The wrestling world has witnessed one of the most remarkable transformations in recent memory as Joe Hendry catapulted from relative obscurity to global recognition in just twelve months. The TNA star’s meteoric rise has positioned him as a legitimate contender for one of the most coveted opportunities in professional wrestling: a match with John Cena during the leader’s farewell tour.
From TNA Champion to WWE Crossover Star
Hendry’s 2024 journey reads like a wrestling fairy tale. The Scottish performer captured the TNA World Championship and simultaneously became a viral internet sensation, capturing the attention of wrestling fans worldwide. His popularity transcended traditional boundaries, leading to unprecedented opportunities with WWE.
The crossover appeal reached new heights when Hendry secured featured appearances at WWE Premium Live Events. His presence in main event segments and a coveted Royal Rumble spot demonstrated the company’s confidence in his drawing power.
WrestleMania Spotlight Validates Hendry’s Momentum
Perhaps the most significant milestone came when WWE positioned Hendry in a featured singles match against Randy Orton at WrestleMania. This placement on wrestling’s grandest stage represented a career-defining moment for the TNA talent.
The match served as validation of Hendry’s crossover appeal and established him as a legitimate player capable of competing with WWE’s top-tier talent. Few wrestlers outside WWE’s roster receive such prominent WrestleMania positioning.
Hendry Addresses Cena Match Speculation
During a recent appearance on the “Battleground” podcast, Hendry addressed growing speculation about a potential encounter with John Cena. The 16-time world champion’s retirement tour has created intense competition among wrestlers seeking a spot on his farewell card.
“Showing up in the [Royal] Rumble was crazy, but if I’d have told you in March ‘Hey, I’m going to wrestle Randy Orton at WrestleMania in featured singles match,’ that would have sounded pretty crazy right? Does me wrestling John Cena sound that crazy? It’s in the realm of possibility.”
Hendry’s confidence stems from his track record of achieving seemingly impossible goals throughout 2024. His pragmatic approach acknowledges both the opportunity and responsibility that comes with such high-profile positioning.
The Pressure of Maintaining Momentum
The TNA star revealed the weight of expectations following his rapid ascent. He understands that continued success depends entirely on his ability to capitalize on opportunities without making critical mistakes.
“If it happens, it’s because I did everything I was supposed to do. If it doesn’t happen, it’s because I dropped the ball, and like I said, that’s already happened once this year, can’t let it happen again.”
This self-awareness demonstrates Hendry’s understanding of professional wrestling’s unforgiving nature. One misstep can derail even the most promising trajectory.
The Trick Williams Setback
Hendry’s reference to “dropping the ball” relates directly to his shocking TNA World Championship loss to Trick Williams at the May 25 Battleground Premium Live Event. The defeat marked a historic moment as Williams became the first WWE-contracted wrestler to capture TNA’s premier title.
The loss represented more than just a championship change. It demonstrated the complex relationship between WWE and TNA, while potentially impacting Hendry’s momentum during his peak popularity period.
Slammiversary Redemption Opportunity
TNA has scheduled Hendry’s championship rematch against Williams for the Slammiversary pay-per-view on July 20. This bout represents a crucial juncture in Hendry’s career trajectory and could determine his future positioning within both promotions.
A victory would restore his championship status and potentially strengthen his case for high-profile WWE opportunities. Conversely, another defeat might signal the end of his unprecedented crossover success.
The Bigger Picture
Hendry’s situation illustrates the evolving landscape of modern professional wrestling. His ability to maintain relevance across multiple promotions while building viral popularity represents a new model for wrestler success in the digital age.
His honest assessment of both opportunities and setbacks provides insight into the mental approach required for navigating wrestling’s highest levels. The acknowledgment of past mistakes while maintaining confidence in future possibilities shows the balance necessary for sustained success.
As Hendry prepares for his Slammiversary rematch, wrestling fans can’t help but wonder: will his redemption story continue, and could it ultimately lead to that dream match with John Cena? The answer may depend on whether he can recapture the magic that made 2024 his breakout year.
