Joe Hendry’s journey to the top of WWE NXT was not quick or easy. Earlier this month, he slowly climbed a ladder and pulled down the NXT Championship, marking his first major title win under the WWE banner. The moment felt symbolic. Every step up that ladder represented years of struggle, growth, and belief in himself.
Hendry has been wrestling professionally since 2013. Over the years, he has worked across different promotions worldwide, slowly building a character that fans could connect with. Today, he is not just holding a championship belt — he is carrying the responsibility of leading a brand.
Joe Hendry’s Long Road to the Top
Joe Hendry did not become a top star overnight. He spent years on the independent circuit, performing in front of small crowds and perfecting his craft.
There was a turning point in his career around 2020 or 2021. He wrestled at a small independent show in Newcastle, England, in front of about 200 people. After performing one of his comedy-style entrances, the crowd loved it. That night, Hendry made a decision — even if 200 people were the biggest audience he would ever perform for, he would give it his absolute best.
That mindset changed everything.
Once he stopped worrying about how big he would get and focused purely on entertaining fans and improving himself, doors began to open. His confidence grew, and so did his career.
What Being NXT Champion Really Means
Winning the WWE NXT Championship is more than just lifting a title.
Hendry understands that clearly.
He explained that being champion comes with pressure:
- You must help improve ticket sales.
- You need to care about television ratings.
- You have to lead the locker room by example.
- You must protect the value of the championship.
He wants his title reign to be remembered as one that elevated both the championship and the brand.
In simple words, Hendry is not just focused on winning matches. He is thinking like a true top star.
Learning from the Best
Hendry also shared that he pays close attention to numbers. When he arrives at a live event, one of his first questions is about ticket sales — what was the attendance last time, and how does it compare now?
He learned this habit from stars like:
- CM Punk
- John Cena
Top wrestlers do not just focus on performance inside the ring. They think about business. They understand that drawing crowds is part of their job.
Hendry calls pressure a privilege. For him, having expectations placed on his shoulders means he has reached a level worth caring about.
The “Believe” Gimmick Was Not an Accident
One of the biggest reasons for Hendry’s rise is his “Believe” gimmick. His entrance song became popular worldwide, with fans singing along loudly at events.
Interestingly, much of it was carefully planned.
Hendry said he spent two full weeks writing his entrance song. That investment of time turned out to be one of the smartest moves of his career.
He also experimented with his look:
- Different colours of gear before settling on blue.
- Dyeing his hair blonde.
- Making his mannerisms bigger and more dramatic.
He expected fans to chant, “I believe in Joe Hendry,” but instead they started chanting, “We believe.” Rather than fight it, he embraced it. That connection with the audience helped his character grow naturally.
From Surprise Appearance to Champion
Last year, Hendry made a surprise appearance at WrestleMania as an opponent for Randy Orton. This year, he enters WrestleMania season as NXT Champion.
On a recent episode of WWE NXT, he celebrated his title win at the start of the show. By the end of the night, former champion Ricky Starks attacked him.
That is how fast things move in wrestling. One moment you are celebrating, and the next moment you are fighting to protect your spot.
Joe Hendry’s Championship Mindset at a Glance
| Key Focus Area | Hendry’s Approach |
|---|---|
| Performance | Entertain and improve every night |
| Business | Track ticket sales and ratings |
| Leadership | Lead by example in locker room |
| Character Work | Carefully crafted and audience-driven |
| Pressure | Sees it as a privilege |
