Joe Hendry’s Near Miss with UFC Champ Robert Whittaker at Commonwealth Games

One big thing: TNA’s Joe Hendry almost faced UFC champion Robert Whittaker in amateur wrestling

Joe Hendry, currently making waves in TNA and “WWE NXT,” revealed on the “Fightful” podcast that he nearly faced former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at the Commonwealth Games.

The details:

• Hendry and Whittaker both qualified for the Commonwealth Games in amateur wrestling.
• Hendry was set to face Australia in the first round, which would have been Whittaker if he hadn’t pulled out.
• Hendry had a unique strategy planned for the potential match-up: “Give him the ‘ol Goldberg spear to the single leg. Just shoot wildly for this takedown and just do something mad right off the bat.”

Why it matters:

This near-encounter highlights the diverse athletic backgrounds of pro wrestlers and the potential for crossover between combat sports. It also underscores Hendry’s competitive spirit and willingness to face top-tier opponents.

The aftermath:

• Hendry has since risen to prominence in pro wrestling, making his mark in TNA and “WWE NXT.
• Whittaker went on to become UFC middleweight champion and is currently ranked third in the welterweight division.

This revelation offers a glimpse into the “what could have been” moments that often lurk behind the scenes in combat sports. It’s a reminder of the varied paths athletes take and the unexpected connections that can exist between different disciplines.

What do you think about this potential match-up? How do you think Hendry would have fared against Whittaker in amateur wrestling? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!