Joe Hendry is proud of the work he’s been doing for TNA and NXT as of late.
WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard spoke with Hendry ahead of TNA’s Slammiversary pay-per-view. There, he will be one of five men to challenge for Moose’s World Heavyweight title. Hendry has faced four of his five opponents before, with Nic Nemeth being the “odd man out.” Hendry does like the idea of that interaction, but his main focus is winning the title.
“I am looking forward to becoming the champion. That’s the goal. And there’s been enough moments, which are like — I’m grateful for all the moments and all the amazing competitors I’ve had the opportunity to share the ring with,” he explained. “But I believe I’ve been in the ring with every single one of the people in that match except Nic Nemeth actually. So will say that, that will be cool. But in all due respect to Nic, he’s a legend. He’s done some amazing things. He’s one of the best. It’s my time though.”
A proud disruptor
Hendry also shared that the six-way match wasn’t even the original plan for Slammiversary. TNA management came to Hendry and told him that his popularity has been so undeniable that they had to change course.
“So, I had a very cool conversation with management probably two months ago, where I got a phone call and they said, ‘Congrats. You’ve done so well that you have disrupted the plans.’ And the word disrupted is something that I wear proudly. Because everything I am doing is disruptive,” Hendry explained. “Getting billboards outside Clash At The Castle, just having fun with social media, calling everybody out. I feel like I’m just embracing the fun with the fans, he social media aspect of it. Having the courage and the balls to actually do these things.
“So yeah, I am having so much fun with everything that’s going on. I do feel like professional wrestling is in a place where anything can happen. And that’s when professional wrestling is at its best. I also think the fans are getting what they want,” he continued. “The fans are winning, the companies are winning, the wrestlers are winning… And right now, the fans want to see Joe Hendry carrying TNA. They want to see Joe Hendry as the champion in TNA. They want to see Joe Hendry as the face of TNA. And I’ve got the opportunity to go in and deliver on that.”
Joe Hendry on the WWE Universe’s response
Hendry has a huge opportunity at Slammiversary, and continues to climb the ranks in TNA. This is going on while he’s also appearing on WWE NXT, including on July 9 in a tag team match with Trick Williams.
Hendry is proud of the reception he’s received from the WWE Universe, and proud to be a great representative of TNA as well.
“I have had this conversation before. A few times the word, people mentioned the word validating. That is the perfect way to put it. AJ Styles talked about it you know, going into that environment and not knowing if people are going to know who you are or react. And then, I think you can see when I debuted that’s a very real reaction from me,” Hendry explained.
“I am very privileged to say that it has gone on to become WWE’s most watched video this year so far on X [Twitter],” Hendry added. “So, very proud of that, happy. I was very proud to represent TNA and to do a great job for WWE as well.”
Joe Hendry on the best part about being introduced to a new fan base
Hendry has an increasingly busy schedule, but his main concern is just doing the best he can. If he does get time to stop and take it all in, he just appreciates the positivity of the experience.
“I think I’ve had the advantage of being so busy that I haven’t had time to overthink anything. It’s just all been happening so fast. And I’ve just enjoyed the wave of positivity that’s come my way. And really my only concern is just to do the absolute best job that I can. I will say, when I’ve had time and to look, I’ve been really overwhelmed and feel very grateful for just… That’s the best way to put it, the wave of positivity that’s come my way.”
TNA Slammiversary will take place on Saturday, July 20. WWE has not announced any more appearances on NXT, but it has been reported that he is expected to return in the future.
Watch our full interview with Joe Hendry below:
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