Tony Khan eyes Samoa Joe in backstage coaching role after retirement

All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan said he hopes veteran wrestler Samoa Joe will move into a backstage coaching or mentorship role when he retires from in-ring competition. Joe, 46, recently told company officials that his next AEW contract will likely be his last, and Khan said he would like the Samoan Submission Machine to remain with the promotion to train and guide younger talent.

Khan described Joe as already one of AEW’s top mentors and said he would be "hugely valuable in a backstage role." He pointed to Powerhouse Hobbs as an example of a wrestler who has benefited from Joe’s tutelage, saying Hobbs is learning "life lessons" that will serve him throughout his career. Khan also compared the potential transition to the role Bryan Danielson has played in the company, noting that Danielson remains a significant presence for AEW even when not actively competing. Khan said he is optimistic that Joe will stay with AEW long term.

The remarks come as Joe continues a high-profile run in the promotion. He turned heel after an unsuccessful attempt to win the AEW World Championship from Hangman Adam Page at WrestleDream and later won a number one contender match on Dynamite,...