Joe Hendry has discussed the recent partnership between WWE and TNA and why it is a scenario where everybody wins.
When Jordynne Grace made her return to WWE TV on the May 28th episode of NXT, it was reported shortly afterwards that the two promotions were set to continue doing business together and more surprises were in store. With Hendry becoming a viral sensation online and his entrance song finding success in the UK charts, the Scottish star was very much at the top of the list of wrestlers fans wanted to see on the Tuesday night show.
On June 18th, Hendry finally made an appearance on NXT as he was revealed to be a surprise entrant in the battle royal to crown a new number one contender to the NXT Championship. While Hendry was quickly eliminated, the former Digital Media Champion made his return on the July 9th episode of NXT to be revealed as the mystery partner for Trick Williams and once again received a thunderous ovation.
The partnership has gone both ways with the No Quarter Catch Crew making unannounced appearances on Impact along with Izzi Dame and Tatum Paxley challenging Grace for the Knockouts Championship on Impact. With the upcoming Slammiversary PPV sold out, interest in the product is very much renewed as has seen TNA undergo another resurgence.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Hendry praised the recent partnership between the two promotions and promised something special at Slammiversary, which will see the Scottish star be part of a six-way elimination match with the World Championship on the line:
“The world is waking up to the level of talent we have in TNA,” said Hendry. “We’re thrilled to work with WWE in a way that benefits everybody–NXT, TNA, and wrestling fans. And we’re going to see something special at Slammiversary. You’re about to witness a defining moment in professional wrestling.”
Joe Hendry “Sticking Around” In WWE NXT
Making his third appearance on the show on July 16th, Hendry made a surprise entrance on NXT after announcer Vic Joseph said his name. The TNA star joined Joseph and Booker T to provide guest commentary on the opening match that saw The Rascalz defeat Gallus. Appearing in a backstage segment alongside Gallus later in the night, Hendry declared that he liked it in NXT and intended to be around much more.
Speaking in a separate interview, Joe Hendry explained how he was able to “disrupt the plans.”
Joe Hendry spoke exclusively with Inside The Ropes Magazine as part of Issue 47, which can be pre-ordered here.