Joe Hendry. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Watch: TNA champion makes surprise appearance at WrestleMania 41

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Apr 20, 2025 9:19 PM ET

For the first time in the history of WrestleMania, a champion from TNA has appeared and competed in a match.

TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance during Night 2 of WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.

SAY HIS NAME
AND HE APPEARS
AT WRESTLEMANIA!
pic.twitter.com/QVhx4qZxuU
— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2025

As shown above, Hendry answered Randy Orton's open challenge and made his WrestleMania debut.

Hendry took the wrestling world by storm in late 2024 when he and several other TNA members appeared weekly on NXT. This time, it was on much bigger of a stage.

Unfortunately for Hendry, his night was short-lived as Orton hit his famous RKO finishing move and picked up the win over Hendry in quick and easy fashion.

RKO OUTTA NOWHERE

THANKS FOR COMING AHT JOE HENDRY#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/otRwvln3rz
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 21, 2025

With the recent partnership between WWE and TNA, it will not be a surprise to see superstars and champions from each promotion to continue to appear on both shows on a weekly basis.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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