As Cody Rhodes anticipated a few days ago, the latest episode of WWE NXT featured talent from outside the brand. Following in the footsteps of Jordynne Grace, Joe Hendry and Frankie Kazarian made an appearance on WWE’s third-brand television programming, with somewhat mixed luck.
Both talents were part of a battle royal to determine the next challenger for the NXT Maximum Championship in Heatwave. Hendry surprised the fans in the Performance Center, who quickly recognized him. The former Impact/TNA Digital Media champion held a brief promo before stepping into the ring, promising that he would not only win tonight but also win the title. However, much to everyone’s surprise, Hendry suffered an elimination just seconds after the match began.
As soon as he entered the ring, Ethan Page and Hendry started an argument. Oro Mensah burst onto the scene to attack “All Ego” for another week, just after the referee rang the bell. Hendry watched as both men took their fight to ringside and turned to challenge the rest of the participants. Kazarian soon lunged at him, followed by the rest. Finally, Kazarian took it upon himself to eject him from the ring, causing a negative reaction from the fans, who did not hesitate to chant, “This is s**!”
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This has led to a lot of fantasy bookings on social media, and one truly makes a lot of sense as it earned the support of the fans. What’s the booking? Well, it involves Joe Hendry and the debut of the Wyatt Sicks.
The IWC thinks that Joe Hendry might replace a major WWE superstar in Money in the Bank
A user on Twitter uploaded a post that shared the theory behind the appearance and early elimination of Joe Hendry. According to the user, Hendry might’ve been a part of the Battle Royale just to see the reactions of the fans. And given the fact that he said that he’s ready for “any place, any show,” maybe the WWE might book him for the Money in the Bank qualifiers.
Walk with me for a sec……
WWE had Joe Hendry in the Battle Royal to test his reaction with fans. Which is why he got eliminated so quickly.
Then he goes on to say “any place, ANY SHOW”.
What if he replaces Chad Gable in the MitB qualifier on Raw?👀 A proper match. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/eZzILSgDsF
— #WeWantCody (@WeWantCody_) June 19, 2024
And in order to do so, he would be replacing none other than Chad Gable. Gable seemingly died after being attacked by the Wyatt Sicks. So Hendry might replace him and earn his spot in the MITB. And a majority of the fans are truly in support of this theory.
That’d be a great idea since he got taken out by the Wyatt Sick6
— Randy N ☮️ (@randyn825) June 19, 2024
Pink on whoa whoa! Whoa! Whoa whoa. We haven't gotten a update of Chad Gable. If he's you know injured or probably dead only they cannot let that on TV. Then they can let a TNA Superstar take his place. We just have to wait
— Gwendolyn Turner (@Gwendol11034072) June 19, 2024
Imagine they play the death of Gabel. Have hendry come in to lead team alpha. Give then new meaning something to believe in. Then have gabel return setting up a joe hendry vs Gabel feud
— Brandon 🇺🇲😜 (@XBOXimp8783) June 19, 2024
However, some fans were still skeptical. While they did want Hendry to be a part of the qualifiers, it is worth noting that the TNA star is already booked for a fight at Burning Heart pro-wrestling this weekend in the UK. This makes it difficult for him to appear on WWE programming as well.
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I love the idea but I believe he's already booked for @burningheartpw this weekend in the UK.
— Leader of the Alameiniacs (@citygunzals) June 19, 2024
Even if this would happen, which realistically- no malice meant, it won't
He has an Indy booking Fri-Sat-Sun in the UK, I don't think its possible for him to be back in time.
— Cam (@16Cam_) June 19, 2024
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In a video posted on social media, a furious Hendry directly rebuked Shawn Michaels, pointing out that it was not fair for 24 men to unite against him to eliminate him. Joe assured him that he could prove himself worth anywhere and on any show. So what better than the WWE’s main shows? What do you think? Will the WWE replace Gable with Hendry? Let us know in the comments.