The ongoing collaboration between WWE and TNA added a thrilling new chapter this past weekend as Joe Hendry made a surprise appearance at the WWE NXT live event held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center in Orlando, Florida. Hendry’s unexpected involvement energized the crowd and sparked speculation about future opportunities within WWE programming.
Joe Hendry, known for his charismatic presence and accomplishments in Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), appeared in the event’s main attraction—a high-profile eight-man tag team match. Hendry teamed up alongside NXT stars Hank Walker, Tank Ledger, and Shiloh Hill to battle a formidable opposition in a dynamic match that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. This surprise involvement marks an intriguing development in the WWE–TNA relationship.[5]
According to sources close to WWE backstage, Hendry’s appearance is part of the ongoing talent-sharing and cross-promotional efforts between the two companies. “Joe’s addition to the NXT live event was very well-received by fans. It shows WWE’s willingness to collaborate and give exposure to talented wrestlers who may previously have been under WWE’s radar,” a WWE insider revealed exclusively to Fightful.
Hendry’s background in TNA is notable for his multi-faceted skills as both a wrestler and entertainer, highlighted by his theatrical entrance music and wrestling IQ. His surprising NXT debut event follows his recent high-profile matches against the NXT Tag Team Champions, DarkState, which were heavily featured on WWE networks and online platforms such as ESPN, Peacock, and Netflix.[1][2] On September 9, Hendry was part of a competitive match with DarkState, further underscoring his rising significance in the wrestling scene.[3]
WWE.com’s official highlights and social media channels captured the excitement surrounding Hendry’s involvement, with fans praising his energy and the fresh dynamic he brought to the NXT roster. Video footage from the event shows Hendry’s resilience and teamwork, showcasing his adaptability within WWE’s signature style and storytelling approach.[2][3]
This crossover moment could pave the way for more TNA stars to feature on WWE’s NXT stage and possibly beyond, potentially enriching WWE’s talent pool while providing wrestlers new platforms to showcase their skills. Industry podcasts and interviews have discussed how such alliances offer benefits to all involved — wrestlers get increased exposure, while WWE gains fresh storylines and unique wrestling styles for their fans.
As of this writing, no official announcement has been made regarding Hendry’s longer-term status within WWE. However, insiders suggest alternatives like Hendry making more appearances on NXT TV tapings or even participating in future NXT TakeOver events.
From a fan perspective, Hendry’s surprise appearance creates buzz and raises anticipation for NXT’s upcoming live shows and televised events. Orlando, known for its passionate wrestling audience, witnessed firsthand the energy Hendry brings to the ring and the potential WWE sees in leveraging independent and TNA talent.
In summary, Joe Hendry’s surprise appearance at the WWE NXT live event on September 13, 2025, is an exciting moment in the evolving WWE-TNA partnership. It highlights WWE’s openness to collaboration and its strategy to diversify and strengthen the NXT brand with charismatic, proven talents. Fans will surely watch closely to see what Hendry’s next moves within WWE might be as this story continues to unfold.
Reported by Perplexity Wrestling News — leveraging exclusive WWE insights and official event coverage.