most recent Dynamite, making it clear he intends to go after the title. Now, the former world champion has another shot at the belt as he is set to face Ricochet, Bobby Lashley, and Hook in a 4-way No. 1 Contender's match at the upcoming AEW Dynamite: Fright Night, with the winner challenging for Hangman Page's title at AEW Full Gear 2025.That said, in this article, we will explore three reasons why the Samoan Submission Machine must win on Dynamite: Fright Night.#3. AEW must capitalize on Samoa Joe being a heel.Samoa Joe is among the best in the business, both in the ring and on the mic, and while Joe does a good job as the good guy, the Samoan Submission Machine steps up his game when playing a heel. Not only does Joe's intimidating and physically dominant stature naturally give off a villainous vibe, but his ability to deliver scathing promos as a heel is also exceptional.The Jacksonville-based promotion must ensure they fully utilize this heel version of Joe and mold him into the ideal antagonist to face their righteous AEW World Champion, Hangman Page. The first step to that is having Joe win the 4-way match at Fright Night, followed by the perfect buildup to Full Gear, where Joe must unleash his demonic side.#2. Samoa Joe has existing heat with Hangman PageAmong the four contenders participating in the No. 1 Contenders match at Dynamite: Fright Night, Joe is the most obvious pick to come out as the winner, because he is already embroiled in a tussle with Hangman Page. Following Joe's heel turn, the Anxious Perennial Cowboy vowed to ruin the Samoan Submission Machine.Hangman Page hasn't been able to exact any revenge on Joe since WrestleDream, and the existing tension between Page and the Opps already creates a compelling storyline. Therefore, Tony Khan must ensure Joe wins next week and establish the next chapter in the Page-Joe rivalry.Bobby Lashley, Hook, and Ricochet aren't ready for a World Title shotWhile Samoa Joe has a history with Hangman Page, the same cannot be said for his Fright Night opponents, Bobby Lashley, Hook, and Ricochet. Two of those three have been involved in their own personal rivalry with Lashley's Hurt Syndicate, feuding with Ricochet and his allies, the Gates of Anxiety. Meanwhile, Hook's emergence as a contender is also somewhat surprising, given that his recent return to the promotion is still fresh in fans' minds, who may not see him as qualified enough to challenge for the World Title.As far as singles prowess is concerned, Lashley is by far the most accomplished among the others involved. Still, in an AEW context, the Almighty has yet to achieve anything of significance as a standalone. Meanwhile, Ricochet will give any wrestler a run for their money, but it doesn't seem like the Future of Flight has done enough in recent memory to become worthy of a title shot.💛🍊 Nearly Headless N***a 👻☠️🎃 @gReEnGuY_4LINKHook is in a Four-way to determine the number one contender for the AEW Championship And he’s on #AEWCollision fighting a complete jobber? And we’re supposed to believe he’s ready to fight Bobby Lashley?! Adam Page?! Yeah noAll signs point to Joe winning the No. 1 Contenders match next week, as it is likely. That said, it'll be interesting to see what Tony Khan has planned for his viewers on "Dynamite: Fright Night."
