WWE fans were surprised to see TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry, whose career gained significant momentum last year with viral moments and impressed WWE officials during his NXT appearances, appear at WWE WrestleMania 41 – Night 2.
He was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery opponent after Kevin Owens was sidelined due to a serious neck injury. Orton ultimately won the match. Following the bout, Triple H hinted at future WWE appearances for Hendry during the post-show press conference.
During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Hendry addressed fan criticism regarding the brevity of his match with Orton and those who labeled it a squash. He stated, “I disagree,” clarifying that it was a back-and-forth contest, whereas a squash would have involved the bell ringing and an immediate RKO for a quick finish.
“My job as TNA Champion and what defines this reign is business and getting as many eyeballs on TNA Wrestling as possible,” Hendry explained. “To me, that’s exactly as it should have gone.”
Hendry mentioned that both John Cena and CM Punk offered him similar sentiments after the match. He expressed no shame in taking an RKO and losing to Orton. Furthermore, Hendry teased a potential appearance by a “WWE megastar” at TNA’s Rebellion pay-per-view event this Sunday.
Hendry is scheduled to defend the TNA title this Sunday at Rebellion in the main event against Frankie Kazarian and NXT’s Ethan Page.
H/T to F4Wonline.com for the transcription
