In one of the most unexpected cross-promotional cameos since Billy Gunn’s triceps showed up on Dynamite, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry appeared at WrestleMania 41—complete with belt, theme music, and an RKO with his name on it.
When Kevin Owens was pulled from the event due to a neck injury, Randy Orton was left opponent-less. And what does WWE do when it needs a last-minute opponent with charisma, cardio, and zero fear of being pinned on live TV? They say his name—and boom, Joe Hendry materializes.
According to Fightful Select, WWE wasted zero time in dialing Hendry’s number once Owens was scratched. The decision was so secretive that:
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📝 Hendry’s name never hit a runsheet
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🧑💼 TNA officials didn’t know until Saturday
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🤐 The entire wrestling internet was caught napping
Despite being under TNA contract, Hendry walked into Mania looking like a million bucks and walked out… slightly shorter after eating an RKO so clean it may have voided his warranty. Yet, no hard feelings from TNA brass. Sources say they had no issue with their world champ being used as a WrestleMania speed bump—because exposure and vibes are priceless.
Fun fact: this wasn’t Hendry’s first shot at WWE glory. Earlier this year, he was slotted to work a program with The Miz during WWE’s Glasgow visit. But TNA reportedly nixed that faster than you can say Skull-Crushing Jobber. That decision allegedly led to the release of Ariel Shnerer, the TNA exec who hit the “no” button.
And it’s not like Hendry is a stranger in WWE land. Thanks to the TNA–WWE working agreement, he’s:
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Challenged for the NXT Championship at No Mercy
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Popped up on WWE NXT like he’s testing the catering
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Been spotted exchanging banter with stars like Wes Lee and Tatum Paxley, who’ve appeared on TNA programming in return
As of now, Hendry’s still flying the TNA flag, but his contract is set to expire within 12 months—and WWE is reportedly keeping the “Please sign Joe” graphic on standby.
So to recap:
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Hendry shows up.
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Gets RKO’d.
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Stole the spotlight.
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May have secured a future contract… and possibly The Miz’s eternal jealousy.