AEW: Samoa Joe Says He’ll Be Back in Action ‘Definitely Sooner Than Later’, Dustin Rhodes Double Knee Replacement Surgery Update, Red Leather Belts Parts Ways With AEW After Six Years

Aug 12, 2025

Samoa Joe Says He’ll Be Back in Action ‘Definitely Sooner Than Later’

As noted before, Samoa Joe has been absent from AEW since this past July’s All In Texas event due to a storyline injury attack by the Death Riders. Joe’s abscense is due to him doing promotional work for the recently released second season of Peacock’s Twisted Metal series.

PWInsider held a recent interview with Joe. One of the topics discussed included Joe providing an update on his upcoming return from “injury” to AEW.

“Definitely sooner than later. We’re clearing our various medical protocols, and as soon as we’re done with that, we’ll be back to business.”

Dustin Rhodes Double Knee Replacement Surgery Update

As noted before, Dustin Rhodes has been out of action for AEW since the July 31st AEW Collision show due to him needing to undergo double knee replacement surgery.

Rhodes provided an update earlier today on Twitter stating that he had underwent pre-operation work on his knees.

“Pre Op work being done on my knees today. Iovera shots in the nerves hurts like a bitch. But now my knees feel no pain at the moment. Can’t wait for August 21st to get here. Tired of this pain. 🙏🏼
Plus the hole in my leg is almost healed thank God.

Pre Op work being done on my knees today. Iovera shots in the nerves hurts like a bitch. But now my knees feel no pain at the moment. Can't wait for August 21st to get here. Tired of this pain. 🙏🏼

Plus the hole in my leg is almost healed thank God. pic.twitter.com/P80Oy9p4LX
— Dustin Rhodes (@dustinrhodes) August 12, 2025