text: NXT Champion (2015–2017) In 2015, Samoa Joe was signed to a non-exclusive developmental contract by WWE. On May 20, 2015, during the main event of NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable, he made what was his first appearance with WWE since February 2001, stopping Kevin Owens from attacking an injured Sami Zayn with a chair. While initially Joe's contact enabled him to continue working outside WWE, on June 1, WWE signed him to a full-time contract due to his impressive merchandise sales. Joe made his in-ring debut on the June 10 episode of NXT, defeating Scott Dawson. On June 1, Joe wrestled Tyson Kidd; the match ended when Kidd suffered a legitimate career-ending spinal cord injury when Joe gave him a muscle buster. On the June 17 episode of NXT, a match between Joe and Kevin Owens ended in a no contest, with the two continuing to brawl after the match until they were separated. At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in August 2015, Joe defeated Baron Corbin by technical submission. Joe then entered the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament with NXT Champion Finn Bálor as his partner, defeating the Lucha Dragons in the first round, Enzo and Cass in the quarter-finals, The Mechanics in the semi-finals, and Baron Corbin and Rhyno in the finals at NXT TakeOver: Respect in October 2015.