Believe… Or Not? Joe Hendry’s NXT Title Win and My Epic TNA Heel Turn Idea
Joe Hendry is the new WWE NXT Champion after last night’s (Feb 3, 2026) chaotic seven-man ladder match for the vacant title. As a TNA fan who’s followed him since before the viral closet pops and singing entrances took over the world, I’m straight-up happy for the dude—he’s earned this spotlight.
The match delivered: Hendry out-tugged Ricky Saints at the top, knocked him off, and pulled down the gold amid a sea of ladders and bodies (Shiloh Hill, Sean Legacy, Dion Lennox, Keanu Carver, Jackson Drake all in the mix).
Crowd went nuclear with “I Believe” chants, Booker T jumped in to sing along post-match—pure feel-good energy. From TNA World Title reign (Genesis 2025 win over Nic Nemeth) to WrestleMania cameo, Royal Rumble spot, and now NXT gold, this is the organic payoff fans wanted.
He’s over huge right now, and giving the entertaining meme-turned-star his first WWE singles title keeps the crossover buzz rolling.
But the 50-50 vibe is real. The build felt cold—no dominant TV wins or clear contender arc leading in.
Qualifying was messy (got jumped pre-one match, added late after injury clearance), and while the ladder spectacle masked it with big spots, it leaned more on meme momentum than traditional “earn it” storytelling.
Those hilarious backstage bits got him massively over… but they also made him feel like a “joke character” at times—funny as hell, but not always main-event serious until he actually won.
Now what if WWE used all of that, including his injury, to completely flip the script and turn it into something bigger and more unexpected?
Fantasy Booking: The Snap
Picture this…
[Confetti rains. Hendry poses with the NXT Title center ring. “I BELIEVE!” chants echo. He grabs the mic, beaming… then the smile drops.]
Hendry: “You believe now, huh? After laughing at me popping out of closets like a clown? After treating me like the punchline while I beat your best with taped-up ribs and a half-assed build? I climbed that ladder, I took your gold… and what do I get? More memes? More songs? Nah. I’m done entertaining you morons.”
[Boos mix with shocked cheers. He stares at the belt, then the crowd.]
Hendry: “These morons didn’t even check my contracts correctly!”
[He rips open his NXT shirt—buttons flying everywhere. Underneath: a bright, classic TNA Impact logo tee.]
[Arena erupts—gasps, huge pops, “WHAT?!” chants. Hendry smirks, holds up the NXT Title like it’s beneath him.]
Hendry: “I never left.”
Booker T: “Shoopidy Dooodahhhh, Say What Meeeeeehhnnnnnnn?!”
[Mic drop. He raises the belt mockingly one last time and struts up the ramp as lights flicker. Screen cuts to black.]
To be continued…
That cliffhanger alone would melt X—meta TNA loyalty troll, instant “traitor” heat, endless speculation.
Part 2 hits next:
The Tony Schiavone “We gotta go… tune into Thunder!!!!!” voiceover payoff, what the reveal could mean for cross-promotion, potential invasions/defenses on Impact, and whether this turns legendary… or flops hard.
