Update on WWE’s immediate plans for Joe Hendry
Former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry officially signed a contract with WWE this year and a new report out Friday from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful has some updates on whether he will remain in NXT or head up to the main roster.
The outlets reported that there have been internal talks about Hendry becoming a fixture on the WWE SmackDown brand when it moves back to three hours next week with USA Network’s interest in Hendry playing a factor.
Hendry will appear on Friday’s SmackDown to take on The Miz following their confrontation at this month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event that also included R-Truth.
Reports emerged in mid-November that Hendry was officially under a full-time WWE contract at a main roster level and would no longer be involved in TNA.
The 37-year-old made his main roster debut this past January in the Royal Rumble and followed that up with a surprise fill-in appearance for the injured Kevin Owens at April’s WrestleMania against Randy Orton.
He has appeared frequently on NXT TV and NXT live events this year in addition to a handful of WWE August house shows overseas against The Miz.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.