Randy Orton Handpicked Joe Hendry As His WWE WrestleMania 41 Opponent

TNA World Champion Joe Hendry was selected by Randy Orton to be the 14-time world champion's opponent at WrestleMania 41.

Orton was originally scheduled to face Kevin Owens at WrestleMania but that match ended up being scrapped because of KO's neck injury. This led to Orton hosting an open challenge at WrestleMania, which was answered by Joe Hendry.

Multiple names were considered for the open challenge spot, including Jeff Hardy and Uncle Howdy, according to Cory Hays of PWN/Bodyslam. Hendry ultimately received the spot, though, after he was handpicked by Orton to be his WrestleMania opponent. Orton is said to be a fan of Hendry and his work.

Hendry's three-minute match with Orton was an even contest, with Hendry only losing after he spun straight into an RKO from out of nowhere.

There was some criticism for the match, with some fans expressing their view that it was a glorified squash. Joe Hendry himself and TNA talent disagreed with this opinion, however, with TNA wrestlers feeling the moment provided the promotion with more exposure.

In addition to selecting Joe Hendry as his opponent, Randy Orton has also criticised the price of WrestleMania 41 tickets, calling the cost "embarrassing."

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