Joe Hendry intervened as Randy Orton’s Open Challenge opponent to make a surprising appearance at WrestleMania 41. The current TNA World Champion received a major response from the Las Vegas crowd.
The encounter marked another milestone in Hendry’s role in the TNA-WWE partnership, following his previous stint at NXT and his participation in the Royal Rumble in 2025.
The match was short, but ended with Orton hitting RKO for the victory, but the post-match moments stood out. Orton raised Hendry’s hand with a gesture of respect. He concluded the segment by laughing at Hendry’s trademark provocation in the ring.
Orton was originally scheduled to face Kevin Owens at Wrestle Mania, but Owens was pulled out of the event after learning that neck surgery was required.
