Joe Hendry Admits Past Conflicts in WWE Journey
Scottish WWE sensation Joe Hendry has candidly acknowledged that his rise to fame has not been without friction. In an exclusive interview, the newly crowned NXT Champion revealed that his unique approach, including parody songs targeting fellow wrestlers, has definitely upset some people over the years.
Building a Brand Through Music and Mayhem
Hendry, 37, signed with WWE late last year and quickly captured the NXT Championship, capping off years of hard work across the UK and US circuits. He leveraged his musical talents to create scathing and hilarious parody songs, which became a trademark of his brand. While most wrestlers have taken these jabs in good humour, Hendry admitted that a few have not.
‘There are definitely people who have been upset in the past,’ he stated, though he declined to name names. Previously, he has hinted at three unnamed wrestlers who reacted with annoyance, walkouts, or even physical confrontations in the ring.
Positive Vibes and Viral Moments
Despite these past tensions, Hendry remains focused on the positive aspects of his career. He praised fellow wrestlers Chelsea Green and Ethan Page, calling them ‘superstars, and they’re all business.’ The trio went viral last year after a cream pie incident, though Hendry’s related spoof song has since been removed from social media platforms.
He also commended SmackDown’s Kit Wilson for his viral theme song and anti-toxic masculinity campaign, noting its catchiness but playfully asserting his own hit, ‘I Believe In Joe Hendry,’ as superior. ‘We may cross paths at some point,’ he teased, hinting at a potential future feud.
A Life-Changing Conversation and Strategic Patience
Hendry’s path to WWE was shaped by a pivotal conversation with wrestling legend William Regal during a 2014 Raw episode, where he worked as an extra. ‘That conversation with William Regal was probably one of the most important moments in my career,’ he shared, explaining how it guided his decisions in the business.
He revealed that opportunities to join WWE arose earlier, such as during the 2016 United Kingdom Championship Tournament, but he felt unready. ‘I personally don’t think I was ready to be in WWE at that point,’ Hendry explained, emphasizing his need to travel and hone his skills globally before making the leap.
Inspiration from The Miz and Future Goals
Hendry credits The Miz as a major inspiration, admiring his resilience and professionalism. ‘He might be the most underrated wrestler of all time,’ he said, highlighting The Miz’s Grand Slam achievements and personal conduct as benchmarks for his own career.
Now, as NXT Champion, Hendry is committed to elevating the brand. ‘My goal was to become NXT champion, and now that I’ve done that, I have a responsibility to help and try to elevate NXT and take it to the next level,’ he affirmed, refusing to rest on his laurels and vowing to continue honing his skills daily at the Performance Centre.
