Samoa Joe made his first televised match since May count at AEW Grand Slam France, defeating “Jungle” Jack Perry to secure a place in Clockwork Carnage at WrestleDream.

The former AEW World Champion returned to singles competition on October 6 after being challenged by Perry. With a spot in the upcoming world title match at stake, both men had plenty to fight for.

Perry wasted no time taking the fight to Joe, launching into an aggressive attack as soon as the bell rang. Joe weathered the early strikes and responded with his trademark power, controlling much of the contest.

Perry still found opportunities to threaten the returning star. A big clothesline briefly swung momentum his way, although an attempted piledriver ended with Joe sending him over with a back body drop. Perry also managed to apply the Snare Trap as he searched for a way to pull off the victory.

Joe nearly settled matters outside the ring, leaving Perry facing a count-out. Perry narrowly kept himself in the match by returning at the referee’s count of nine.

Another close call followed when Perry countered Joe’s rear-naked choke into a pinning attempt. However, Joe eventually shut down his opponent’s challenge with the Muscle Buster to claim the win.

The result makes Joe the first challenger to qualify for Clockwork Carnage, joining the AEW World Champion in the match for the company’s top title at WrestleDream.

After being out of action since late May, Joe now has an immediate route back into the world championship picture. Perry gave him a competitive return, but the Samoan Submission Machine left France with the victory and a major opportunity ahead.

Would you like to see Samoa Joe win the AEW World Championship again? Share your thoughts in the comments.

.@SamoaJoe shuts down “Jungle” Jack Perry to qualify for Clockwork Carnage at #AEWWrestleDream!

Watch #AEWGrandSlam France on TBS + HBO Max! pic.twitter.com/MQD2AC893S

, All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 7, 2026