Joe Hendry Steps Back After TNA World Title Loss—But His Fight Isn’t Over

Joe Hendry knows what it feels like to carry a company on his back—and now, he knows what it feels like to fall.
At NXT Battleground, Hendry lost the TNA World Championship to Trick Williams in a match that shocked fans and marked a new chapter in the relationship between WWE and TNA. It was the first time in history that a WWE-contracted wrestler walked away with the TNA World Title.
For Hendry, the loss wasn’t just professional. It was deeply personal.
On the June 5 episode of Impact, the Scottish powerhouse addressed the defeat for the first time, and it was clear just how much the moment stung.
“I lost the TNA World Championship to Trick Williams and it’s hard for me because this last year has just been a whirlwind… I just felt we were taking TNA to new heights… and now the World Championship is in the hands of someone that does not work here.”
Hendry didn’t shy away from responsibility, admitting he “dropped the ball” and made peace with the fact that he’s not next in line for a rematch. That honor now belongs to Elijah, who will challenge Williams at Against All Odds on June 6.
“I want nothing more but to get another shot at Trick Williams… but I understand that’s not my spot right now. Elijah is next and he deserves it and I support him against all odds.”
Despite the setback, Hendry remains grounded and focused on what really brought him here—his love for TNA. Speaking candidly, he reflected on discovering the company during his high school years, revealing that TNA became a source of motivation when he needed it most.
“I did not feel that I was going to amount to much… Pro wrestling inspired me to be better and that’s carried on through my adult life.” [h/t SEScoops]
Still, not everyone’s on Hendry’s side.
While Hendry recalibrates, WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray is looking ahead—and he doesn’t see Joe Hendry as the guy to bring the title home. Instead, he believes Mike Santana is the man TNA should be betting on.
After Santana’s loss to Williams on NXT, Bully Ray suggested this story should continue all the way to Slammiversary, where the redemption arc would finally conclude with Santana reclaiming the title.
That leaves Hendry in a familiar spot—underrated, underestimated, and looking to prove something. But he won’t be sitting still for long.
At Against All Odds, while Elijah steps into the title spotlight, Hendry will face an old rival in Frankie Kazarian. It’s not the top of the card, but it might just be the beginning of his road back to it.
For a man who once inspired others to believe in Joe Hendry, the question now is—can he believe in himself enough to rise again?