Joe Hendry Discusses When He Found Out About Wrestling Randy Orton at Wrestlemania 41

Joe Hendry is one of the most popular wrestlers not signed to either WWE or AEW right now as the TNA World Champion has already had a major year. One of the biggest moments in his career so far was wrestling at Night 2 of Wrestlemania 41, when he answered Randy Orton’s open challenge. While a few names were speculated ahead of the match, very few predicted that he would answer the call. Let’s take a look at what he revealed about finding out about making his Wrestlemania debut.

When did Joe Hendry Find Out about Wrestlemania vs. Randy Orton?

While on “The Ariel Helwani Show”, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry explained when he found out about facing “The Apex Predator” at Wrestlemania 41.

“I found out about [Wrestlemania] a week before. I had to  sit on this for a week. I got a text from Triple H, saying, can you talk… Triple H says, ‘Listen, I’m sure you’re aware that, Randy needs an opponent.’ And yeah, that threw me off completely. I was in a state of shock, but I just knew there was a job to be done… It was a huge moment for me, and what an honor to share the ring with Randy Orton.”

Below is the full clip that was shared from “The Ariel Helwani Show”:

“I found out about [WrestleMania] a week before. I had to sit on this for a week. I got a text from Triple H, saying, can you talk… Triple H says, ‘Listen, I’m sure you’re aware that, Randy needs an opponent.’ And yeah, that threw me off completely. I was in a state of shock,… pic.twitter.com/ztW5WbV1t5

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 23, 2025

Joe Hendry answered Randy Orton’s open challenge as Orton was set to face Kevin Owens. However, a neck injury would cause Owens to withdraw from the match a few weeks before Wrestlemania and the match was changed to an open challenge. It will be interesting to see if WWE will use Hendry more on the main roster, as they have a partnership with TNA Wrestling.