WWE superstar Samoa Joe hails UK fans ahead of Birmingham show

The much-travelled wrestler will be part of the line-up that takes to the ring for a night of grappling at Arena Birmingham on Tuesday, November 7.

For Joe, it's been a long journey to the top of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) - the biggest and most famous wrestling company in the world - after several years gaining a loyal fanbase through the likes of Ring of Honor and Total Non-stop Action (TNA).

"I've been coming to the UK for the better part of 15 years," said the 38-year-old, real name Nuufolau Joel Seanoa. "When you talk about the UK scene, you talk about a fanbase that is very supportive - you would be hard pressed to find a fanbase as passionate.

"From Birmingham, London, Manchester, up to Scotland, you have these pockets of fans who vehemently support the wrestlers they love and it's always fun."

The West Midlands is enjoying a wrestling boom, with Wolverhampton-based Fight Club Pro one of the top promotions in the United Kingdom.

Three of their top stars - Netherton's Tyler Bate, Wolverhampton's Trent Seven and Chelmsley Wood's Pete Dunne - starred in the WWE's UK tournament last year and have all gone on to appear on their weekly television show NXT.

And Joe has been impressed with what the British talent have displayed so far.

"They have delivered in spades and taken their opportunity to the fullest," said Joe. "Look at the matches they are producing and see how the US fans are responding."

And Joe knows what it takes to climb through the ranks, delivering great matches and garnering great reactions, before finally getting to WWE.

But he wouldn't change it for the world - and is now enjoying his time under the biggest spotlight in wrestling.

"When you talk about great journeys in pro wrestling, I have loved my journey," he said. "I have been fortunate to spend time in several different places around the world.

"These are friendships and experiences I never would have had otherwise.

"This (WWE) is very much a climax (to that). I'm greatly enjoying my time and looking forward to taking opportunities that come my way."

After his journey through the independent scene finally reached WWE, Joe immediately made his mark on the company's 'development' brand NXT.

There he was crowned a two-time champion, facing off against the likes of Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura - two other independent darlings who have shone in WWE.

Joe was called up to the main roster earlier in 2017 and went on to headline Summerslam - WWE's second biggest show of the year - alongside megastars Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, as well as the fast-rising Braun Strowman.

A knee injury may have momentarily halted his progress, but Joe can't wait to get back fitter than ever before.

"I've been at 80 per cent capacity for past two years," he said. "It was time to get it done and it's feeling better than it has done in a long time.

"For the relatively small amount of time I have been on the main roster I've been able to make my mark."

So what can we expect when WWE Live returns to Birmingham?

"Whenever we go to the UK, the fan culture is one of the strongest aspects and they always have a blast," said Joe. "It's going to be a fantastic evening and when the fans are having fun, the performers do too."

For more information on the event, or for tickets, click here