Someone in Las Vegas must have said the same of the TNA World Heavyweight Champion, as Joe Hendry has stepped up to Randy Orton’s open challenge at WrestleMania.
Orton was set to face Kevin Owens until a few weeks ago when the Canadian pulled himself out of the match, needing neck surgery.
Hendry is not believed to be under contract with the WWE as he continues to make appearances with the promotion.
Hendry’s last appearance with the WWE came at its last ‘big-four’ event at the Royal Rumble in February.
The TNA champion was a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble match, entering at No 15 before being eliminated by Roman Reigns.
A number of names were rumored to be stepping up to Orton’s challenge, including SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, as well as returning names such as Omos and Rusev. Yet, the outsider took the coveted spot.
Orton was set to face Kevin Owens until a few weeks ago when the Canadian pulled himself out
TNA’s Joe Hendry was revealed to be Orton’s surprise opponent at WrestleMania in Las Vegas
Hendry’s profile in professional wrestling as skyrocketed over the last several months, with it being no more evident than being the main beneficiary of WWE’s talent partnership with TNA.
Talents from the WWE have been confined to developmental brand NXT outside of Hendry, who is also the only TNA talent to main event a WWE show.
Orton won the match, which was the quickest of WrestleMania thus far with an RKO after Hendry did his signature turn-around pose in the ring.
After the match was won, Orton helped Hendry to his feet and let the crowd salute him before dropping him with another RKO.
Orton is tied for third all-time in the WWE in world-title reigns with 14 championship wins with Triple H. Only John Cena and Ric Flair are ahead of him.
