As the dust settles on John Cena’s historic and emotional retirement from professional wrestling in December 2025, some of wrestling’s most talented stars are coming forward to share their thoughts and feelings on the 17-time World Champion’s legacy. One such wrestler is Joe Hendry, who has finally broken his silence on the missed opportunity to face Cena before his retirement.
Hendry, a British wrestler known for his impressive in-ring skills and charismatic personality, has long been a fan favorite within the WWE universe. Despite his success in the company, Hendry’s biggest aspiration was to step into the ring with the legendary John Cena, a dream he unfortunately never got to fulfill before Cena’s retirement.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, Hendry shared his thoughts on why he never got the chance to face Cena before the latter’s retirement.
“I think it’s a combination of things,” Hendry said. “John Cena’s schedule was extremely hectic during that period, and he was always prioritizing his storylines and matches with the top guys. By the time I was ready to take on a top-tier opponent like Cena, he had already announced his retirement plans, and it was too late for us to make it happen.”
Hendry’s comments come as no surprise to those familiar with the WWE’s grueling schedule and the constant flux of storylines and match bookings. Despite his frustration at missing out on the opportunity to face Cena, Hendry remains optimistic about the future of his wrestling career.
“Although I didn’t get to face John Cena, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in the WWE,” Hendry said. “I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing talent and entertain fans all over the world. I’m excited to see what the future holds for me and my career.”
The WWE has a long history of creating compelling storylines and matchups that often involve the biggest names in the company. With Cena’s retirement, fans are eager to see who will rise to the top and become the new face of the WWE.
According to a WWE insider, the company is already planning for the future and making moves to create a new generation of stars.
“The WWE is always looking to the future and identifying new talent who can carry the torch,” the insider said. “With John Cena’s retirement, there’s a huge opportunity for guys like Joe Hendry to step up and become the new faces of the company. We’re seeing a lot of exciting young talent emerge, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they develop and grow.”
As Hendry looks to the future, he’s confident that he has what it takes to become a top star in the WWE. With his impressive in-ring skills and charisma, he’s certainly got the potential to make a big impact.
“I know I have the talent and the drive to succeed in the WWE,” Hendry said. “I’m not just satisfied with being a mid-carder; I want to be a main eventer. I want to be the guy who’s stepping into the ring with the biggest names in the company and giving them a run for their money. I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to achieve my goals.”
In the end, Hendry’s missed opportunity to face John Cena may be a disappointment, but it’s not a setback for his career. With his sights set on the future and his determination to succeed, Joe Hendry is poised to become one of the WWE’s top stars in the years to come.
As the WWE continues to evolve and change, one thing remains constant: the passion and dedication of its wrestlers. For Joe Hendry and the rest of the WWE roster, the future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. With hard work and determination, anything is possible, and Hendry is ready to take on the challenge.
In a final statement, Hendry reflected on the lessons he’s learned from his time in the WWE and the importance of staying focused on his goals.
“I’ve learned that in this industry, you have to be willing to adapt and evolve,” Hendry said. “You have to be willing to take risks and try new things. And most importantly, you have to stay focused on your goals and never give up on your dreams. That’s what’s kept me going all these years, and that’s what will continue to drive me forward in the years to come.”