Joe Hendry’s unexpected appearance at WrestleMania 41 (Night Two) because the reigning TNA World Champion stunned fans — and, because it seems, many inside TNA itself.
While WWE had already begun exploring Hendry’s involvement following the general public announcement of Kevin Owens’ injury, Fightful Select is reporting that the discussions were conducted in secrecy. Conversations between Hendry’s camp and WWE were already underway in the times leading as much as the event, but word didn’t start circulating inside TNA until the Saturday before WrestleMania. Consistent with the confidentiality, Hendry’s name never appeared on the interior run sheets for the show.
Hendry stays under contract with TNA, though his current deal is ready to run out inside the subsequent yr. Now represented by an agent, he has garnered consistent interest from WWE, which has been monitoring his progress for a while. Hendry has made prior appearances for WWE in various segments and matches — signaling that the door stays very much open for future collaboration.
Sources have also confirmed that WWE recently reached out to Hendry about appearing on an episode of Monday Night RAW in Glasgow. The plan involved a short-term program with The Miz. Nevertheless, the proposal was reportedly shut down by TNA executive Ariel Shnerner, because the creative pitch called for Hendry to suffer a loss. Some inside TNA imagine that Shnerner’s decision can have contributed to his eventual departure from the corporate.
Despite online debate over Hendry’s surprise WrestleMania 41 cameo, several TNA talents and staff expressed support for the move. Those we spoke with saw the looks not as a betrayal but as a beneficial opportunity to boost TNA’s visibility on a world stage.
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