Joe Hendry is finally living the WWE dream, but it turns out the company nearly brought him in years before his breakout run in TNA Wrestling ever happened.
While appearing at Insight with Chris Van Vliet Live in Tampa, Hendry opened up about the long road to WWE and admitted there was a point in 2016 where it looked like he could have landed a spot in WWE’s original United Kingdom Tournament. Instead, things went in a completely different direction. Rather than being frustrated about missing the opportunity, Hendry said looking back now, he believes it worked out exactly how it was supposed to.
“There was a time I think in 2016 where it was looking like I might have been a part of the UK tournament. And I’m glad that I wasn’t because I don’t feel I was ready for it.”
Hendry explained that at the time he was still developing as a performer, especially compared to names like Pete Dunne and Trent Seven, who already had years of experience at a high level.
“Back then I was doing my entrances, they were getting views and I was operating on this level on my entrances, but at that point I’d only had my debut two or three years previous.”
Instead of forcing his way into WWE too early, Hendry continued building his character, music, and overall presentation across the independent scene before eventually becoming one of TNA’s biggest stars. He now believes that detour was necessary for him to truly be prepared when WWE finally came calling.
“I feel like everything has happened for me when I’ve been ready for it and in the right order and I mean I wouldn’t change a thing. I love the path that I’ve taken.”
Hendry also reflected on how difficult the grind toward WWE actually was. He revealed that he spent years appearing for the company in small extra roles before ever getting a serious opportunity, including multiple appearances as one of Adam Rose’s infamous Rosebuds.
“I am a veteran Rosebud.”
According to Hendry, the journey taught him to stop obsessing over massive career milestones and instead focus on improving every single year.
“The thing about getting to WWE is focus on the smaller wins that build into the bigger wins.”
That mindset eventually paid off in a massive way. Hendry went from years of WWE tryouts and extra work appearances to becoming TNA World Champion, wrestling Randy Orton at WrestleMania, winning the NXT Championship, and officially joining WWE RAW full-time.
Now, Hendry says he’s simply focused on continuing to entertain audiences at the highest possible level instead of chasing timelines or forcing specific outcomes.
What do you think about Joe Hendry’s path to WWE? Do you think missing that original UK Tournament ended up helping his career in the long run? Drop your thoughts and feedback in the comments.