It’s safe to say that Joe Hendry is one of the most entertaining and charismatic wrestlers in the business right now. In an unexpected turn of events at TNA Genesis on January 17, 2026, Hendry stepped in to replace Leon Slater in the X-Division Championship match.
Originally scheduled to defend his title against Cedric Alexander and Moose, Slater’s absence due to visa issues created an opportunity for Hendry to shine—and he certainly didn’t waste it.
The match, originally set to feature Slater’s high-flying offense and technical skill, turned into a brutal contest between Hendry, Alexander, and the towering Moose. Hendry wasn’t just a filler for Slater—he stepped up and claimed victory, leaving a memorable mark on the evening.
A Scary Moment for Moose
The match took a potentially dangerous turn when Hendry launched Moose with a back body drop that sent him crashing onto the steel steps. The moment had the crowd holding its breath as Moose appeared to be in serious pain.
Ringside doctors and even TNA President Carlos Silva rushed to check on his condition. After a tense moment of concern, Moose was able to return to the match, showing the resilience of a seasoned veteran.
Despite the injury scare, the match continued with Hendry and Alexander battling it out, while occasionally checking on Moose. The action picked up once Moose re-entered the fray, delivering some high-impact moves, including a superplex.
A Back-and-Forth Battle: Hendry, Alexander, and Moose
As the match progressed, Hendry and Alexander put on a hard-hitting contest. Hendry delivered a powerbomb to Moose and followed it with his signature spin pose, much to the delight of the fans. However, when he turned around, he was met by Alexander’s Death Valley Driver.
The match became even more intense when Alexander slapped on a crossface submission, trying to make Hendry tap. The tension was palpable, and just when it seemed like Hendry might submit, Moose made a dramatic save, breaking up the submission and keeping the match alive.
In a true moment of high drama, Alexander rolled Moose into a Styles Clash, a move that brought some debate on who executed it better—Alexander or Top Dolla (who performed the same move earlier in the show). Rich Swann, who had been part of the match’s undercard, even countered a second Styles Clash into a Canadian Destroyer, adding to the high-octane action of the night.
Moose’s Moment and Hendry’s Opportunistic Win
It looked like Moose was going to make a comeback despite his back injury, delivering a devastating spear to Alexander mid-air. He set up for a second spear, but in a dramatic twist, Moose’s back gave out, which allowed Alexander to counter with the Lumbar Check.
As the match neared its conclusion, Hendry was in the right place at the right time. After Alexander hit the Lumbar Check, Hendry was quick to capitalize, nailing Alexander with his Standing Ovation slam to claim the victory and the X-Division Championship.
What Does This Win Mean for Hendry and TNA?
Hendry’s victory came as a surprise in the best way possible. The win was a feel-good moment for the fans, celebrating the underdog’s rise to the top. However, there are some interesting storylines to consider in the aftermath.
From a TNA booking perspective, Hendry’s win adds intrigue to the division, but it also raises some questions. With Leon Slater being absent, it’s clear that the original plan would have likely seen Slater retain the title.
Alexander’s loss and Moose’s injury storyline allow both men to stay strong, while Hendry gets a moment to shine before likely moving on from TNA to focus on his work in NXT.
This match could have been part of a larger storyline that TNA would have run even if Slater had been present. But with Hendry as the surprise victor, fans are left wondering whether Slater will now be tasked with taking on Hendry in a future title match.
Hendry’s Future: NXT and Beyond
Joe Hendry’s time in TNA might be short-lived, especially with his current involvement in NXT. His run in NXT suggests he might occasionally make appearances in TNA, but as he moves up the ranks in WWE, it’s clear that his best years are ahead of him.
The match was well-executed, and Hendry’s victory only enhances his appeal to WWE’s creative team, particularly as he prepares for a larger role in NXT and potentially even on the main roster in the future.
