Do you believe in Joe Hendry?
You may have noticed that the former TNA World Champion has been more prominent on NXT television in recent weeks. However, for you eagle eyed TNA viewers out there, Hendry has been spinning his wheels in the promotion since he dropped the belt to Trick Williams at Battleground.
Sure, Hendry competed in the main event of Slammiversary, but following that match, he’s been doing nothing more than having baseless matches that lack any true substance.
Apparently there’s a reason for that.
According to Jon Alba, while Hendry is still signed to TNA Wrestling, the former TNA World Champion is expected to sign with WWE. TNA officials are slowly phasing out the 37-year-old from their programming.
“While many fans have speculated Joe Hendry is officially under WWE contract, that is not the case. However, sources indicate he is being phased off of TNA TV, as he’s expected to be WWE-bound full-time by the beginning of 2026.”
It’s not clear when Hendry’s contract officially ends with TNA, though the statement does read that he’ll be a full time WWE employee sometime in January. This news is no surprise to anyone who has paid attention to NXT and WWE programming.
Joe Hendry became the first man holding the TNA World Championship to enter the Royal Rumble. The TNA star also became the first TNA World Champion to compete at WrestleMania! It’s been quite clear for some time that WWE has taken a liking to Mr. Hendry and it seems that the company is starting to give him more meat when it comes to his matches on Tuesday.
Joe Hendry has been in the business for nearly two decades, but his popularity would rise back in 2022 and it only grew as the months progressed. Hendry finally found a gimmick that the fans latched onto and he’s been riding this huge wave of momentum ever since.
Hendry is clearly down with signing with WWE and he stated about hoping to be part of WrestleMania for years to come in his Chris Van Vliet interview.
“He did say that to me backstage. Exactly what he said at the press conference is exactly what he said to me backstage. This is what I really like about my interactions with Triple H. He’s an awesome guy, and for him to take that moment to come over—he’s producing WrestleMania—because that moment is for me, for him to give me the moment like, ‘Hey listen, you’ll be here again but this is the fun part.’ For him to say that, in a way, him telling me that takes all the nerves away.
I really hope that there are WrestleMania moments. Who knows what’s gonna happen next. I’m in my contract year right now, and it’s a very exciting time, and I’m doing my best to give the audience everything I can give.”