WWE Rumors: Backstage reaction to Samoa Joe's commentary, big update on his in-ring future

While it's not uncommon to see active wrestlers in the commentary booth, it was surprising to see WWE replace Dio Maddin with Samoa Joe as a commentator on the most recent episode of RAW.

Dave Meltzer revealed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE officials were very pleased with Joe's work on RAW. However, the new role could be a temporary one for Joe as he is expected to return to in-ring action after his broken thumb fully heals up.

Meltzer stated:

"A bright spot on the show was the work of Samoa Joe in the Dio Maddin spot as an announcer. He was fresh, quick, and got everything over with a no-nonsense delivery. Joe was so good in the role that you have to at least consider making it permanent.

"Joe is a regular wrestler and will be back in action when his broken thumb heals. We were told that everyone recognized how good Joe is."

Samoa Joe last wrestled on an episode of RAW in September in the King of the Ring semi-finals match. The former NXT Champion suffered a broken thumb and was subsequently taken off TV.

While Joe has made appearances on WWE Backstage and most recently to join the commentary team on RAW, the former United States Champion will be back in the ring soon.

He replaced Dio Maddin, who is currently absent from WE programming and is selling the beatdown he suffered at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Maddin is still the first-choice commentator on RAW and Joe's role will be interim in nature.

Joe, however, was exceptionally good in his first week and that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. The Samoan Submission Machine has always been considered to be one of the best promo workers in the company and having him fill in for Maddin is one of the better decisions WWE has made in the past few months.

Enjoy Joe's brilliance as a commentator while it lasts.