Joe Hendry has finally spoken out about his efforts to secure a match with John Cena—something he never got before the 17-time World Champion officially retired in December 2025. And according to Hendry, he gave it everything he had, without crossing any lines.
During a February 4, 2026 appearance on Busted Open After Dark, Joe Hendry looked back on John Cena’s retirement tour and the opportunities he chased—and didn’t get.
“I tried, I tried. So, this is a tough game to play that one. Because you have to be bold, but there are guidelines you must respect.”
Hendry admitted that while he was willing to go the extra mile to make the match happen, he also didn’t want to go rogue or make things uncomfortable within WWE by going into business for himself.
“What you don’t wanna do in this business is to go into business for yourself. So anything I tried and did—I did not get that. Like, you remember when I put my face up in the billboards next to a WWE show when they were in Glasgow? That to me was fun, that didn’t interfere in the business.”
He made it clear his intention was never to overshadow Cena’s farewell run. Though he never got to wrestle Cena, Hendry said just being part of the final chapter meant everything.
“I felt I gave everything that I could that was respectful. I didn’t want to make it about me because it was John Cena’s retirement tour, and I was very honored to be part of that last show. I can’t tell you how much it meant for me to be one of the roster members to walk down and be there for John Cena’s last moment. To be in the locker room when that happened—it meant the world to me.”
Even without a one-on-one moment in the ring, Hendry seems at peace with how things played out, recognizing the significance of witnessing Cena’s final WWE appearance up close. Hendry might not have faced John Cena, but his respect for the game—and for the Leader of Cenation’s legacy—speaks volumes.
Have you ever wanted to see Joe Hendry vs. John Cena? What do you think WWE missed out on by not booking that match? Let us know your thoughts below.
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