Joe Hendry’s meteoric rise appears to be taking him straight to the blue brand. According to a new report from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful, the former TNA World Champion has officially signed a contract with WWE this year, and internal discussions are already placing him on the main roster rather than a prolonged stint in NXT. The report indicates that Hendry is being discussed as a permanent fixture on SmackDown as the show transitions back to a three-hour format on the USA Network starting next week.
The interest from the USA Network is reportedly a significant factor in this decision. Hendry has proven to be a ratings mover and a viral sensation, making him an attractive asset for the network as they look to fill the expanded runtime. Hendry is already scheduled to appear on this Friday’s episode of SmackDown, where he will step into the ring against The Miz. This match stems from a confrontation involving R-Truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event earlier this month, continuing a storyline that has bridged the gap between his previous freelance status and his new contract.
Reports surfaced in mid-November that the 37-year-old star had signed a full-time deal at a main roster level, effectively ending his tenure with TNA Wrestling. This move caps off a breakout year for the “Prestigious One,” who made his WWE main roster debut as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble back in January. He continued to build momentum with a high-profile fill-in appearance for an injured Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 42 in April, where he teamed with Randy Orton. Throughout the year, Hendry has been a frequent presence on NXT television and live events, and even worked select main roster house shows in August during the company’s overseas tour.
Hendry’s ability to connect with audiences through his musical entrances and charismatic promos has made him one of the most talked-about wrestlers of 2025. His transition to SmackDown suggests that WWE sees him as a ready-made star capable of contributing immediately to major storylines. The move to a three-hour SmackDown beginning January 2, 2026, requires a deeper roster to sustain the additional hour of content, and Hendry’s versatility fits that need perfectly.
As SmackDown prepares for its expanded format, the addition of Joe Hendry adds a fresh dynamic to the show. The brand is currently headlined by the likes of Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, but the mid-card and upper-mid-card scenes are ripe for new blood. Hendry’s first official match as a contracted SmackDown superstar against The Miz will likely serve as a litmus test for his positioning on the card moving forward. With the Royal Rumble rapidly approaching, Hendry could be poised for a significant push as WWE kicks off the road to WrestleMania.
