February 26, 2025 • 15 mins
The Babyfaces Podcast: Exclusive Interview with TNA World Champion Joe Hendry
We've got a huge show for you this week on The Babyfaces Podcast! Returning to the show is the newly crowned TNA World Champion, Joe Hendry! One of the fastest-rising and most popular superstars in wrestling today, Joe joins Billy and Austin to discuss his incredible career growth.
The guys dive into the resurgence of TNA, Joe's experiences teaming with the legendary Hardy Boyz, and much more. Don't miss this exclusive interview with the TNA World Champion, only on The Babyfaces Podcast on iHeartRadio
We've got a huge show for you this week on The Babyfaces Podcast! Returning to the show is the newly crowned TNA World Champion, Joe Hendry! One of the fastest-rising and most popular superstars in wrestling today, Joe joins Billy and Austin to discuss his incredible career growth.
The guys dive into the resurgence of TNA, Joe's experiences teaming with the legendary Hardy Boyz, and much more. Don't miss this exclusive interview with the TNA World Champion, only on The Babyfaces Podcast on iHeartRadio
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Everybody. This is the American Nightmare Cody Rosen.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
And you are listening to the baby Faces on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 3 (00:06):
Hey guys, this is ww Superstar Timpty Strun and you're
listening to the baby Faces on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
What's going on y'all?
Speaker 4 (00:15):
Is WWE Superstar Kobe Kingston and you're listening to the
Babyfaces on iHeart Radio.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Babyaby all right, you hear that music that means we
are back. It's the baby Faces podcast on iHeartRadio, the
official proressl podcasts of iHeartRadio Louisville, powered by ninety seven
(00:45):
to five WAMZ Kentucky and was number one four Country
and Sports Talk seven ninety and check me out every
day on Caffee and Company from three to six. I
am here back with my co host Billy. This is
his second straight appearance. I like that up in the world,
and we welcome in another huge guest. We had him
one just a couple of months ago when TNA Emergence
(01:06):
was here at the Paris Town Hall. Really really fun show.
And this is before he's done in some new hardware.
Now we got him back again. Joe Hendry. Welcome to
the show. My man, how are you.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
I'm doing very well. Thank you, thanks forrev awesome that.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
We appreciate your.
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Time absolutely man. And like Austin said, you know, done
in some new hardware, that beautiful TNA Championship that's new
since you were on the show last of course, and
say his name, he appears here. He is Joe Hendry
with that belt on his shoulder. So how does it
feel to be, you know, kind of the face of
the TNA brand nowadays.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, it's it's a huge owner, it's a privilege, it's
a massive responsibility, but it is Yeah, it's it feels
like a long journey, but it feels like it happens
so fast as well.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
It just feels it feels right, is the answer.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Now, it feels right. Like I said when we were
talking off air, it just looks right. And you've had
just like this, this growth over the last year which
culminates and you winning the title just a couple of
months ago you defeated Nick Neamoth, who's had the title
for a long time too, and it's faced some extreme challengers.
What was that moment like when the refs hand hit
three and then you're finally hoisting one of the most
(02:22):
prestigious titles in the company. Think about all the names
that have held that title before you. Now you kind
of get to be the flag bearer going forward. What
does that mean for Joe Hendry in your career?
Speaker 2 (02:33):
The moment itself was incredible, you know, it was it
was the culmination of a lot of hard work. It
was a moment of validation. And yeah, Nick is obviously
an awesome champion. He's one of the best to ever
release up a peated boots. So to be able to
go in there with him and get the reactions that
we did, you know, I feel like for me, all
(02:55):
I'm just trying to do is get better at this
every day, and I feel like I'm a completely different
wrestler every couple of months, you know, and that you
get that way by working with people at.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Nickname, like Alstin mentioned, a super prestigious title. Of course,
you think of the names that have held it, the
Kurt Angles, the aj Styles, Jeff Hardy, Sting, I mean,
the list goes on and on. Are there any guys
that kind of stick out to you personally? Though? When
you were up and coming in the business, and you know,
you were watching TENA growing up hoping that you'd be
on that stage one day.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Well, yeah, I've told this before. I had a video iPods.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
I had only one video on it and it was
a kerr Angle versus Simula Joe from Genesis two thousand
and six. So it's very full circle to win the
championship at Genesis and actually got the chance to wrestle
kerr Angle when I was only three years in the business.
