Joe Hendry has been rapidly growing in popularity among wrestling fans. The 37-year-old former TNA champion has been spending more and more time on NXT programming in recent months.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alba, people within both WWE and TNA believe Hendry is being phased into a full-time role within the WWE and that he will be a permanent fixture by 2026.
“Multiple WWE and TNA sources tell The Takedown on SI that Hendry is in the process of being largely phased out of TNA programming and integrated more into WWE TV,” Alba wrote. “The internal expectation across people in both companies is that he will be WWE-bound on a full-time basis by the beginning of 2026.”
Alba also noted that of Hendry’s last eight in-ring matches, only one has come under the TNA banner.
WWE Featured Joe Hendry at the Royal Rumble
On Saturday, February 1, Joe Hendry was a surprise entrant in the WWE Royal Rumble. He was the 15th entrant on the night. As soon as his music hit, the crowd popped, proving his popularity with the fanbase.
Hendry spoke to Sportskeeda’s “WrestleBinge” after the event. He admitted that WWE only informed him of his participation the week before the Rumble.
“The crazy thing is I hinted at it a few times, but I didn’t know about the Rumble until the week of,” Hendry said. “It’s been an awesome experience. I continue to say outrageous things, so we’ll see whether they happen or not.”
When WWE officially brings Hendry onto their roster, they will likely feature him in events such as the Rumble. WWE continues to push stars based on popularity and merchandise sales, as it should.
Hendry Joining WWE Is the Fruit of TNA Partnership
Earlier this year, both the WWE and TNA announced a multi-year partnership. Many viewed the deal as a way of combating AEW’s partnerships with New Japan Pro Wrestling, Revolution Pro Wrestling and CMLL.
“WWE part of TKO Group Holdings and TNA Wrestling, one of the world’s top wrestling brands and a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, today announced a multi-year partnership aimed at creating unprecedented crossover opportunities within WWE and TNA programming for NXT Superstars and TNA Wrestling Stars,” WWE’s press release read.
Just like AEW has done with NJPW, WWE appears to be open to poaching TNA’s top talent when their contracts wind down. Hendry was always likely to be the best first in what could become a conveyor belt of talent. Of course, for TNA, they now have access to some of the best up-and-coming talents in the industry — with Trick Williams their current champion.
Hendry was always going to be the first to make the TNA to WWE jump following this partnership. He appears destined for stardom. With NXT just a stepping stone, it will be interesting to see just how far he can take his career. The key question is how much WWE will be willing to push him.
