Say his name at WWE WrestleMania 42? How Joe Hendry could be included next weekend | Column
Joe Hendry had everyone singing his entrance song before he even stepped foot in WWE.
After two months, he lost the NXT Championship at Stand & Deliver on April 12 in a fatal four-way match to Tony D’Angelo. If history is any indication, a popular talent losing a title so close to a PLE suggests a main roster move. But in Hendry’s case, it could set the stage for another WrestleMania moment.
Last year, Hendry was Randy Orton’s mystery opponent at WrestleMania 41 after Kevin Owens announced he needed to undergo a neck surgery in April 2025, pulling him from the match.
Here’s a few ways Joe Hendry could make his presence felt at WrestleMania 42:
A last minute addition to the Intercontinental title match
On the March 30 edition of Raw, Penta announced a ladder match at WrestleMania 42 for his Intercontinental Championship. Shortly after, WWE confirmed Je’Von Evans, Rusev and JD McDonagh as challengers. This week, Rey Mysterio returned and confirmed his participation in the bout.
Given Hendry’s popularity among the fanbase, he could easily be announced as a surprise addition. Even without a win, Hendry’s participation would be sufficient enough to re-introduce himself with the main roster audience on WWE’s biggest stage.
A surprise opponent for The Miz
At Saturday Night’s Main Event last December, R-Truth confronted The Miz and blamed him for stealing another wrestler’s spot in The Last Time Is Now tournament. He handed Miz a piece of paper with the correct participant’s name on it — Hendry, who appeared as soon as his name was said aloud.
A frustrated Miz lashed out at Hendry who dodged his strike. He teamed up with R-Truth for a comedic tribute to John Cena, using his signature “You can’t see me” taunt followed by a Standing Ovation by Hendry. It was not an official match, but Hendry pinned The Miz as Truth counted the fall.
In line with their brief encounter, WWE could promote The Miz for a match at WrestleMania 42. Whether pre-planned on SmackDown in a comedic altercation or directly at the PLE, a rematch of sorts between the two could lead to a showdown.
Involvement in the Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams United States title match
Zayn captured the United States Championship from Carmelo Hayes last month and is now set to defend against Trick Williams at WrestleMania. Hendry and Williams have history from NXT, most particularly associated with their TNA crossover feuds. At NXT Battleground in 2025, Williams defeated Hendry for the TNA World Championship.
Hendry’s interference in his first-ever WrestleMania match, potentially costing him the win, would immediately set up his first major SmackDown feud.
John Cena gives him a passing-of-the-torch moment
Cena is scheduled to host WrestleMania 42 and has consistently shown appreciation for emerging talent in WWE.
Hendry once revealed he bumped into Cena backstage soon after he won the undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 41. Cena praised Hendry’s performances at the Royal Rumble and last year’s Mania match against Randy Orton, later labeling Hendry as a “brilliant talent who is going to be a major player” during a Pat McAfee Show appearance.
WrestleMania 41 could provide the perfect stage for an interaction between the two, either backstage or in the ring, with Cena officially giving Hendry his stamp of approval and possibly welcoming him to the main roster.
Final thoughts
Joe Hendry has proven his ability to captivate audiences with his charisma, music and in-ring presence. With all eyes on WrestleMania 42 and his previous track record at the PLE, it would be a great spot for his official main roster transition. Even if it’s not an immediate shift, his presence alone would make for another memorable WrestleMania moment.
Rosanne Raphael is a wrestling writer with over three and a half years of experience covering all things related to the industry. From a kindergarten teacher to PR Associate to turning her lifelong passion for the industry into a career, Rosanne is currently writing for F4W Online where she focuses on wrestling news, analysis, and storytelling.
Rosanne previously contributed to Sportskeeda as an Assistant Content Manager.
When not consumed by wrestling, Rosanne is a musician and an aspiring artist.