Top TNA Star Being “Phased Out” As WWE Switch Nears

Another TNA star is on their way to WWE.

Starting in mid-2024, Joe Hendry began appearing on WWE television as the relationship between the sports entertainment giant and TNA grew closer and closer.

Although the majority of his appearances have taken place in NXT, the star featured in the men’s Royal Rumble match before competing at WrestleMania 41. At the event, Hendry was revealed to be Randy Orton’s mystery opponent after Kevin Owens was forced to pull out through injury.

Hendry was dispatched by Orton in a little over three minutes. This was a move that caused a great deal of controversy at the time, especially as the star was the holder of the TNA World Championship.

Since then, Hendry has continued to appear regularly in NXT, while seemingly drifting away from TNA.

On the September 16 edition of NXT, Robert Roode even suggested that it was time for Joe Hendry to focus on the NXT Championship.

Joe Hendry Closing On WWE Deal

As reported by Jon Alba for The Takedown on SI, sources in WWE and TNA have confirmed that Hendry is in the process of being “largely phased out” of TNA programming. This will continue to see him further integrated into NXT television.

The belief across both companies is that Hendry will start with WWE on a full-time basis in early 2026.

Despite growing speculation and Hendry’s increasing number of appearances in NXT, he remains under contract with TNA. However, the fact that he’s wrestled just once on TNA television since late July hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Back in May, it was reported that it’s a “lock” that Joe Hendry will sign with WWE when his TNA contract expires.