The latest word is that Samoa Joe is expected to be called up to the main RAW roster at Survivor Series (the night after NXT TakeOver: Toronto), or shortly after on an episode of RAW. The rumor is that he will answer Braun Strowman’s challenge in a shock debut. In theory this would mean he’s set to lose the rematch against Shinsuke Nakamura for the NXT title, on November 19.

When Joe debuted in NXT back in 2015 there were conflicting reports about whether he would ever be considered a main roster prospect, but in recent months the rumor of a call-up has been strong. Of course until it actually happens we cannot know for sure.

In a recent interview with ESPN, AJ Styles said he couldn’t wait to get in a WWE ring with both Joe and Nakamura:

“I mean, the chemistry I have with both those guys, and other guys that are coming up through NXT or a part of NXT, it’s kind of one of those things where you can’t rush it,” AJ said. “But all this stuff is gonna eventually happen. We just have to be patient.”

The topic of why Joe was never signed to WWE years earlier was recently covered by former WWE Executive Bruce Prichard on his podcast. “[It] was because they thought he was a fat Samoan. He looked out of shape, he wasn’t the body type that Vince liked and they felt that it wouldn’t work,” he explained. It’s no secret that Vince McMahon has typically preferred the bodybuilder physique.

Pirchard said that the reason why a Samoan like Umaga was given a shot, was because he was part of the famous Anoa’i family.

Fortunately it seems opinions have changed and we could see Joe on the main roster very soon.