Wrestling Star Samoa Joe Testifies of Faith in Christ—and His Passion for Tithing
A man who is best known for his menacing presence in the ring and powerful body slams testified to his faith in Christ at his home church Sunday, while encouraging those in attendance to practice the biblical principle of tithing.
Joe Seanoa, better known to pro wrestling fans as “Samoa Joe,” gave his testimony at Grace Family Church in Florida alongside founding pastor Craig Altman, who asked the wrestling star about his life in the ring as well as his faith and walk with Christ.
Samoa Joe has been at the church for 18 years. He, his wife and his children are members.
He’s had a three-decade-plus wrestling career working at WWE, TNA and AEW — contributing both in the ring as a wrestler and behind the microphone as a commentator.
“I've worked everywhere around the world thanks to the blessing of the Lord,” he said.
He joked about his childhood, saying that “growing up in a Samoan household, God is very present” in every area of life.
“The Lord has always been there and has always been an important part of my journey, and has always been something that I've leaned on heavily in the worst of times and definitely celebrated with in the best of times.”
Altman, who is good friends with Samoa Joe, at one point quipped that he “didn't know you could be a Christian” and “be a professional wrestler at the same time — like in the name of Jesus.”
Soon, though, Samoa Joe transitioned to the topic of the day — tithing. Altman said it was Samoa Joe’s idea to discuss the subject.
The pro wrestler made clear he was not promoting the prosperity gospel and added that his family had been harmed by that teaching years ago.
Tithing, he said, is based on the understanding that everything ultimately belongs to God.
“We own truly nothing,” he said. “... God provides to us every day. And the minute that I stopped thinking about money as something that I owned, and rather something that I was a steward of, my relationship with money changed, and how I felt about it, and how it affected me."
“It didn't stress me out anymore because this wasn’t something I was owning. It was something that I was a steward of. … I give my first 10 percent and then go from there.
“... This isn't a bill that I owe every month. This is me being faithful to the Lord, who's been overly faithful to me in every situation.”
Nicknamed the “Samoan Submission Machine,” Samoa Joe has captured world championships in ROH, TNA and AEW, while also winning multiple titles in WWE. His signature finishing moves are the Muscle Buster and the Coquina Clutch.
Photo Credit: ©AEW/GraceFamilyChurch
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published October 06, 2026.
