One of the biggest news of 2025 so far was the partnership deal between WWE and TNA Wrestling which was announced during the early period of the year. This deal was coming for a long time as we got to see multiple cross promotion appearances throughout the past three years. The biggest names of TNA Wrestling made appearances in WWE from time to time.
One of the biggest names of TNA Wrestling at this moment is the Scottish professional wrestler Joe Hendry who is also the present TNA World Champion. He first appeared in WWE back in 2024 in multiple NXT episodes. He even challenged Ethan Page for the NXT Championship at the NXT No Mercy event.
Breaking: Joe Hendry To Make Full Time Switch? The Present TNA World Champion Reflects
At the Royal Rumble event of 2025, Hendry appeared in the men's Royal Rumble match as a surprise entrant and he received a huge ovation from ovation from the live crowd. But he could not have a very strong run in the Royal Rumble match as he got eliminated by The Head of The Table Roman Reigns. It was only a one match appearance and he did not continue his run in WWE after his Royal Rumble work.
Joe Hendry previously appeared in WWE NXT back in 2024
Hendry was recently interviewed by Shakiel Mahjouri where he was asked whether he is planning to move to WWE on a full time basis. Hendry responded by saying the following; “My job is to be the TNA World Champion and my job is to represent TNA, to elevate this championship, and to elevate the company. So my focus is on TNA Wrestling.”
Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble event of 2025
Hendry was also asked about his Royal Rumble appearance where he talked about Roman Reigns who eliminated him from the Royal Rumble match. He said; “Roman Reigns, congrats. You threw Joe Hendry over the top, and I’m willing to bet this isn’t the last time that you and I cross paths.”
Check out WWE Hall of Famer's opinion on Joe Hendry's Royal Rumble elimination here
A number of fans were not happy with the way Hendry was treated in the Royal Rumble match. He was given a jobber elimination and being the TNA World champion, a lot of fans believed he deserved better treatment. But one thing must be understood WWE is not treating TNA Wrestling as anything more than a talent hunt platform, and TNA Wrestling has absolutely no problem with this treatment.
H/T Fightful
