Robert Stone Says Samoa Joe Helped Him Join WWE After Leaving TNA
Samoa Joe had a hand in bringing Robert Stone to WWE after he left TNA Wrestling.
On September 29, 2017, the then-Robbie E announced on Twitter that he had parted ways with Impact Wrestling, leading to his return to the independent scene. Fast-forward to March 11, 2019, and reports emerged that the newly named Robert Stone had joined WWE, where he has since primarily featured as both a manager and onscreen authority figure.
Appearing on Busted Open, Robert Stone revealed that fellow former TNA star Samoa Joe reached out to gauge his interest in joining NXT shortly before he landed a WWE tryout.
“TNA Wrestling was over. It was done. It was just at the end and I wasn’t doing as much as I felt I should have. My contract was coming to an end. I’m 34 years old at the time. And I was like, I got to give WWE a shot. There’s no doubt about it.
-Robert Stone
There’s no lies. The back of my mind, it’s where I always wanted to be. I let my contract run out. I think I announced on Twitter saying I’m no longer with TNA Wrestling. Immediately, and I mean within minutes, I get a text from Samoa Joe, our good friend from TNA Wrestling, who saw the news. Said do I have interest in coming to WWE NXT. I told him absolutely. I guess he put some feelers out maybe to William Regal, who at the time was helping get talent tryouts. Some time went on. Give or take three to four months later, they invited me to a tryout.”
Since arriving in NXT, Robert Stone has featured as a manager for several stars, including Chelsea Green, Von Wagner, and Aliyah, among others.
Following the departure of NXT General Manager Ava, Robert Stone was appointed NXT’s Interim General Manager on February 3, 2026, bringing an end to his brief stint as a member of the WWE Evolve commentary team.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on future plans for Robert Stone as soon as we hear more.
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