Ranking The Top 20 Best Characters, Gimmicks In Wrestling

11. Joe Hendry: WCPW, ICW, Elsewhere In The UK

There are so many good arrogant heels in wrestling today, but it’s hard to think of someone who fills this role more perfectly than Joe Hendry. The self-proclaimed “Local Hero”, Hendry once cut a scathing promo on ICW fans, explaining why he refers to himself by that moniker before essentially turning his back on the fans.

In WCPW, the story Hendry told with Martin Kirby was both hard-to-watch, because Kirby suffered a legitimate injury in the match, but Hendry used it as an opportunity to show how good he is at getting heat. His betrayal of his own hero, Kurt Angle, was also quite jarring.

Hendry just has this presence about him, and “The Prestigious One” always makes sure he’s the center of attention. Hell, he even once challenged the friggin’ Rock to a WCPW title match. Now that takes some swagger!

Of course, those familiar with Hendry aren’t surprised with this swagger, because the man loves referring to himself in the third person as “The Prestigious One”. A great example of this? When he decided to hire his own intern.

His ability to manipulate the crowd is also impeccable. “You people don’t know what professional wrestling is!” and “That’s why you’re behind the barricades and I’m in this ring!” are examples of lines that really got to the crowd.

All of his justifications for his actions, in addition to his self-entitlement, make him a tremendous heel, so when a babyface, such as Alberto El Patron, goes after him, the interaction is more meaningful for the crowd. But of course, Hendry will always make sure he gets his shot in no matter what the babyface says, including calling himself a “legend” on the level of Angle.