Joe Hendry Wants To Defend TNA World Title Against John Cena

Joe Hendry continues to make it clear that he wants to face John Cena.

Hendry is now the face of TNA, as he beat Nic Nemeth to win the TNA World Championship at TNA Genesis. The event kicked off a new era for TNA, as it came in the aftermath of WWE’s official announcement of a multi-year partnership with TNA. With dream matches more possible than ever, Hendry has reiterated his interest in facing John Cena.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Joe Hendry said that he wanted to face John Cena, and he noted that they were in an era where anything could happen.

“John Cena. Let’s let it continue,” Hendry said. “I have done all the things that I thought would be impossible, but in an era where anything can happen, and just before Genesis, Triple H tweeted us, Shawn Michaels tweeted the show, and John Cena posted the TNA logo on his Instagram. What kind of representative would I be for TNA if I didn’t call out John Cena.

Joe Hendry Wants To Finish The Story

Hendry went on to say that Cena was the match that he wanted, and he invited the 16-time champion to cross the line to draw more eyes to TNA. Hendry recalled how Cena made an impact on him when he was younger, and he wanted to finish the story by facing him.

“I already know that everyone in TNA is gunning for me,” Joe Hendry said. “I’m the champion. That’s the match I want. To invite John Cena to cross the line to TNA Wrestling is the most exciting matchup and it’s my job as champion to bring as many eyeballs to TNA Wrestling as possible. I have all the respect in the world for John Cena. He was the first professional wrestler that I ever spoke to. When I was 15, I couldn’t make a show, my friend went to a meet and greet and said, ‘My friend Joe is a big fan. He couldn’t come, would you call him?’ John held up the meet and greet, phoned me from my friend’s phone, and talked to me for five minutes.’

“I feel that’s the story I need to finish, facing John Cena and why not for this championship? I don’t know John Cena. I respect him. He’s on my Mount Rushmore. He’s the greatest. I think he’d be excited about the TNA World Championship.”

Joe Hendry On Working With John Cena

Hendry was also asked whether he thought he could hang on the microphone with John Cena, and he expressed his confidence. He boldly stated his belief that he could hang on the microphone with him.

“1000%. I love it,” he said. “John Cena, when he gets the microphone, he tells the truth. I honestly believe people haven’t seen what I can do on the microphone yet. I feel so comfortable going out there with nothing prepared. John Cena is in the top echelon of talkers ever in this business. If you don’t invite that challenge to try and step up, you’re not challenging yourself. I know how powerful he is on the microphone. I believe I can hang on the microphone with John Cena.” (H/t Fightful for the transcription)

Cena is currently on his WWE farewell tour, which will conclude at the end of 2025.