So to be able to have the championship that Kurt
once had, it's yeah, things like that put into perspective.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
How would you say that the TNA locker room is
right now? It seems that everything is going in such
good direction. Everybody seems and other TNA people that we
talked to before has constantly hammered home. I'm like, this
is a show that you should be watching, and I
think that speaks to everybody having the same mindset, everybody
having the same goals. What's it kind of been like
in the locker room and what's everybody looking forward towards.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
It is very much a team environment every you know,
you ask anyone at TNA with the locker rooms, like
and Neil to say the same thing. We have an
amazing locker room. It's very kind of is a team
environment is a little stressed when it comes to that
sort of thing. It's people very much enjoy working there.
I think is what you will find is the common answer, Joe.
Speaker 5 (04:34):
I understand.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
You guys got some big shows coming up in El Paso,
including Sacrifice going down on March fourteenth. Of course, are
actually our favorite football team here in Louisville. The Cardinals
played a bowl game in El Paso this past year
and the fans that went to l Paso said it
was just an awesome city, awesome atmosphere and all that.
So how much you're looking forward to to getting down
(04:55):
there and giving the fans a show in Texas?
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Very much? Looking forward to it. Texas has really been
a hot market for us.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
It's somewhere we're investing a lot of time, and every
time we go there, the attendances are great, the audiences
are loud, and it's just a great time. So as
you can see from our schedule, we're making a lot
of time for Texas this year.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
Happy to be there and looking forward to Headtel Paso.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
And after that, of course you're going to be going
up to Slammiversary. It's going to be in New York,
And I was just saying off air, New York is
one of my favorite places. And you talk about mecca
of sports, especially pro wrestling days, the old territories, and
everybody knows the old Northeast is rowdy crowds as a
performer that's actually in the ring, because us as viewers
(05:39):
can kind of tell it's a different environment when wrestling
shows go up there. What stands out about New York
that crowd specifically, Like as a worker, like, what makes
New York so different, more special than any other city
that you've been working in a wrestling in.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Well, I mean, if you look at the lineage in
history of professional wrestling in New York, for for a
long time, New York was the nucleus of professional wrestling.
So you know, it's very much a case of if
you can make it in New York, you can make
it anywhere.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
You know, That's that's a phrase for a reason. So
we feel that way as well, and we're super excited
to be here.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
We were at the Ubs Arena last night again to
see TNA wrestling. You know, we were able to cut
a promo at the Islanders and Rangers game and to
see TNA in mainstream settings like that on a regular basis.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Is very very cool.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
But that arena is a size and a level of
production that TNA hasn't seen in a long long time.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
This is this is huge.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
If you look at the cube, the big video cube
at the top of that venue, that just the fact
that we're going to see the wrestler's entrances on that.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
This is a very this is a very high end.
This is a big deal.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
So when we run this arena, I am quite confident
it's going to be the biggest that TNA has ever
done to date, and you know it will likely be
it might be the highest gate.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
That is entirely Oh Joe, I know what, I would
love to walk in his Champion.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
I really feel strongly that I'm contributing to the company
and its growth, and my goal is to keep this
thing until then and walking the walking his Champion.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Well, let me ask just because when last time we
spoke to you're still a rising star and you still
are as champion, do you feel any sort of like
what kind of pressure do you feel to kind of
hold the champion going into pay per views like that?
Because Slammiversary is one of the like the larger TNA
pay per views that there is, and of course you
got bound for Glory, hard to kill stuff like that.
(07:45):
So do you feel any pressure or is this something
that you've always sort of wanted out of your career?
Do you like relish and am I going to walk
out as champion? And like what what's going to be
the end result of this? Like every pay per view
that you have to defend your title.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Like I have, course there's pressure to deliver, but look,
I'm just I'd like to deal with facts, figures and metrics,
and you know, the story is when Joe Hendry's on
top sort of the numbers.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Sorry, but that's just those are the facts I bring.
I bring a lot to the table.
Speaker 4 (08:16):
That's a perfect segue into my next question because I
was going to say that, you know Joe Hendry right
now is really it's one of the more recognizable names
in mainstream wrestling, not just TNA wrestling in general. So
that's going to be an awesome feeling for you, of course,
and why that that strap is on your shoulder right there?
