The Big Picture: From YouTube Parodies to Raw Main Events
The wrestling world is witnessing a historic transition. Joe Hendry's meteoric rise from independent YouTube parodist to WWE Raw main-event player has shattered every traditional booking template. As documented by Wrestling Inc, the Scottish star continues to compare his current massive platforms to the milestones that defined his early career.
The Top 10 Countdown
10. The Early Parody Videos
Before the bright lights of Stamford, Hendry built his reputation on pure, unadulterated creativity on the UK independent circuit. His musical entrance parodies, mocking opponents to the tunes of pop classics, became viral sensations that separated him from the standard indie roster. While some traditionalists dismissed the comedy as a gimmick, it established a unique bond with crowds that most workrate-focused wrestlers never achieve. This creative independence laid the foundation for the character work that would later captivate major American television networks. It ranks at number ten because it was the proof of concept for the Hendry brand.
9. The 2018 Commonwealth Games
Wrestling fans often forget that Hendry's credentials extend far beyond theatrical entrances and catchy theme songs. In 2018, he represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, competing in the freestyle wrestling division. This legit athletic background gave Hendry a physical credibility that silenced critics who viewed him merely as an entertainer. In a business where authentic sporting pedigree is highly valued, this achievement placed him in elite company alongside former Olympians. It ranks at nine because it proved he could back up the talk with legitimate mat technique.
8. Facing Kurt Angle at WCPW Refuse to Lose 2016
This is where the trajectory changed forever. Hendry, just three years into his professional career, stood across the ring from Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle in front of a raucous Newcastle crowd on October 6, 2016. The match was a masterclass in star-making, with Jim Ross and Jim Cornette calling the action to elevate the young Scotsman. Although Angle emerged victorious, Hendry’s performance proved he belonged in the ring with all-time greats. This milestone remains the ultimate benchmark of his early career, proving that top-tier legends recognized his potential long before the corporate machine did.
I got the opportunity when I was only three years in the business to wrestle Kurt Angle... Jim Ross is commentating with Jim Cornette and I'm just thinking like this is ridiculous. I'm three years in the game and I thought to myself, I'll never have another moment in my career that's a jump like this ... I thought I'll never have another moment that's as crazy as that. But wrestling Randy Orton at WrestleMania as TNA World Champion before I was even signed to the company, that was just ridiculous. So, that's my all-time moment.
7. The 'I Believe in Joe Hendry' Virality
The summer of 2024 saw the birth of a genuine cultural phenomenon that changed the business. Hendry’s signature catchphrase and entrance theme took over social media, prompting crowds across rival promotions to sing along. The track even breached the mainstream, charting at number four on the official UK singles download charts in a stunning display of fan power. This was not just a wrestling bubble success; it was a mainstream crossover that forced major promoters to sit up and take notice. It sits at seven because it transformed him from a respected indie worker into a hot global commodity.
6. The TNA Digital Media Championship Win
While virality is fleeting, championship gold solidifies a wrestler's standing in the locker room. Hendry captured his first major singles title in TNA by defeating veteran Brian Myers for the Digital Media Championship in late 2022. He held the title for a grueling 266 days, defending it across multiple promotions and establishing himself as the workhorse of the brand. This lengthy reign proved to TNA management that he could carry a division and maintain audience interest over a sustained period. It ranks at six because it was his first taste of national television gold, bridging the gap between viral act and reliable champion.
5. Winning the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
The ultimate vindication arrived on January 20, 2025, when Hendry defeated Nic Nemeth at Genesis to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. The victory capped off a brilliant rise, placing the top title of a historic promotion around the waist of the Scottish star. His 126-day reign was characterized by grit, defending the gold against physical powerhouses like Hammerstone and Jake Something. It proved that Hendry was not just a comedy act; he was a box-office draw capable of leading a national roster. It ranks at five, serving as the ultimate launching pad for his subsequent WWE crossover.
4. Answering Randy Orton's WrestleMania 41 Open Challenge
The most shocking crossover of 2025 occurred when the TNA World Champion walked through the curtain at Allegiant Stadium to answer Randy Orton's open challenge. In front of over 70,000 screaming fans, Hendry brought the TNA partnership to the grandest stage of them all. Though the match lasted just over three minutes, the pop Hendry received rivaled the loudest reactions of the weekend. Following the bell, Orton performed Hendry's signature pose, giving the Scotsman an invaluable seal of approval. This moment ranks at four because it shattered the traditional boundaries between rival promotions on a global broadcast.
3. Signing the WWE NXT Contract
Behind the scenes, WWE executives moved quickly to secure the hottest free agent in the industry. Just six months after his WrestleMania showcase, Hendry signed a historic contract to join WWE NXT full-time in October 2025. This deal represented a massive coup for the brand, as Hendry chose the developmental system over lucrative offers from rival promotions. The signing immediately injected star power into the Tuesday night show, driving ratings and generating massive social media engagement. It ranks at three because it turned a temporary crossover experiment into a permanent reality.
2. Winning the WWE NXT Championship
The fast-track push culminated in February 2026 when Hendry defeated the brand's top champion to capture the NXT Championship. The victory marked an incredibly rapid ascent, taking less than five months from his signing to reach the mountain top. Hendry's championship win instantly elevated the title, bringing his massive fan base and mainstream appeal to the black-and-gold brand. While critics argued the title change came too quickly, the business metrics spoke for themselves with ticket sales and merchandise moving at record rates. It ranks at two because it solidified him as the face of WWE's future.
1. WWE Raw Call-Up and Feud with Seth Rollins
The pinnacle of Hendry's career arrived this month when he was officially drafted to WWE Raw and immediately entered a high-profile feud with Seth Rollins. To stand toe-to-toe on the microphone with one of the company's biggest stars is a privilege reserved only for the elite. Hendry has not looked out of place, exchanging verbal barbs and trading blows with 'The Vision' in main event segments. This feud has instantly positioned Hendry as a top-tier player on the flagship show, proving his appeal translates to the grandest weekly stage. It deservingly takes the number one spot as his ultimate transition into a certified main roster superstar.
The Critical Take: The Allegiant Stadium Misstep
While his WrestleMania surprise was a monumental moment for TNA-WWE relations, the actual execution left a lot to be desired. Booking Hendry to lose in just three minutes and twelve seconds to Randy Orton was a massive booking mistake by WWE. By presenting the TNA World Champion as a quick hurdle rather than a serious threat, they risked making both Hendry and his home promotion look secondary. While Orton's post-match pose helped soften the blow, the match length was a frustrating decision that threatened to stall a hot star's momentum.
Honorable Mentions
While the top ten captured the absolute peaks of his career, several moments narrowly missed the cut. His early run in Ring of Honor alongside Dalton Castle showed glimpses of his character work but lacked the creative freedom he enjoyed later. Additionally, his appearances on UK national television during the viral chart run in 2024 provided excellent exposure but were ultimately stepping stones to his in-ring success. Finally, his brief stint in World of Sport Wrestling in 2018 demonstrated his TV appeal but occurred in a promotion that lacked long-term stability.
