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TNA Champion Joe Hendry is a prime example of a talent who willed their success into being, but at the same time, the work that accompanies the success never ends.
In speaking with PWInsider.com earlier this week, Hendry noted that winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship was a long-awaited achievement, but the work is far from over. “It’s been an incredible journey, and you do enjoy the moment, but to be honest, as soon as you win the championship, the real work begins,” Hendry reflected. “There hasn’t been a whole lot of downtime to think about what’s happened, but I think that’s worked to my advantage, because I haven’t had any time to overthink. It’s just, let’s tackle what’s next and give it my best.”
When asked about the added pressure that comes with being the champion, Hendry shared: “Oh, it definitely comes with a target on your back. But you know, I always try to stay focused. If you take your eye off the ball for even a second, someone’s going to take that title from you. But I thrive on that pressure. I want to prove I deserve this. That’s what keeps me going.”
Hendry’s visit to the UBS Arena in New York, the venue for TNA’s upcoming Slammiversary in July, left him in awe. “It was breathtaking,” he described. “The arena is huge, and I strongly believe it could be TNA’s biggest gate ever. I’d love to walk in there as the champion. That’s of course the goal.” Hendry was clear that TNA’s growth in terms of arena sizes, particularly with Slammiversary, shows just how far the company has come. “We’ve come a long way from where we were just a few years ago. The progression is undeniable, and it’s exciting to think about where we’re heading,” Hendry said.
Reflecting on his journey and the significance of Slammiversary, Hendry continued, “I saw the arena, and it’s where the entrances are going to be shown above the ice in the cube, and it’s very exciting. I would love to be the champion walking into that environment. It would be the pinnacle for me.”
One of the most notable aspects of Hendry’s journey is that it has come in lockstep with the rise of TNA itself as the promotion finds itself with a greater awareness, larger touring and a WWE NXT partnership. “It’s a great feeling. It’s been cool to see my own rise in tandem with that of TNA Wrestling,” Hendry said. “Obviously, it takes an army of people to do something like this, and I am just one soldier on the battlefield. But it feels very rewarding to know that I’m contributing to the popularity of TNA right now.”
Hendry’s success has come at a time when TNA is expanding its reach, including larger venues like the Galen Center in Los Angeles for Rebellion. “It feels great to see the company touring more states, more dates, and larger arenas. I’m proud to be a part of that growth.” Hendry further emphasized the importance of the current momentum within the company: “TNA is in a very good spot right now, and I feel like we’ve finally tapped into something special. Everyone is on the same page, and that’s the key.”
Hendry’s media tour of New York this week including a special appearance at the Islanders vs. Rangers NHL game at the UBS Arena. “Meeting the fans is great,” he said. “I’ve noticed the volume of fans wanting to speak to me, and I’ve had to get my head around it. But I’m now a famous person, and it’s cool to meet fans who appreciate your work. It makes you feel like you’re doing something right.”
He also shared his excitement about attending the hockey game. “Masha and I were talking, and I’d never been to a hockey game before. It’s just so cool that we get to experience these things that we might not have otherwise,” Hendry added. “And to have that interaction with the fans in such a high-energy environment—it’s a lot of fun.”
Hendry’s musical talents were on full display during TNA’s live episode at Full Sail University, where he collaborated with Elijah on a duet. “I think that segment was a huge home run,” Hendry explained. “If you look at the numbers that segment did on our digital platforms, it’s up there with anything that went out in professional wrestling that week. Tommy Dreamer said it best when he saw us, ‘That was a home run.’” Hendry is genuinely proud of the impact it had, saying, “That’s exactly what we want to do, create moments that stick. Whether it’s in the ring or on the mic, we’re all about creating moments that matter.”
He’s excited about continuing the collaboration with Elijah, having worked with him previously on the independent circuit. “We’ve tagged together in my promotion, Discovery Wrestling, and wrestled each other in North Wrestling. The video I made about him did incredible numbers, so there’s a lot of excitement around us working together. It’s a partnership that just clicks.”
Of course, anytime Hendry talks with the media, the natural question is whether he is any closer to his hoped-for dream match with John Cena. While Hendry is known for manifesting his goals, he has was more measured in his approach when asked by PWInsider.com for an update. “I’ve had a lot of fun with these dream matchups,” Hendry explained. “People like to hear about them, but it’s important to note that I’m not putting out any narratives. What’s important is to have fun and share what I think would be exciting.”
Hendry was quick to clarify his stance on the possibility of facing Cena, saying, “I’m not a booker, I’m not a matchmaker. My job is to be TNA Champion, and I respect the creative process of both TNA and WWE. If opportunities arise, I will be grateful for them. But if it were to happen, I would be ready, and I would make the most of that opportunity.”
The demands of being TNA World Heavyweight Champion required Hendry to adjust to the increased workload and pressure. “You do have a target on your back,” Hendry admitted. “There’s a lot of stress and pressure. But if you accept that, it requires growth, and if you give your best, you can overcome it.”
Hendry has used his platform to elevate TNA’s profile, pushing the company’s presence into mainstream spaces, including the UBS Arena appearance: “Originally, we were just supposed to answer a few questions, but we pushed it and thought, ‘Hey, let’s cut this wild promo in the arena.’ It’s getting hundreds of thousands of hits on my socials now. That’s what this game is about—making the most of what you’ve got. It’s not just about being the best in the ring. It’s about being the best at everything you do—on social media, on the mic, behind the scenes. As the champion, I’m carrying the company, and that’s how I approach everything.”
Given Hendry’s musical background, the topic of a potential album came up. “It’s certainly something that’s being considered,” Hendry confirmed. “But I don’t want to do anything half-assed. If I do it, I want to do it properly. I’ve got a lot of ideas, and there’s a lot of potential to make something special. But it has to be the right time, and it has to be done the right way.”
Hendry elaborated on his approach to making decisions in his career, whether it’s releasing an album or defending his title. “Once you’re in the title picture, it’s about making calculated decisions. It’s a grind, and everything you do has implications. It’s a chess game. I don’t do anything without considering the bigger picture.”
Hendry’s thoughts on TNA returning to the UK were clear. “If TNA was to come back to the UK now, there would be no reason to do a smaller show. In fact, we would do a huge show,” Hendry said. “I’m confident that my being champion would help, and Leon Slater is another guy who is going to be a big asset to TNA in the future.” Hendry’s enthusiasm for TNA’s potential in the UK was palpable. “We’ve always had a great fanbase there, and I know TNA can do massive shows over there. We need to aim high.”
Hendry expressed his belief in Slater’s potential to lead the company one day, calling him “one of the best wrestlers in the world.” Hendry praised Slater’s dedication, saying, “He’s young, he’s got a great head on his shoulders, and he’s got the it factor. The future is really bright for him.”
As for what’s next in Hendry’s journey, the TNA World Champion has no shortage of commitments. “Immediately after this, we’re going to do a huge radio station in New York. Then I’m flying home for a bit before I’m back out on the road. It’s just trains, planes, and automobiles,” Hendry said. “But it’s a privilege. It’s what I wanted, and I’m happy I’ve earned it.”
For more on TNA, visit www.TNAWrestling.com.
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