Joe Hendry stunned fans with his surprise appearance in the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match, once again highlighting the partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling. On the Ariel Helwani Show, Hendry shared his disbelief that his role in the match didn’t leak. Hendry also shared that he was able to receive advice from some of WWE’s very top sars, including Cody Rhodes and CM Punk.
“I said, ‘If you guys were me, how would you approach this?’ I got great advice. I have to tell you, I don’t know if he would want me to say this, but The Miz is awesome. These guys go out of their way to help you succeed.”
After three minutes in the match, Hendry was eliminated by Roman Reigns, robbing fans of a chance to see the TNA World Champion share the ring with John Cena. Hendry has been vocal about wanting to face Cena on the WWE icon’s retirement tour, though a match has yet to be announced. On the show, the Scottish star recalled speaking with Cena at the Royal Rumble.
“What he made clear is that, if I want that match to happen, it’s on my shoulders. I have to make it happen and I have to generate the interest to make it happen. It was almost like a challenge.”
Hendry is willing to put in the work to make the idea of a Cena-showdown “one of the most compelling matchups in professional wrestling.” Cena would also come up short in the Men’s Royal Rumble and would be the last Superstar eliminated by the winner Jey Uso. Now, Cena’s attention turns towards Elimination Chamber, but Joe Hendry remains eager to face the 16-time World Champion on the final year of the WWE icon’s career.