10 Things you didn't know about Samoa Joe
The world of pro wrestling has often been dominated by white men with chiselled bodybuilder-esque physiques. From Superstar Billy Graham to Hulk Hogan to Stone Cold Steve Austin, these men have left their mark on pro wrestling.
But then you have a man like Samoa Joe. What a puzzle! He doesn't have a body builder's physique--though his athleticism is never in question. Neither is he white, or from the famous Anoa'i wrestling family which includes Nia Jax and The Rock.
Samoa Joe is definitely a unique competitor, one of the most recognizable and respected athletes to ever lace up a pair of boots. Capable of mat wrestling, power moves, and even sailing through the air with a grace that belies his bulk, he continues to captivate audiences around the world.
At one time, many thought he would never sign with WWE, for the reasons mentioned above. Joe simply didn't fit the mould of a WWE superstar -- or so people thought.
Now, however, he's a multi-time champion in WWE and seems to be gearing up for a feud with WWE champion Kofi Kingston. Given all of the attention on Joe, you might think you know everything about him.
But that might not be the case. Here are ten things you never knew about Samoa Joe.
#1 He appeared at the 1984 Olympics -- but not as a competitor
Way back in 1984, the summer Olympics were happening in Los Angeles, California. As part of the opening ceremonies, a Polynesian dance troupe called Tiare Productions was invited to perform a traditional Samoan dance.
One of the members of the troupe was none other than Samoa Joe! At the tender age of five years old, he performed with his parents as part of Tiare Productions. This would have been Joe's first time in front of a camera, more than a decade before his first match in 1999.
From time to time in Impact wrestling, Joe would perform an abbreviated version of a Samoan Dance on his way to the ring. Now you know that he wasn't just doing this for the show, but he is a trained dancer.