Nic Nemeth sees Joe Hendry as being similar to Zack Ryder during his peak of popularity.
Hendry has become a huge star in wrestling in 2023. His comedy songs poking fun at other wrestlers made him a must-see superstar, and his theme song even charted in the UK Top 40 after a campaign by the wrestler.
Nic Nemeth spoke with Shak Wrestling, where he discussed his upcoming title match against Joe Hendry. The TNA World Heavyweight Champion compared the Scot with former WWE star Zack Ryder, who got over by creating YouTube content based around his wrestling persona.
“It’s gonna come off a little gruff at first, but I’ve said this live before: I’ve seen a million of you come and a million of you go. You see the people everyone’s talking about, the ones getting opportunities you think you should get. And then there are people who make a name for themselves on their own, much like Zack Ryder in the ’09-’10 YouTube days.”
“Then Joe Hendry comes along—not just plugging away—he actually gets everyone talking about him, out of nowhere. That is such a feat, such a tricky part of our business. You can check every box—be a 10 out of 10 in talking, wrestling, entertainment, bodybuilding, all the pieces that apply—and still, it doesn’t always click.”
“Sometimes, you just don’t have that natural, organic chemistry with the crowd, and that changes everything. Someone like Joe Hendry—it’s very reminiscent of Zack Ryder back in those 2009-2010 days. You go from being someone we know to having entire arenas chanting your name almost overnight. You see the work that goes into it, the things he’s done on the outside.””
Nic Nemeth: Joe Hendry Has That Organic Chemistry With The Fans
“This is something 5,000 other professional wrestlers could have done, but it doesn’t always hit organically or perfectly. It’s like winning the lottery in a business you already love. Joe Hendry’s got that—he’s got that organic chemistry with the fans. He’s got the songs, the clicks; he’s got everyone talking about him.”
“Now, when it comes down to it, as every professional wrestler should, I think I’m the best—or at least I’m constantly trying to be the best. So, if you want to compare skills, psychology, stamina, and backing it up in the ring, I don’t think anyone touches me. That’s not to say anything negative about Joe. I think he’s got something extra special about him.”
“Getting the hardest part of our business—an organic crowd reaction that’s coming for you because of something you did—is unheard of and beautiful to watch. But I would be doing a disservice to the TNA fans and myself by going, ‘Wow, everyone’s cheering for you. I guess you should just pin me for the world title.’ That’s not how this works.”
“It would be weird for me to just hand it over. I’m rooting for him. I hope he does well. He’s a good kid, and he’s doing great.”
