Joe Hendry’s popularity can’t be ignored, even by TNA management.
While many fans were not aware of Hendry or his previous work at the start of the year, the TNA star made waves online with the success of his theme song and the social media content associated with it. Becoming a viral sensation, Hendry found success and quickly became one of the most requested stars to appear on NXT following the recent partnership between WWE and TNA, which saw Joe Hendry make his debut on June 18th.
While Hendry has become one of the most popular stars on NXT despite not being signed to the promotion and has made multiple appearances since, TNA has taken notice of the buzz surrounding the former Digital Media Champion and altered their own plans as a result.
At Slammiversary on July 20th, Hendry will be one of 5 challengers for the World Championship in a six-pack elimination match. While speaking with Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone, Hendry stated that management informed him that they had to alter plans due to his popularity:
“So, I had a very cool conversation with management probably two months ago, where I got a phone call and they said, ‘Congrats. You’ve done so well that you have disrupted the plans.’ And the word disrupted is something that I wear proudly. Because everything I am doing is disruptive,” Hendry explained. “Getting billboards outside Clash At The Castle, just having fun with social media, calling everybody out. I feel like I’m just embracing the fun with the fans, he social media aspect of it. Having the courage and the balls to actually do these things.
“So yeah, I am having so much fun with everything that’s going on. I do feel like professional wrestling is in a place where anything can happen. And that’s when professional wrestling is at its best. I also think the fans are getting what they want,” he continued. “The fans are winning, the companies are winning, the wrestlers are winning… And right now, the fans want to see Joe Hendry carrying TNA. They want to see Joe Hendry as the champion in TNA. They want to see Joe Hendry as the face of TNA. And I’ve got the opportunity to go in and deliver on that.”
Joe Hendry Discusses Recent Collaboration Between WWE & TNA
The past few months have seen TNA stars appear on NXT and vice versa, leading to multiple shocking moments and fans being legitimately surprised when outside talents make their presence known on the other show. During a separate interview, Joe Hendry explained why the partnership between WWE and TNA is one that benefits everyone.
In a separate interview, Joe Hendry addressed how long is left on his TNA deal.
Joe Hendry spoke exclusively with Inside The Ropes Magazine for Issue 47, which goes on sale July 25th and can be pre-ordered here.