Backstage News On Joe Hendry Facing Randy Orton At WWE WrestleMania 41

In one of the more unexpected moments in WWE WrestleMania history, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry answered Randy Orton’s open challenge, Hendry facing Orton at WrestleMania 41 Night Two.

Orton was without a match after planned opponent Kevin Owens had to withdraw due to injury, with Hendry appearing to a monster pop inside Allegiant Stadium after Orton officially threw out his challenge on Mania Night Two. According to a report from Fightful Select, Hendry was approached by WWE to wrestle Orton when news of Owens’ injury was confirmed.

Hendry remains under contract to TNA, although the report states his contract is up within the next year, with Hendry acquiring representation to handle his affairs whatever his next move may be. Many within TNA were apparently in the dark over Hendry’s Mania appearance, allegedly only finding out about the plans the day of WrestleMania.

The match is easily the highest profile point in the ongoing WWE/TNA relationship, with many long-term fans never expecting the TNA World Championship to ever appear at a WrestleMania event. With his performance, Hendry becomes the first ever contracted TNA talent to wrestle on a WrestleMania card.

Cultaholic is now on WhatsApp! Follow us here. Sign up to the Cultaholic Wrestling Newsletter now.