Joe Hendry’s role in the upcoming WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown event has been officially confirmed: the Scottish star will serve as the special guest referee for the men’s eight-man tag-team elimination match. This announcement adds a new layer of intrigue to the cross-promotional event slated for October 7, 2025, where Hendry’s impartiality will be a major talking point given his unique position straddling both WWE and TNA Wrestling[1][3][6].
A Pivotal Role for Joe Hendry at Showdown
The WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown is set to feature a high-stakes men’s elimination tag-team match between Team NXT and Team TNA. While Hendry won’t compete inside the ring, his appointment as the special guest referee places him at the center of the action, entrusted with enforcing the rules in a match guaranteed to showcase top talent from both promotions.
Team NXT will consist of WWE NXT Champion Ricky Starks, TNA World Champion Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Myles Borne. Opposing them will be Team TNA members Moose, Leon Slater, Mike Santana, and Frankie Kazarian. Hendry’s impartiality will be closely watched, as fans speculate whether his allegiance lies more with WWE NXT, where he has appeared frequently, or with TNA, his home promotion[1][3].
The Significance of Hendry’s Dual Allegiance
Joe Hendry is one of the wrestling industry’s few stars currently active in both WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling. This dual presence stems from the ongoing working relationship between WWE and TNA, allowing talent exchanges which enhance storytelling and broaden character appeal.
Sources close to WWE and TNA confirm that Hendry’s position is transitional. While he is officially still under contract with TNA Wrestling, expectations are high that he will join WWE full-time in early 2026. His increasing visibility on WWE NXT TV and sporadic main roster appearances—including the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 41—underscore this trajectory[2][4].
A WWE insider shared, “Joe’s role as guest referee at Showdown is both a test and a showcase. It’s an opportunity to see how he handles pressure in front of large, passionate crowds while navigating this unique cross-promotional environment. Everyone is watching closely to see where his future lies.”
Background: Hendry’s Career and Impact
Joe Hendry has forged an impressive professional wrestling career, blending in-ring skill with a charismatic persona shaped by his background as a musician. He first gained prominence in the UK indie scene, notably with Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW), and established himself internationally through stints with Ring of Honor and TNA/Impact Wrestling.
As of 2025, he has made history as the first TNA World Champion to participate in WWE’s Royal Rumble and compete at WrestleMania, milestones that highlight his growing mainstream appeal. His amateur wrestling credentials further enhance his in-ring credibility, having represented Scotland in freestyle wrestling at the Commonwealth Games[4].
This blend of athleticism, character work, and established fan following makes Hendry a valuable asset for both promotions as they build towards the Showdown event and beyond.
What to Expect at WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown
The Showdown event isn’t just about Joe Hendry’s referee duties. It’s designed to highlight the ongoing rivalry and cooperation between WWE’s NXT brand and TNA Wrestling. Besides the men’s elimination match, the card features:
- A women’s elimination tag-team match with Jordynne Grace serving as special guest referee, mirroring Hendry’s role.
- A title vs. title clash between NXT Tag Team Champions Darkstate and TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys.
- The NXT North American Championship match pitting Ethan Page against Mustafa Ali[3][7].
Joe Hendry’s presence as referee adds an unpredictable element to the men’s match and emphasizes the partnership spirit driving the event.
The Road Ahead for Joe Hendry
The backstage consensus is that Hendry is poised to become a full-time WWE talent in 2026. His role at Showdown is seen as an important step in that transition, allowing WWE officials to evaluate his performance in a key officiating role amid a marquee inter-promotional matchup.
TNA President Carlos Silva recently reaffirmed Hendry’s current status as a TNA star but acknowledged the evolving nature of his career: “Joe represents the best of what TNA can offer to the wrestling world. We are proud to have him, even as he increasingly gains exposure on WWE platforms. His professional growth benefits all parties involved.”
For wrestling fans, this means watching Hendry operate in the eye of the storm at Showdown is not just about the event itself but also a preview of his future trajectory within WWE.
Final Thoughts
Joe Hendry’s confirmation as the special guest referee for the upcoming WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown match adds a compelling subplot to this landmark event. His balancing act between two promotions, combined with his growing prominence on WWE programming, makes him a central figure to watch.
With his cross-promotional duties symbolizing the bridging of WWE and TNA, Hendry’s involvement is more than a backstage formality—it’s a narrative linchpin for a new era of cooperation and competition in professional wrestling.
Fans should anticipate an intense and unpredictable men’s elimination match on October 7, where Hendry’s role both inside and outside the ring will be crucial in deciding the outcome. The spotlight is firmly on him.
Stay tuned for live coverage and exclusive updates from WWE NXT vs. TNA Showdown.