Joe Hendry, currently making waves in TNA, has had an intriguing journey in the world of professional wrestling, marked by several appearances in WWE early in his career. Hendry, who recently competed in a #1 Contenders Battle Royal on “WWE NXT” to determine Trick Williams’ next challenger for the “NXT” title, has shared insights into his past experiences with WWE.
Hendry, known for his charismatic persona and becoming an internet sensation with his catchy theme song, has been wrestling since 2013. Despite his current success, he recalls his humble beginnings and various roles in WWE. One of his recurring roles was as part of Adam Rose’s “Rosebuds,” a group of eccentric followers who accompanied Rose to the ring. Speaking on “Insight,” Hendry revealed that he was a frequent Rosebud, making multiple appearances during house shows and live events.
“I’m a seven or eight-time Rosebud at this point, many times because there were the house shows as well,” Hendry recounted. However, his most notable WWE appearance came when he portrayed Rusev and Lana’s lawyer on an episode of “WWE Smackdown.” This role allowed Hendry to cut a promo, a rare opportunity for someone not on the main roster. “I was actually Rusev and Lana’s lawyer at one point as well which was crazy because if you think about how few people get mic time on ‘Raw’ and ‘Smackdown,’ I cut a 90-second promo as their lawyer on I think it was Smackdown in Liverpool,” Hendry explained.
The Scottish wrestler shared that the opportunity arose somewhat unexpectedly. William Regal, a respected figure in WWE, had always advised the talent to step up when given a chance. Hendry took this advice to heart when he was asked to audition for the role of Rusev and Lana’s lawyer. The catch? He had to perform the role with a Russian accent. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Hendry spent the entire day perfecting his Russian accent and memorizing the script provided by WWE.
“I was asked to do a Russian accent for the role and that I’d be competing against other candidates for the part,” Hendry said. “I spent the rest of the day Googling how to do a Russian accent and memorized the entire script that WWE had given to me, which resulted in Hendry getting picked because he showed that he was prepared.”
Hendry’s dedication and preparation paid off, and he was selected for the role, delivering a convincing performance that earned him recognition and valuable screen time. This experience, along with his time as a Rosebud, provided Hendry with insights into the workings of WWE and helped shape his career.
Looking back, Hendry appreciates the opportunities and the learning experiences these early roles provided. They allowed him to hone his craft, develop his on-screen persona, and gain exposure in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling. As he continues to rise in TNA, these past experiences in WWE serve as a testament to his perseverance and talent.
Stephen’s Insight
Joe Hendry’s reflections on his early WWE appearances offer a fascinating glimpse into the journey of a professional wrestler. His story highlights the importance of seizing opportunities, being prepared, and constantly striving to improve. Hendry’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to embrace various roles have undoubtedly contributed to his success. His journey is an inspiring reminder that even seemingly minor roles can be stepping stones to greater achievements.
