Say his name, and he appears.
NXT Believes In Joe Hendry
After plenty of teasing, rumour and speculation, Joe Hendry finally appeared on WWE programming. Ever since his self-created entrance music hit the global charts in May 2024, it’s been almost impossible to open social media without seeing the Scotsman’s iconic smile.
The reaction he received on NXT was a clear indicator that his popularity is not limited to the internet. Those in attendance at the Performance Center erupted when “Say His Name…” rang out, blowing the roof off and rattling the cameras.
However, this wasn’t Joe Hendry’s first appearance on WWE television. Although it’s his debut as an in-ring competitor, the Scotsman showed up on an episode of Monday Night Raw emanating from Liverpool, England, back in 2014.
He featured on the flagship show as an aide to Rusev and Lana, during the then-United States Champion’s title celebration. Hendry has commented on this cameo previously, speaking on Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore podcast in 2022.
So I went to the ring and as I’m walking to the ring, I’m looking around and I’ve just forgotten everything, I’ve forgotten everything. I’m on Monday Night Raw and I’m like, you’ve asked for this opportunity and here you are and you can’t remember a God damn thing.
Kazarian Kills The Mood
Unfortunately, Hendry’s NXT debut was cut disappointingly short as fellow TNA roster member Frankie Kazarian swiftly eliminated him from the NXT Championship #1 Contendership Battle Royal.
His rapid removal from the match left fans bemused, with chants of “bullshit” echoing around the arena. Despite this initial outrage, there does appear to be some method in WWE’s apparent madness.
Trust The Process
Frankie Kazarian and ‘The Local Hero’ have recently become embroiled in a feud on TNA programming, which appears to indicate that this call was made as an example of the partnership between WWE and TNA working both ways.
At TNA Against All Odds 2024, Kazarian beat Joe Hendry via nefarious means, hitting his opponent with a foreign object to steal the victory. Given every precedent that’s ever been set in professional wrestling, it’s unlikely that Hendry will let Kaz’s cheating slide.
Interestingly, the pair now have one win apiece, with Hendry winning the first bout in the final of the Glasgow Cup tournament on an episode of TNA Impact! in October 2023. With the scores tied, a rubber match between the pair would be the logical next step.
With TNA Slammiversary 2024 not until July 20th, perhaps the two could settle their issues on an episode of TNA Impact! soon. Either way, expect to see ‘The King of TNA’ and Joe Hendry firing shots at one another for the foreseeable future.
Will Hendry Be Back?
As for Joe Hendry’s future in WWE, it’s unlikely that this is the last time that someone will say his name. In a digital exclusive after his elimination, Hendry stormed backstage and challenged Shawn Michaels’ motivation.
😳😳😳@joehendry was NOT happy with his early elimination and had some words for @ShawnMichaels…#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/lSBqeIUi02
— WWE (@WWE) June 19, 2024
He suggested that he could appear on “any show”, before making his incensed exit. Could we see the ‘Prestigious One’ on Raw or Smackdown in the coming weeks, or was this simply nothing more than a tease that goes nowhere?
WWE would be foolish not to utilize the Scotsman again, especially after seeing the reaction he received. One thing is for sure, and it’s that you should believe in Joe Hendry.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content on the WWE Network and Peacock.
