In a candid and emotional interview, AEW star Samoa Joe has revisited one of the most haunting moments of his storied wrestling career—the 2015 incident that abruptly ended Tyson Kidd’s in-ring journey. Speaking on Insight with Chris Van Vliet on April 3, 2025, Joe described the event as “the largest regret in my career,” shedding light on the lasting impact it has had on him nearly a decade later.
The incident occurred during a dark match before a WWE Superstars taping on June 1, 2015, when Joe delivered his signature Muscle Buster to Kidd (real name TJ Wilson). What seemed like a routine move turned catastrophic as Kidd suffered a severe spinal cord injury, forcing him into retirement. Doctors later revealed that only 5% of people survive such an injury, with Kidd requiring 16 staples, four screws, and a rod in his neck to recover. Miraculously, he avoided paralysis and has since thrived as a respected WWE producer, but his days in the ring were over.
Joe’s reflections come as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in professional wrestling. “To this day, that probably remains the largest regret in my career that that happened,” Joe said, his voice heavy with emotion. When host Chris Van Vliet noted that the accident was beyond his control, Joe countered, “But that doesn’t change things for Tyson. It doesn’t change things for a guy who is probably one of the most passionate people in the world of professional wrestling.”
A Moment of Realization
Joe recalled the match vividly, explaining that nothing felt amiss during the move. “It didn’t feel any different,” he said. “It’s just when I turned around and went for the pin and got back up, the only thing that hinted something was wrong was when Cesaro looked back up at me.” Cesaro (Claudio Castagnoli), Kidd’s tag team partner at the time, displayed a look of concern that Joe instantly recognized. “I know when Cesaro is concerned, and then I was like, ‘Oh my God, I hope everything is okay.’”
Backstage, the gravity of the situation became clear as Kidd was rushed to the hospital. Joe admitted, “It just makes me sick to this day that that guy is not out there being the Tyson Kidd that I know he is.” He praised Kidd’s resilience and contributions to WWE, noting, “WWE is fortunate to have him. His ability to put together matches and be a producer and agent are unparalleled.”
The Muscle Buster’s Legacy
The Muscle Buster, once a cornerstone of Joe’s arsenal, became a point of contention after the injury. While he continued using it sparingly in NXT, Joe avoided it on WWE’s main roster out of respect for Kidd. “I didn’t want to replay the car crash in front of somebody,” he explained. “If he’s having a bad day and sees that, I didn’t want to make it worse.”
Despite the freak nature of the accident, Joe’s decision reflects his deep respect for Kidd, whom he called “an amazing human being” with “a great understanding of the bigger picture.” Kidd himself has expressed no animosity toward Joe, revealing in a 2018 tweet that they shared a heartfelt conversation when he returned to WWE as a producer. “I found him my first day back, and we had a very good heart-to-heart,” Kidd wrote, wishing Joe “nothing but the best.”
A Career of Triumphs and Trials
Now a former AEW World Champion, Samoa Joe’s career spans over two decades, marked by championship reigns and iconic matches. Yet, this single moment continues to weigh on him. At ringmattersnow, we recognize the duality of wrestling—its ability to inspire and its capacity for heartbreak. Joe’s openness offers fans a rare glimpse into the human side of the industry, where triumphs in the ring often come with unseen personal costs.
As Joe hinted at his own in-ring career winding down during the interview, his reflections serve as both a tribute to Kidd’s legacy and a sobering reminder of wrestling’s unpredictability. “He’s going to be heralded as one of the greats behind the scenes,” Joe said of Kidd, ensuring his contributions won’t be forgotten.
FAQs:
Q: What happened to Tyson Kidd during his match with Samoa Joe?
A: On June 1, 2015, during a dark match before WWE Superstars, Tyson Kidd suffered a severe spinal cord injury after taking Samoa Joe’s Muscle Buster. The injury ended his wrestling career, requiring extensive surgery, but he recovered to become a WWE producer.
Q: Does Tyson Kidd blame Samoa Joe for his injury?
A: No, Tyson Kidd has publicly stated he holds “zero animosity” toward Samoa Joe. The two reconciled backstage when Kidd returned to WWE, and Kidd has emphasized it was a freak accident, not Joe’s fault.
Q: Why did Samoa Joe stop using the Muscle Buster?
A: Joe largely retired the move on WWE’s main roster out of respect for Kidd, avoiding it to prevent reopening emotional wounds. He used it sparingly in NXT but distanced himself from it after the incident.
Q: How has Tyson Kidd contributed to WWE since retiring?
A: Since his 2015 injury, Kidd has become a highly regarded producer in WWE, particularly praised for crafting women’s division matches and finishes, showcasing his deep wrestling knowledge.
Q: Is Samoa Joe still wrestling in 2025?
A: Yes, as of April 2025, Samoa Joe remains active in AEW. However, he hinted in the Insight interview that his in-ring career may be nearing its end, sparking speculation about his future.
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