Former WWE and AEW Champion Joins Cast of New Yakuza Game

Former WWE star and AEW champion Samoa Joe is set to make an appearance in the newly announced Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio recently unveiled this latest spin-off in the Yakuza franchise, focusing on Goro Majima, who finds himself grappling with memory loss on a tropical island near Hawaii. As he embarks on a quest to uncover a sinister plot involving the yakuza and a radioactive waste dump, Goro teams up with a young boy named Noah and even takes on the role of a pirate captain.

The trailer for Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii showcases intense action, highlighting Goro's battles against pirates through a mix of swordplay and martial arts techniques. Although the trailer didn't feature any, fans might expect Goro to unleash wrestling-inspired finishing moves, as previous Yakuza titles have allowed players to execute powerbombs and suplexes reminiscent of the wrestling ring. Notable wrestling figures such as Kenny Omega, The Great Muta, and Hiroshi Tanahashi have previously made appearances in the series, with Yoshiaki Fujiwara recurring as The Florist of Sai.

Now, another wrestling icon is making his debut in the Yakuza universe, one sure to resonate with WWE and AEW fans. Shortly after the trailer's release, users on the r/AEWOfficial subreddit spotted Samoa Joe briefly appearing towards the end. While his exact role remains ambiguous, he seems poised to play the part of a pirate antagonist whom Goro and his allies may encounter for guidance.

Samoa Joe in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Samoa Joe's involvement in the game adds to his extensive history as a playable character in various wrestling titles. He has been featured in the WWE 2K series during his time with the company and was included in the AEW Fight Forever game as part of the Season 4 DLC released in April. Beyond wrestling, Samoa Joe has made a mark as the physical actor for Sweet Tooth in the live-action Twisted Metal series and lent his voice to King Shark in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

As Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii sets sail on February 28, 2025, fans eagerly await the details of Samoa Joe's character. Whether he becomes an ally to Goro or a formidable boss for players to confront, his presence in this beloved action RPG series will undoubtedly delight both wrestling enthusiasts and Yakuza fans alike.