How a Professional Wrestling Stable Navigated Championship Gold and Constant Roster Turnover
In short: The Opps emerged in 2025 as a formidable force in All Elite Wrestling, defined by high-stakes championship reigns and a revolving door of members. From Samoa Joe’s dominant title runs to the group’s strategic shifts, their history reveals the volatile nature of professional wrestling alliances and the impact of external commitments.
Formally established in February 2025, The Opps grew from a tag team between Samoa Joe and Hook. The trio, completed by Katsuyori Shibata, quickly made their mark by capturing the AEW World Trios Championship in April 2025. This victory was achieved with Powerhouse Hobbs substituting for an injured Hook, leading to Hobbs’ official induction into the stable. The group maintained a high profile throughout 2025, successfully defending their trios titles at events like All In: Texas and Forbidden Door: London, while Samoa Joe navigated his own path to the AEW World Championship.
The stable’s trajectory was frequently interrupted by the professional demands of its members. Samoa Joe’s career was punctuated by hiatuses for filming, including a notable absence after a steel cage match at All In: Texas. These departures often forced the group to adapt, with Hook briefly assuming leadership in early 2026 while Joe recovered from an injury. The roster saw significant changes as well; Hook departed in September 2025, and Powerhouse Hobbs left the promotion in January 2026 upon the expiration of his contract. By April 2026, the group had expanded to include Anthony Bowens, though his status became uncertain following his own contract expiration in October 2026.
The Opps’ legacy is marked by both individual accolades and collective success. Samoa Joe secured his second AEW World Championship at Full Gear in November 2025, though his reign lasted only 35 days. The group’s primary championship run ended in January 2026, when they dropped the trios titles after a 273-day reign. As of late 2026, the group continues to evolve, with Action Andretti joining the ranks after winning the ROH World Television Championship. The stable remains a study in how wrestling factions manage the tension between long-term storytelling and the practical realities of athlete availability and contract cycles.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Opps
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