Joe Hendry Disagrees With Common WWE WrestleMania Take

Joe Hendry stands by his WrestleMania match.

One of the biggest lines of intrigue heading into night two of WrestleMania 41 was Randy Orton’s mystery opponent.

Orton had been due to face Kevin Owens, but the former World Champion was forced to pull out after suffering a neck injury. But when it was made clear Orton would still be wrestling, online speculation went into overdrive.

Come showtime, Randy Orton’s open challenge was answered by Joe Hendry. The TNA star entered to an impressive ovation, but he was dispatched by The Viper in a little over three minutes after an RKO. He was then given another RKO after the bell for good measure.

Many fans online felt Hendry gained little from the match, with TNA also done a disservice. However, the man himself has a different viewpoint.

Joe Hendry Dismisses WrestleMania Criticism

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio, Hendry looked back on his WrestleMania appearance with pride and dismissed the idea that the match was a squash and a negative for himself and TNA.

The Scottish star said a true squash match would have been him receiving an RKO seconds after the opening bell. He went on to say that the match played out exactly as he felt it should, something backed up by John Cena and CM Punk backstage.

“My job as TNA Champion and what defines this reign is business and getting as many eyeballs on TNA Wrestling as possible.

To me, that’s exactly as it should have gone,

There’s no shame in taking the RKO and losing to a legend like Randy Orton,”

Despite increased speculation online, Henry remains under TNA contract, although he will become a free agent within the next 12 months. There’s no word on if or when he will return to WWE television.

Hendry will be back in action at Rebellion on April 27 when he puts the TNA World Championship on the line against Frankie Kazarian and Ethan Page.

H/t to F4Wonline