TNA Wrestling saw a major return on the January 23rd episode of TNA iMPACT! live as former WWE Intercontinental Champion, Matt Cardona, made his highly anticipated comeback to the promotion.
Cardona immediately thrust into the spotlight, being announced as the first challenger for Joe Hendry’s TNA World Championship. In the main event of the evening, Cardona stepped up to face Hendry, who had recently captured the TNA World Title.
Hendry, fresh off his title victory at TNA Genesis where he defeated Nic Nemeth, had previously declared himself ready to defend the championship against anyone, anytime, and from any promotion. True to his word, Hendry accepted Cardona’s challenge without hesitation. Cardona’s return marked his first match in TNA since his loss to PCO in a Monster’s Ball match at Bound For Glory on October 26th, 2024.
Cardona and Hendry squared off for the TNA World Title in the main event of iMPACT!, where Hendry was able to retain his title after a surprise appearance by WWE Hall of Famer JBL, who stopped Cardona from attacking Hendry with the championship belt during the climax of the match. Hendry was then able to hit his finishing move, The Standing Ovation, to secure the pinfall victory.
The Standing Ovation seals the match and retains the TNA World Championship for @joehendry!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/EkIqqcuYSKpic.twitter.com/X7PaCR1eCh
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 24, 2025
What Is The Latest News On TNA’s Joe Hendry Possibly Being In The WWE Royal Rumble?
An update was provided on a possible Royal Rumble appearance for Joe Hendry and WrestleVotes reported that they haven’t heard anything about Hendry making an appearance in the match and that they believe that WWE isn’t planning on including him in the Rumble match.