TNA World Champion Joe Hendry’s surprise entry at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble marked a significant moment in professional wrestling, highlighting the growing collaboration between TNA and WWE. Entering as the 15th participant, Hendry’s appearance was met with widespread enthusiasm from fans, a testament to the anticipation that had been building over the past year.
In a recent interview, Hendry reflected on the overwhelming fan support leading up to his Rumble debut. He noted that during meet-and-greets, fans consistently inquired about his potential participation in the event. Drawing a parallel to a classic “Simpsons” episode, Hendry likened the persistent questioning to the recurring plea, “Can you take us to Mount Splashmore?” He acknowledged that such fervent interest influenced his decision-making, stating, “If the fan base are calling for it, then I’m gonna start steering into it because that’s the formula.”
Hendry also shared insights into how his Royal Rumble appearance materialized. He revealed that he had been manifesting this opportunity for a long time. After fellow TNA star Jordynne Grace represented the promotion in the previous year’s Royal Rumble, Hendry confidently told his training school that he would be in the next Rumble. He believes that vocalizing such goals helps guide actions toward achieving them. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Hendry described it as a significant honor to represent TNA on such a grand stage.
Despite his brief stint in the match, Hendry made a notable impact. He engaged with top WWE talents, including a memorable exchange with Roman Reigns, who ultimately eliminated him. Post-match, Hendry expressed his determination, hinting at future encounters with Reigns and sharing advice he received from John Cena: “Fortune favors the bold.”
Hendry’s Royal Rumble appearance not only showcased his individual talent but also underscored the potential of inter-promotional collaborations in wrestling. The positive fan response and Hendry’s performance have left many eager to see what the future holds for such partnerships.
For a firsthand account of Hendry’s thoughts on his Royal Rumble debut, you can watch his interview below:
