WWE and TNA Wrestling signed a multi year partnership deal and the fans were expecting regular cross promotion appearances. The deal was announced just before the Royal Rumble event which is one of the biggest events of WWE and Royal Rumble has the biggest chance of allowing more wrestlers to give opportunity to perform.
Additionally, the present TNA World Champion Joe Hendry entered the men’s Royal Rumble match as the entry no. 15 and he received a very strong ovation from the crowd. But surprisingly, he was treated as a jobber in this match as he got eliminated by the very entrant of the match; Roman Reigns.
WWE Hall of Famer Explains Why There is Nothing Wrong in the Royal Rumble Elimination of Joe Hendry
WWE received massive criticism for the way they treated Hendry in this match. A large of wrestling fans, mostly TNA fans are accusing WWE of treating TNA in an ill way. However, WWE Hall of Famer and former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry thought there was nothing wrong with this elimination. Speaking on "Busted Open Radio," ‘The World’s Strongest Man’ explained;
Joe Hendry entered the men's Royal Rumble match of 2025
"Let this sink in. There were people that came into the Rumble that got eliminated, and they got eliminated by who? By Roman. There is no shame in being eliminated by the top guy in the industry," Henry said regarding the Royal Rumble elimination of Hendry.
Joe Hendry was eliminated by Roman Reigns from the men's Royal Rumble match of 2025
He continued, "Joe Hendry was protected by Roman Reigns eliminating him, and the list goes on. We were talking about Charlotte Flair being the standard, Roman is the standard. If Roman eliminates you, wow you got eliminated by Roman Reigns. 'Okay, s***, I can say that.' That's good. The loss is a win. There's very few people that can do that."
It is now pretty much clear that TNA Wrestling is nothing but a developmental promotion for WWE which they are using as a talent hunt promotion; much like they treated Florida Championship Wrestling or Ohio Valley Wrestling, and TNA Wrestling has no issues with it. Lastly, it is clearly understood all they want is more viewers through this partnership deal despite being treated as a developmental territory.
Credit "Busted Open Radio"
H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
