Why Samoa Joe Needs To Squash Hook In AEW
Highlights
- Samoa Joe's victory over MJF to become AEW World Champion may have been less decisive due to MJF's existing injury.
- A squash match loss to Samoa Joe could prompt a character change for Hook and reignite fan interest in him.
- A redemption arc for Hook, where he gains wins and eventually challenges Joe again, would add intrigue and depth to his character.
After spending much of his time in AEW as a midcard act, Hook has finally stepped out into the spotlight and put himself in AEW World Championship contention. Following detailing his unmatched win percentage in AEW, he set his sights recently on a bigger prize than just the FTW Championship (which he currently holds) and targeted Samoa Joe. On AEW Dynamite: Homecoming, Hook emerged fearless to face off with Joe, and it was announced that a championship match would take place the following week. There are several arguments as to how this match should play out, but one that could actually benefit everyone (and provide a shock) would be if Joe squashes Hook.
Samoa Joe Needs To Continue Looking Strong As AEW World Champion
Beating An Already Injured MJF Raises Some Question Marks For Samoa Joe
- Samoa Joe defeated MJF to become AEW World Champion in a shock title change
- MJF wrestled Samoa Joe while injured
Samoa Joe won the AEW World Title at Worlds End against MJF, and he did look strong in the process. There could be an argument though that the win wasn’t perhaps as decisive as it could’ve been given how much emphasis was put on the fact that MJF was heavily injured going into the bout. Joe simply put a dying champion to rest rather than doing the whole job himself. Joe is still seen as a dominant force, and there is no better way to further establish him as the man to beat than to give him an impactful victory.
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Tony Khan made the right call when he signed these wrestlers to AEW!Hook has not been easy to beat in AEW, losing just one singles match to a cheating Jack Perry, though it must be said that Hook’s level of opponents hasn’t included main eventers, with him mostly beating those at a midcard level. Either way, Hook is also an individual who has looked dominant, and he even made a habit of squashing his opponents early on in his AEW run. It would prove to be a huge benefit to Joe if he squashes Hook - it would be a complete surprise to fans and one which establishes Joe’s reign for sure.
Hook Needs A Change To Ensure He Succeeds In AEW
Hook Has Been Struggling For Momentum In Recent Months
- After a strong start in AEW, Hook has been directionless
- A squash match loss to Samoa Joe could prompt an alteration in Hook’s character
Despite still getting fairly decent reactions, Hook is not as over as he once was. The aura surrounding his matches has depleted, and he is starting to feel just like another guy on the roster. He hasn’t had a distinct character direction or storyline for a while now, not since AEW All In against Jack Perry, but a squash loss to Samoa Joe could be exactly what he needs. Hook is still young, and if he is presented as someone who is not scared but was simply not ready, it would allow fans to show some sympathy for Hook and perhaps get behind him once again.
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AEW's in-ring work was top tier in 2023 and many wrestlers stood out as not only great performers, but as strong winners as well.Adversity is a big thing which can help babyfaces get over, and if Hook suffers a big, embarrassing defeat, then a redemption arc could be perfect. Hook needs some more personality, and this would add depth to him. Whether it be a case of him showing some vulnerability, a lack of confidence, or even a renewed focus and taking things more seriously and adding more physicality into his work, it would help to bring out his character and expand his overall package as a performer.
AEW Would Need To Handle A Hook Squash Loss Carefully
Tony Khan Has To Ensure That A Lot Of Focus Is Given To Hook
AEW Win/Loss Record | |
|---|---|
Samoa Joe | 30-8 |
Hook | 43-3 |
An easy option would be for Hook to put in a strong performance against Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship and get a quick and easy rub that way. However, this has happened to many young wrestlers in AEW, and in the long run, the young stars sometimes don’t get a lot of benefit from that. Going another route would be fresh, and if given time and focus, it could open a whole new door for Hook in AEW. Tony Khan needs to make sure that he keeps Hook in the spotlight, whether that be video packages, matches, or something more, to then build him back up to the point of challenging for the AEW World Title again.
MJF Was The Best AEW World Champion In History
MJF's transition from a heel to a babyface might not have always worked, but as the face of AEW, he was the best world champion they ever had.If Hook does go on a redemption arc to the point where he has gained enough wins to go toe-to-toe with Joe, a rematch would then be far less predictable. Right now, fans know Hook has no chance, but if he comes back a few months down the line after this sort of defeat, now incensed about redeeming himself, fans might buy into him potentially winning. Even if Joe wins, putting in that respect-earning performance on the second time of asking is an easy way to show progression and a growth in character, and fans would easily be able to buy into that sort of narrative. It is the harder, more time-consuming route, but it is more beneficial and it is different. Hook needs some intrigue, depth, and hurdles in his AEW career path, and this would be the ideal way to start making him into a star.
