Samoa Joe Pays Tribute to Pacific Music Icon Following Tragic Passing
AEW star Samoa Joe is known for his intense presence inside the ring, but this week he revealed a more personal side. The former ROH and NXT Champion paid tribute to George “Fiji” Veikoso, a legendary Fijian singer and actor who passed away on July 23. The loss has hit Joe hard, not only as a fan but as someone deeply connected to Pacific Islander heritage and culture.
Veikoso, widely known by his stage name Fiji, was a beloved figure across the Pacific and an influential voice in Island Reggae and urban music. While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, the impact of his passing was felt immediately by fans and fellow artists. Samoa Joe was among those who responded swiftly and sincerely. On Instagram, he posted a brief but powerful message that read, “Rest in Power to the Great and Mighty Fiji. Truly defined a genre and a generation of music.”
Joe’s words resonated far beyond the wrestling world. Fiji’s music was often a celebration of identity, culture, and pride—values that align with the way Joe carries himself both in and out of the ring. The tribute served not only as a personal farewell but also as a moment of cultural recognition from one prominent Samoan figure to another Pacific icon.
While mourning the loss, Samoa Joe also finds himself at a major transition point in his career. At the recent AEW All In event, Joe and his stablemates from “The Opps” successfully defended their AEW World Trios Championship. However, what followed was unexpected. After the match, Joe was attacked by a group later identified as the Death Riders and had to be taken out of the arena on a stretcher.
According to a report by Fightful Select, the post-match attack was not a random storyline moment. It was a planned angle designed to write Joe off television temporarily. The reason behind his absence is related to his growing career in Hollywood. Joe stars in the live-action adaptation of Twisted Metal, which is preparing for the launch of its highly anticipated second season on July 31. The schedule for promotional appearances and media obligations made it necessary for AEW to adjust their on-screen plans for the veteran wrestler.
There is no confirmed timeline for Samoa Joe’s return to AEW programming. Sources suggest he will only be away for a few weeks, though no specific date has been given. Fans are already speculating about his next move when he returns, particularly whether he will seek revenge against the Death Riders or shift his focus toward defending the Trios titles with his team.
In the meantime, Joe’s tribute to Fiji stands as a poignant reminder of the man behind the persona. His respect for the cultural giants who came before him highlights the importance of heritage in shaping the voices of today. For a performer as commanding and confident as Samoa Joe, moments like this show that strength also lies in vulnerability, reflection, and gratitude.