Joe Hendry expected to be WWE bound in 2026

One of the hottest Internet sensations in wrestling is rumored to be WWE-bound. Jon Alba took to social media on Thursday to state that Hendry’s time is winding down in TNA as most expect him to transition to WWE.

“While many fans have speculated Joe Hendry is officially under WWE contract, that is not the case,” Alba posted. “However, sources indicate he is being phased off of TNA TV, as he’s expected to be WWE-bound full-time by the beginning of 2026.”

Joe Hendry has been a mainstay on WWE NXT since WWE and TNA announced the multi-year partnership. He first popped up back in 2024, taking part in the NXT Number One Contender Battle Royal as a surprise entrant. Since then, he’s been a more frequent talent on the show, even taking on Randy Orton at WrestleMania as the replacement for Kevin Owens.

The opinions about Hendry’s use in WWE range across the spectrum. There are some who think he’s been squandered, almost buried in a sense. Then there’s the school of thought that these featured slots have been successful in introducing him to the WWE Universe and making him a coveted talent once his TNA contract ends. The latter seems more in line, especially looking at the point that so many wrestlers do not get to appear on WrestleMania, and Hendry had a huge spot this year.

In October 2024, Fightful Select reported on the early speculation about Hendry’s WWE potential.

When the multi-year partnership between TNA and WWE was initially announced, many wondered if this would lead to an “easier” path for TNA wrestlers to become contracted WWE performers. Jordynne Grace is the biggest name to make that jump, but she was rumored for that change long before the partnership was announced. Hendry would be the next biggest name to make that change.

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