4 stars who could be added to The Opps amid Samoa Joe’s AEW hiatus

Samoa Joe’s future in AEW seems to be in jeopardy following the report of his injury. A few weeks ago, an update emerged online that suggested that The Samoan Submission machine had suffered an injury while training. The AEW commentary team made it clear that Joe’s injury is short-term and he is expected to be back soon. However, there is no timeline for the comeback yet.

The former AEW World Trios Champion’s injury has not been revealed yet. Therefore, there could be chances that his absence might leave AEW with alterations to some of the plans in the company. Joe was the leader of The Opps, and his absence could heavily impact their booking. While he has appointed HOOK as the boss of his group, Tony Khan soon might have to choose some replacements for Joe in his faction.

In this article, let’s talk about 4 stars who can join The Opps in AEW:

#4. Lio Rush & #3. Action Andretti

Lio Rush and Action Andretti have been working as a tag team in All Elite Wrestling for a while. They have proven to be good heels in the company, and Tony Khan has been giving them decent exposure on the AEW shows. The Opps currently need a breath of fresh air following the departure of Powerhouse Hobbs and the injury of Samoa Joe.

Therefore, CRU can be a good match to faction due to their recent rise to prominence. Furthermore, over the years, The Opps has risen as a dominant faction famous for its powerhouse wrestling style. Rush and Andretti’s high-flying abilities could be a major missing piece to the puzzle of the faction. Besides, in addition to a decorated faction could be a game-changing move for CRU in AEW.

#2. Ortiz

Ortiz has been an entertaining aspect of All Elite Wrestling over the past few years. Fans have been longing to see him in a major storyline in the Jacksonville-based promotion. The 34-year-old star has been active in the independent scene of wrestling for a while and is in good shape. Therefore, Tony Khan can easily use him as Samoa Joe’s replacement in the company.

Ortiz shares the brawling and raw wrestling style of The Opps in the ring. It makes him a great addition to the faction. Not only that, but the presence of a veteran like Ortiz adds significant depth to the faction. Besides, putting him with The Opps would give Tony Khan a golden opportunity to turn the 34-year-old star heel, which would be fresh and new for the AEW fans.

#1. Eddie Kingston could be Samoa Joe’s replacement

Eddie Kingston has a long history with Samoa Joe in All Elite Wrestling. The two stars were involved in a heated feud in late 2025. But Tony Khan can easily flip the script if he puts Kingston in Samoa Joe’s position amid his absence. It would be a shocking twist to AEW programming, something that would generate a lot of buzz.

The Mad King has a connection to HOOK, who is also the current boss of the faction. The young star knows the credibility of the former Continental Champion. Therefore, he could very well convince Kingston to put their bad blood aside to join the faction. Such an angle would prompt Eddie’s heel turn in AEW, which would be pretty interesting to see for the fans.

Additionally, fans have felt that Eddie Kingston needs a solid booking in AEW. Therefore, such a massive swerve could be a fuel to his momentum in the company, opening doors for fresh stories and matches.