In a major development ahead of the highly anticipated NXT vs. TNA Showdown airing October 7, 2025, WWE has announced that former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry will serve as the special guest referee for the men’s Survivor Series-style elimination match. This pivotal announcement adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked card set to air live at 8 PM ET on The CW from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida[1][2].
Joe Hendry: From TNA Champion to Special Guest Referee
Joe Hendry’s arrival as special guest referee is surprising yet fitting given his unique history bridging both companies. Hendry gained widespread recognition after his memorable TNA Championship reign and a Royal Rumble appearance leading to a WrestleMania match against Randy Orton. WWE insiders say Hendry’s crossover appeal has been leveraged to heighten the stakes of the NXT vs. TNA feud.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the booking, “Joe brings legitimacy and intensity to this matchup. He’s seen as a game-changer who can keep the chaos in check while playing into his own narrative as a former TNA world champ.” The insider added that Joe’s involvement as referee was a late but carefully considered decision to elevate fan interest[2].
Details of the Men’s Survivor Series-Style Elimination Match
The men’s elimination match is shaping up to be the main event highlight of the Showdown, pitting multi-person teams from NXT and TNA against each other in a classic Survivor Series format—last man or team standing wins. With Joe Hendry officiating, the match promises drama, unpredictability, and an extra layer of tension as Hendry’s loyalties will be closely watched.
Team TNA members confirmed include Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater, while Team NXT will showcase stars like Ricky Saints, Trick Williams, Myles Borne, and Je’Von Evans[4][6]. This clear division elevates the sense of brand rivalry, and fans worldwide are eager to see which faction will come out on top.
NXT vs. TNA Showdown: What to Expect on October 7
This special event is a rare co-production between WWE’s NXT brand and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), designed as a one-off spectacular to air exclusively on The CW. Unlike conventional live ticketed WWE events, this show will be produced primarily for television with limited or no general public attendance, taking place in WWE’s Performance Center, a venue mainly used for training and smaller-scale productions[1][3].
The card features multiple high-profile contests besides the men’s elimination match, including:
Women’s team showdown between NXT’s Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, Lola Vice and TNA’s Kelani Jordan, The IInspiration, and Mara Sade[4].
A “Winner Takes All” tag team title bout pitting NXT Tag Team Champions DarkState against TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys[4].
NXT North American Champion Ethan Page defending his title against Mustafa Ali[4].
Joe Hendry’s appearance, though initially unbooked on either team, was hinted at by the wrestler himself who teased his “involvement at Showdown” by capitalizing on his past impact in the storylines connecting NXT and TNA[2][4].
Backstage Buzz and Fan Expectations
Sources close to the production reveal that Joe Hendry’s role as special guest referee could signal more than just neutral officiating. A WWE insider mentioned, “With Hendry’s TNA background, expect some storyline fireworks. There’s talk he might tilt the scales at critical moments, adding a fresh twist to this cross-promotional battle.”
The blend of wrestling styles between NXT’s newer generation and TNA’s established veterans creates a highly anticipated dynamic. Fans on social media have praised the booking of Hendry in an authoritative role, seeing it as a smart move to maintain suspense while respecting his standing in both wrestling communities.
Viewing Details: When and Where to Watch
The NXT vs. TNA Showdown airs live on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 8 PM ET (5 PM PT) on The CW network. The broadcast will originate from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Due to the TV-special nature, the event is tailored more for broadcast audiences rather than a traditional ticketed crowd[1][3].
International viewers can catch the action at late-night or early-morning times depending on their time zones, with UK viewers tuning in at 1 AM and further delayed airtimes for Europe, Asia, and Australia[1].
Final Thoughts
The announcement of Joe Hendry as the special guest referee marks a compelling twist in the NXT vs. TNA Showdown narrative. His presence promises to add depth and unpredictability to the men’s Survivor Series-style elimination match—a marquee fixture of this landmark co-branded event.
As WWE leverages talent like Hendry to bridge the gap between brands and generate buzz, fans are poised for a memorable evening packed with high-stakes wrestling, intense rivalries, and historic moments. Don’t miss the live action on October 7 exclusively on The CW.
“Joe Hendry is a perfect choice to oversee the men’s elimination match—his background commands respect and fans will be captivated by his role,” a WWE creative team member told us backstage. “We’re expecting sparks to fly and storylines to evolve from his involvement.”