TNA Champion calls surprise RKO spot a career highlight amid WWE partnership buzz
Summary
– Joe Hendry replaced Kevin Owens in a short WrestleMania 41 match vs. Randy Orton
– Hendry praised the experience, calling it fun and meaningful despite criticism
– WWE is expected to send a surprise star to TNA’s Rebellion event in return
Joe Hendry is pridefully embracing his brief—but memorable—WrestleMania 41 appearance. The TNA World Champion stepped in for Kevin Owens and faced Randy Orton in a surprise match that ended in just over three minutes with a signature RKO.
“I’m so proud of what we did out there,” Hendry told Ariel Helwani. “That shot of the spin around into the RKO, it’s now been made into a trading card. To walk into the ring in front of 60,000 people… it was a huge moment for me.”
Though some fans labeled the quick loss a “burial,” Hendry pushed back. “Ariel, if this is being buried, keep it coming,” he said. “We understood the assignment. At WrestleMania, we were the fun, the surprise. And Randy was amazing to work with.”
Hendry also noted Orton’s subtle show of respect after the match. “When Randy does my spin and his pose, that was him giving his seal of approval,” he explained.
Meanwhile, WWE may return the favor at TNA’s upcoming Rebellion pay-per-view on April 27. Dave Meltzer reported that a major WWE name—possibly Randy Orton or LA Knight—could appear at the event as part of the ongoing crossover.
Hendry will defend his TNA World Title in a triple threat against Frankie Kazarian and Ethan Page, but his WrestleMania moment has already made an impact far beyond three minutes.
Debut @WWE trading card with Randy Orton
Only 2 days left to buy from @Topps pic.twitter.com/oBMBIIN1gh
— Joe Hendry (@joehendry) April 23, 2025
