Say his name… and then say goodbye just as fast.
Joe Hendry, the reigning TNA World Champion, made his official WWE main roster debut in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble, entering at #15 to the sound of thousands of fans chanting his theme song. Unfortunately, the music lasted about as long as his time in the match.
The Hendry Rumble Experience:
✔️ Eliminated The Miz, which should earn him a standing ovation on its own.
✔️ Then Roman Reigns happened. The #16 entrant immediately tossed Hendry over the top rope, cutting his moment short (but at least he can add “Got Eliminated by Roman” to his résumé).
✔️ Still made history as the first reigning TNA World Champion to appear in a WWE Rumble match.
Hendry’s appearance is part of WWE’s new multi-year partnership with TNA, following in the footsteps of Jordynne Grace (2024) and Mickie James (2022). Michael Cole even acknowledged Hendry’s TNA title win over Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler)—something WWE wouldn’t have dared mention a few years ago.
So, what’s next for Hendry? More WWE crossovers? A possible full-time jump? Or will he just write a very catchy song about how Roman Reigns ruined his night? Time will tell.