Long before Joe Hendry ever stepped foot inside a WWE ring, the crowds were already singing his song. It is a rare feat in professional wrestling to possess a level of organic, viral momentum that precedes a physical debut, but Hendry has managed to turn his charisma into a currency that the WWE Universe is eager to spend.
The trajectory of Hendry’s current run suggests a pivotal shift is imminent. On April 12, at Stand & Deliver, Hendry lost the NXT Championship to Tony D’Angelo in a high-stakes fatal four-way match. In the choreographed world of sports entertainment, a popular champion dropping a title so close to a major premium live event often serves as a signal: the talent has outgrown the developmental brand and is being cleared for a main roster promotion.
Having already tasted the grandeur of the biggest stage—serving as Randy Orton’s mystery opponent at WrestleMania 41 after Kevin Owens was sidelined by neck surgery in April 2025—Hendry is no stranger to the pressure of the spotlight. As the road to WrestleMania 42 begins to take shape, the question is no longer if he will appear, but rather how Joe Hendry could be included at WrestleMania in a way that maximizes his unique appeal.
The chaos of the Intercontinental ladder match
One of the most seamless entries for Hendry would be a surprise addition to the Intercontinental Championship pursuit. Following the March 30 edition of Raw, Penta announced a ladder match for his title at WrestleMania 42, with Je’Von Evans, Rusev, and JD McDonagh already confirmed as challengers. The field expanded further this week with the return and confirmation of Rey Mysterio.
Adding Hendry to this mix would provide a necessary spark of unpredictability. While a victory might be premature for a debuting talent, the sheer spectacle of Hendry navigating a ladder match—accompanied by a stadium full of fans singing his entrance theme—would effectively re-introduce him to the main roster audience. It is a low-risk, high-reward scenario that leverages his popularity without requiring a complex, long-term storyline.
Settling the score with The Miz
If WWE prefers a character-driven narrative over a chaotic multi-man match, a showdown with The Miz offers the perfect comedic and competitive foil. The seeds for this were planted last December at Saturday Night’s Main Event. In a segment involving R-Truth, it was revealed that The Miz had effectively stolen a spot in “The Last Time Is Now” tournament from Hendry.
The resulting encounter was brief but telling. Hendry dodged Miz’s attacks and teamed with R-Truth for a tribute to John Cena, ending the segment by pinning The Miz while Truth counted the fall. Though not an official match, the chemistry was evident. A formalized rematch at WrestleMania 42 would allow Hendry to showcase his ability to blend humor with in-ring competence, positioning him as a natural fit for the SmackDown brand’s entertainment-heavy style.
The TNA connection and the United States Title
Perhaps the most compelling narrative thread involves the United States Championship match between Sami Zayn and Trick Williams. This scenario draws on a rich history of cross-promotional storytelling between WWE and TNA. Hendry and Williams share a significant rivalry rooted in NXT and TNA crossover feuds, most notably at NXT Battleground in 2025, where Williams defeated Hendry for the TNA World Championship.
Integrating Hendry into this match could serve as a catalyst for a larger program. Whether he appears as a supportive ally or a disruptive force, Hendry’s interference in a match of this magnitude would immediately establish his stakes on the main roster. It would transition him from a “special attraction” to a permanent fixture in the championship picture, likely sparking a long-term feud with Williams on SmackDown.
A passing of the torch from John Cena
Beyond the matches, there is the possibility of a symbolic endorsement. John Cena is scheduled to host WrestleMania 42, and he has a well-documented history of uplifting emerging talents. The mutual respect between the two is already established; Hendry previously noted a backstage encounter following his undisputed WWE Title win at WrestleMania 41, where Cena praised his work at the Royal Rumble and his match against Orton.
Cena later reinforced this sentiment during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Reveal, describing Hendry as a brilliant talent destined to be a major player. A hosted segment or a backstage interaction at WrestleMania 42 where Cena officially welcomes Hendry to the main roster would provide the “stamp of approval” that often accelerates a wrestler’s ascent to the top of the card.
The impact of a main roster transition
Joe Hendry represents a modern evolution of the wrestling superstar—one who understands the power of digital engagement as much as the psychology of a match. His ability to captivate an audience before the bell even rings is a tool that WWE rarely sees in new acquisitions.
| Scenario | Primary Opponent/Ally | Narrative Goal |
|---|---|---|
| IC Ladder Match | Penta / Multiple | Main roster visibility |
| The Miz Rematch | The Miz | Character development/Comedy |
| US Title Interference | Trick Williams | Establishment of a major feud |
| Cena Endorsement | John Cena | Official “Passing of the Torch” |
Whether he enters as a surprise challenger or a disruptor of established titles, Hendry’s presence at WrestleMania 42 would be a logical conclusion to his NXT tenure. The momentum is currently in his favor, and the infrastructure is in place to turn a viral sensation into a cornerstone of the WWE roster.
The coming weeks of Raw and SmackDown will likely provide the first concrete clues as to which path WWE chooses. Fans should look for subtle mentions of the TNA crossover or potential tensions involving The Miz as the official card for WrestleMania 42 is finalized.
Do you believe Joe Hendry belongs in a title match or a grudge match at WrestleMania? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
