Joe Hendry Brings TNA Title To WWE Royal Rumble

WWE believes in Joe Hendry as the TNA World Champion made a shock appearance in the 2025 Royal Rumble.

Joe Hendry has been the name on everyone’s lips for much of 2024 as the Scottish star fought his way to the top in TNA as well as appearing in NXT. Hendry has spent much of the year going after gold but came up short at both Slammiversary and Bound For Glory, however, at Genesis, everything changed.

Joe Hendry booked his TNA World Championship shot by winning a four-way match at Final Resolution. That set up Hendry vs. Nic Nemeth for the title at Genesis in the night’s main event.

Frankie Kazarian appeared during the bout and teased cashing in his Call Your Shot title match only to be taken out by John Layfield. Layfield also nailed Ryan Nemeth for good measure before taking his leave. In the mayhem, Joe Hendry landed two Standing Ovations on Nic Nemeth to put him away and become TNA World Champion for the very first time.

Joe Hendry Makes WWE Royal Rumble Debut

And now Hendry has made the most of the partnership between WWE and TNA, appearing in the 2025 men’s Royal Rumble. Joe Hendry didn’t last long, however, as he was quickly dispatched by the number 16 entrant, Roman Reigns.

Despite no one saying his name, Joe Hendry still appeared as the number 15 entrant in the men’s Rumble. This mirrors Jordynne Grace entering the 2024 Royal Rumble while TNA Knockouts Champion. Grace was part of the 2025 Royal Rumble where Michael Cole confirmed she is now under contract with WWE.