text: Inoki Dojo (2004) In 2004, Joe appeared with Inoki Dojo, an American offshoot of New Japan Pro-Wrestling based in Santa Monica, California. He made his first appearance in April 2004, teaming with Bobby Quance in a loss to Aaron Aguilera and American Dragon, then later that month wrestled Aguilera to a time limit draw. Joe made a handful of appearances with Inoki Dojo in June and July 2004, including successfully defending the ROH World Championship against Shinya Makabe. Joe made his final appearance with Inoki Dojo in December 2004, teaming with Chad Malenko in a loss to Katsushi Takemura and Osamu Nishimura.
  Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2005–2015)
  Undefeated streak; feud with Kurt Angle (2005–2007)
  After being courted by both  Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Joe signed a contract with TNA in June 2005. He debuted later that month at Slammiversary, defeating Sonjay Dutt. Joe subsequently entered the 2005 TNA Super X Cup Tournament, defeating Sonjay Dutt and Alex Shelley before defeating AJ Styles in the tournament finals at Sacrifice in August 2005 following interference from Christopher Daniels. As a result of Daniels' interference, TNA Director of Authority Larry Zbyszko booked a three-way match for Daniels' X Division Championship at Unbreakable in September 2005. The match was won by Styles, though Joe's undefeated streak remained intact as it was Daniels who was pinned. The match received an elusive "five star" rating from journalist Dave Meltzer. At Bound for Glory in October 2005, Joe defeated New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Jushin Liger; prior to the match, Joe danced to the ring with his family's dance troupe.