Finally, Joe Hendry has put pen to paper on a deal with WWE.
The Scot has been appearing on NXT for over a year at this point as part of the brand’s partnership with NXT.
He made his WrestleMania debut by appearing as Randy Orton’s mystery opponent at the 41st iteration of the event earlier this year to great success, even in defeat.
According to Fightful Select, Hendry has finally signed a contract with WWE realising a career-long ambition at 37-years-old.
Age has precious little to do with it though. Hendry has been one of the most popular performers in the entire industry over the past two years-plus.
His Royal Rumble appearance earlier this year was also incredibly well received and it seemed the only question was how long did he have left on his TNA deal before he could officially sign.
Hendry had one spell as TNA world champion in early 2024, but has challenged for the NXT world title since.
One has to imagine the Scot will spend a bit more time in NXT given his popularity on the brand. Just this week he accompanied Thea Hail during her victory over Alba Fyre.
But then, Royal Rumble season and then WrestleMania 42 are not too far away and WWE must be tempted to utilise one of the best babyfaces in the business right now.
And it can happen very suddenly, something Hendry explained to Ariel Helwani when he secured his match with Orton earlier this year.
“I found out about a week before,” Hendry said. “I had to sit on this for a week! I was in the airport and I got a text from Triple H saying ‘can you talk.’ And, I was at WWE World. I was scheduled to be there signing things. I thought it was maybe something to do with the Slammys or he might want a promo at WWE World. So, I expected that was what the call was going to be.
“Triple H says, ‘I’m sure you’re aware that Randy needs an opponent and that threw me off completely. I was in a state of shock. But, I knew there was a job to be done and I know when I approach these things I want to bring as much value as possible. I want this to be the best moment we can possibly make. And, I’m so proud of what we did out there.”
