TNA World Champion Joe Hendry revealed details of a meaningful conversation with John Cena during his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. The discussion took place backstage at the 2025 Royal Rumble, where Hendry made a surprise appearance representing TNA.
As soon as I won this championship, the next day, I’m calling out John Cena. The same way I believed I would be in the Royal Rumble, I believe that I will wrestle John Cena this year. There is no doubt. I had the opportunity to tell John Cena that. We had a one-on-one conversation. It was awesome. He is the greatest. Basically, what he did say is the fortune favors the gold. What he made clear is that, if I want that match to happen, it’s on my shoulders. I have to make it happen and I have to generate the interest to make it happen. It was almost like a challenge. Aside from that, he gave me some great advice. With all the chaos of the Rumble going on, John Cena sat down with me and had a long meaningful conversation where he could have used that time to think about what he was doing. Instead, he invested the time to talk to me. I think he may see something in me, but I have to prove myself. I have to put myself in a position where me vs. John Cena is one of the most compelling matchups in professional wrestling.
Hendry participated in the 2025 men’s Royal Rumble match, representing TNA as part of the ongoing partnership between TNA and WWE. His appearance in the match lasted less than three minutes.