Singing wrestling star Joe Hendry has become a viral phenomenon in recent months. Now WWE seems to have bigger plans for him
Numerous wrestling fans who think outside the WWE (and AEW) box have had their eyes light up at these words for a while now. Now, one of the most popular phenoms on the US independent scene looks set to make the leap to the big stage.
Cult star Joe Hendry celebrated an acclaimed debut victory in WWE on Wednesday night and appears to be at the center of bigger plans – initially in the NXT developmental squad, but possibly beyond.
Joe Hendry: wrestler, singer, wrestling star
The 36-year-old Scotsman has become a viral hit among show fight fans in recent months, delighting audiences with a special blend of entertaining ideas.
Hendry, who hails from Edinburgh, has an unorthodox background: like many wrestlers, he is a former wrestler, he was a three-time British champion in the 97-kilo category (twice freestyle, once Greco-Roman) and also represented his home country at the international Commonwealth Games.
Hendry is also a qualified marketing expert and a talented singer and musician – which turned out to be an excellent driving force for his wrestling career.
Single release as career turbo
Hendry first caused a stir in his native Britain with his bombastic entrances, in which he twisted well-known songs into mocking songs aimed at his opponents.
Among other things, he poked fun at compatriot Drew McIntyre – between his WWE engagements – with a version of the dance classic “Blue” by Eifel 65 rewritten as “Drew”. His own versions of Haddaway’s “What is Love?”, “In the Air tonight” by Phil Collins, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus were also part of his repertoire.
After Hendry had increasingly gained a foothold in the USA in recent years, the TNA league (then: Impact) signed him in 2022, where the hype surrounding Hendry and his songs grew even bigger and finally went through the roof in April 2024 when Hendry released his self-sung theme “I believe in Joe Hendry” as a single
The song reached top 10 positions in various British chart formats – which in turn gave Hendry’s wrestling career a new boost. A current cooperation between WWE and former main rival TNA also opened the door to the market leader for the “Prestigious One.”
Cooperation between TNA and WWE as a door opener
A few weeks ago, Hendry appeared unannounced in a Battle Royal at NXT – then over the weekend, a prominently placed promo clip for Hendry’s return got people talking.
Immediately after the conclusion of the larger NXT event Heatwave, in which the newly signed Ethan Page won the NXT title, a clip was briefly shown on Hendry’s intro video. The clear implication that Hendry would now have a bigger role in NXT was quickly proven true, with Hendry appearing as the surprise partner of former champion Trick Williams against Page and Shawn Spears on Tuesday.
With a win over recent AEW transferees Page and Spears, Hendry was placed equally high on the NXT card. Reports that WWE is – unsurprisingly – very interested in signing him full-time once his TNA contract expires are also already circulating.
Believing in Joe Hendry is clearly a good thought right now.