In the world of professional wrestling, few rivalries have been as intense and captivating as that between Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar. Their encounters both in and out of the ring have been monumental, and one of the standout elements of their feud has been their promo work. In a recent interview, Samoa Joe reflected on his time working with Brock Lesnar and the unique dynamic that made their promos some of the most compelling moments in WWE history.

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The Allure of Brock Lesnar

Brock Lesnar is known for his intimidating presence and the ability to turn any promo into a must-watch event with just a few words. But what makes Lesnar stand out even more is his lack of verbal communication compared to other top stars. Often letting his actions speak louder than his words, Lesnar’s minimalist approach to promos has made his rare moments of speech all the more impactful.

For Samoa Joe, the opportunity to share the ring and the microphone with Lesnar was both a challenge and an exciting opportunity. Known for his powerful mic skills and cutting promos that strike fear into opponents and audiences alike, Joe’s approach to promos stands in stark contrast to Lesnar’s stoic and often silent demeanor. This dynamic created an intriguing back-and-forth that captured fans’ attention and left lasting impressions.

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Samoa Joe’s View on the Promo Chemistry

When asked about his promos with Lesnar, Samoa Joe explained that there was an inherent balance between their styles that made for compelling television. “Working with someone like Brock Lesnar, who doesn’t say much, it gives me more room to fill in the gaps,” Joe stated. “It’s not about competing with him on the mic, it’s about bringing out the best in both of us.”

Joe’s promo style is a blend of intensity, realism, and unpredictability, often bringing a sense of rawness to his words. In contrast, Lesnar’s promos are few and far between but carry a weight that only someone of his stature can deliver. The contrast between Joe’s fiery, aggressive speaking style and Lesnar’s occasional few words made their feud incredibly personal and dramatic. Joe’s ability to hype up the tension while Lesnar delivered his heavy punches with a few lines created a balance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

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Joe’s Approach to Challenging Lesnar

Samoa Joe didn’t shy away from addressing Brock Lesnar in their promo exchanges. In fact, he made it his mission to challenge Lesnar not only physically but mentally. “Brock has always been the guy who everyone fears, but I’ve always known that fear doesn’t mean respect,” Joe said. “My promos were a way of making that clear. I didn’t care who Brock was. I was going to stand in front of him and tell him exactly what I was going to do. That’s what made the promos so personal.”

Joe’s bravado and no-nonsense attitude were a perfect foil to Lesnar’s composed and brutal persona. Joe wasn’t afraid to taunt Lesnar, often calling him out for being a part-time performer while asserting his own commitment and desire to dominate the full-time wrestling world. This dynamic created an intriguing contrast that was reflected in their promos, where Joe would trash-talk Lesnar, claiming that despite his terrifying reputation, he could be just as dangerous and even more effective when it came to mental warfare.

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The Impact of Their Promo Battles

One of the standout moments in the feud was their build-up to the Great Balls of Fire 2017 match. Samoa Joe’s promos during this time were among his finest. The intensity with which he spoke about Lesnar’s championship reign, combined with his direct and personal approach, made their feud feel real. Joe’s ability to bring a personal edge to the feud while also portraying himself as a legitimate threat to Lesnar’s dominance created an anticipation that only built up as the match approached.

Lesnar, on the other hand, didn’t have to say much. His menacing silence and physical presence were enough to sell the rivalry. When he did speak, it was impactful and calculated, often emphasizing that he was the top guy and anyone challenging him was going to pay the price. The silence was as deafening as the verbal war Joe waged on him, which made each promo exchange feel like a battle of wills.

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The Legacy of Their Promo Work

Looking back on their promos together, Samoa Joe acknowledges the legacy that their rivalry helped create. “It wasn’t just about the matches for me. It was about telling a story. Our promos were integral in creating that story and making people believe in the rivalry,” Joe said. “Brock has his own aura about him. He doesn’t need to say much, but when he does, it means something. I just wanted to make sure that when I spoke, it meant something too.”

Their promos helped elevate their match at Great Balls of Fire into one of the most anticipated bouts of that year. Joe’s verbal warfare set the stage for an all-out brawl that lived up to the hype. Lesnar’s intensity combined with Joe’s sharp tongue created a perfect storm of build-up, culminating in an unforgettable encounter.

 

Conclusion: A Rivalry That Thrived on Words and Silence

Samoa Joe’s reflections on his promos with Brock Lesnar reveal just how essential their contrasting styles were in creating a memorable feud. Joe’s verbal intensity and Lesnar’s quiet yet menacing presence created a unique dynamic that captivated audiences. Their promos weren’t just about who could talk the loudest—they were about who could control the narrative and assert dominance, whether with words or sheer presence.

In the world of professional wrestling, it’s not always about what’s said, but how it’s said. With Joe and Lesnar, their promos showcased the power of contrast, of two wrestlers from different worlds coming together to create one of the most compelling rivalries in recent memory. While their match in 2017 may have been just a chapter in their storied careers, the promos they shared will continue to be remembered as a defining moment in their saga.