samoa joe is singling out one rivalry above the rest, naming AJ Styles as his favorite opponent during a live fan Q& A at a Monopoly Events panel on March 17, 2026, at 9: 00 AM ET. The AEW star answered questions about past opponents, possible dream matches, and what he might do next once he is cleared to return. The moment drew an immediate crowd reaction, including a direct shout for another match with Styles, as Joe appeared unsure about Styles’ future plans.
What Samoa Joe said at the Monopoly Events panel
Asked by a fan to name his favorite partner or opponent, Joe pointed straight to Styles.
“The easy answer to that is probably AJ Styles, ” Joe said, prompting applause. He added that Styles is “hopefully enjoying retirement, and feeling good and happy, ” calling it “an easy choice. ” Joe also framed Styles as a widely respected name among top performers, saying that when wrestlers talk about the greats they have worked with, Styles’ name “will not be far behind. ”
Fan reaction and immediate follow-ups inside the room
The response inside the venue quickly turned interactive. After Joe named Styles, a fan shouted for another match between the two. Joe replied with a shrug that, in the room, read as genuine uncertainty about whether Styles has any plans to return.
Joe was then pressed on whether he has any dream matches left. He said he does not have personal opponents he is specifically chasing, but noted there are matchups fans want to see—and he would be happy to deliver if the opportunity is there.
Injury aftermath and a possible future matchup
Joe also addressed potential opponents in the context of health and timing, bringing up Will Ospreay as a name he would be willing to face when Ospreay is ready.
“Will Ospreay, as soon as he’s good and healthy, ” Joe said. “I think we’d love to get down and see what it’s all about. ”
Both performers are dealing with the aftermath of injuries suffered in the ring. Joe has been out for several months, with reports indicating he was placed in concussion protocol. While Joe’s exact status was not made clear during the exchange, he hinted he would be back soon. Ospreay has been out since last summer with a neck injury, and AEW has begun building anticipation for his return through video packages.
Quick context on why the Styles rivalry still resonates
Joe’s comments positioned AJ Styles not just as a memorable rival from a past chapter, but as a benchmark opponent whose influence, in Joe’s view, is broadly recognized by fellow performers. The panel exchange also underscored how fan demand can instantly shape the conversation, even when future availability remains uncertain.
What’s next
Attention now turns to two moving pieces: when Joe is cleared to return after time away, and when Ospreay is medically ready to wrestle again. For now, samoa joe has made his personal answer clear—AJ Styles remains his top opponent—while leaving the door open to delivering the matchups fans are asking for as soon as timing and health allow.