But I think a huge part of that has been
the development of your character and just how captivating you
(08:38):
are on screen. You know, everybody's got to be able
to go in the ring, but what sets people apart
is being able to have that character too. So how
did you just kind of sort of develop this character
over the years into what it is now of Joe Hendry.
Speaker 6 (08:51):
It happened over a long period of time, and there
are you know, the song has been the same for
five years, but we've made changes to the video and
the nuances and things like that as I've learned more
about what I wanted to portray, and ultimately the character
is uh, you know, as the greats have said.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Like Steve Awson and has said in the past, like
you know, it's uh, he just wants to take his
own personality and turn the volume up to ten. And
that's kind of what I've tried to emulate what they've
said in that regard.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
I've also puilled influences from other places.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
I you know, I actually had to get buy my
own visa. I had to pay for my own visa
to get over to America, and I remember I had
to do this job that I just despised, and I
had this guy who's like this, this motivational sales coach.
I just just couldn't stand and I would put, I
would put, I'd.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Put the zoom on mute and just you know, yell
at the screen. But you're all about this guy.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Yeah, so, but this guy would just say things like
you go, guys, you know when when you.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Need motivation to sell, I mean, just look out the window,
find a tree, Find a tree, and what does a
tree have roots? And we all need to have roots
and those roots are skills, and skills are sales.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
And it's just so I was like, ugh, I really thought,
you know, there's something to this guy. Like no matter
all the all the stuff that he was saying, he
always had a smile on his face, which made me
hate him even more.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
So.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
I think I originally had wanted the character to be
a bad guy, but the audience just started cheating.
Speaker 5 (10:31):
And that's an interesting thing too.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
As you were saying that, I was about to say,
that makes your character a little bit more versatile. So
if you wanted to go be a bad guy or
hears a smart so let's say it's.
Speaker 5 (10:40):
Heels and baby faces. Obviously the name of the show.
It could just go anywhere.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
And you mentioned something about like the music has stayed
the same, but you've always changed, like these little nuances
I mentioned when you guys were here for Emergence back
during the summer at Paris Town Hall, that was one
of the more fun times I've ever had at a
show TNA Live. If you guys have never been to it,
it's something you definitely need to check out. Know you
mentioned Kurt Angle as one of your mentors when I
talked to you before, you said you really looked up
to the Hardy Boys too, and then you're honored to
(11:06):
tag with them.
Speaker 5 (11:07):
So and that's who you came out with.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
You had a absolutely a fun match there and what
really popped everybody is you had the yeah, the Joe
Hendry music, but it was mixed with like the Hardy Boys,
and then you got I believe in Matt Hardy and
Jeff Hardy and it's such a fun, integrative entrance. What
was that experience like teaming with one of the most
legendary tag teams and in the business is history.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
So the thing is, like the Hardy the Hardys are
just the best. You know they're they're the best.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
They're the most positive influence in the locker room, their leaders,
you know they are. You want to talk about numbers.
I mean, these guys are just you know, they're killing it.
They are killing it. Their their merch lens are just unfathomably.
These guys are doing great business. And then but they've
they've kind of you know, mentored me to a great
deal as well, and they've taken an interest in my career,
(11:57):
and you know, for them to do that with me,
and and you know, I had to kind of pull
them as sad and say, hey, guys, I've got this idea,
what do you think about this? And so I actually
had to direct, like when we were doing the green
screen for that video.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
And I'm like, what is going on?
Speaker 2 (12:11):
I'm here, you know, asking Matt and Jeff Hardy if
they can, Yeah, if you can, just let's wait three
seconds then do the spin and if it can be
a little more of this wady.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
I'm good, what what is going on? But the fact
that they were open.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
To trying my idea and the idea paid off, you know,
that's a that's a great feeling. But you know, to
know that the Hardy's trust me with that creatively again,
you know, I did a concert with Jeff where I
was just told, you know, do a concert with Jeff,
and it's like, all right, so when I've just learned, Yeah,
I've just learned when you get given an assignment.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
You know, you can bitch about it. And that's when
I say bitch about it.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I just been like, you're thinking about the logistics of well,
we've never played before or anything like that. So you
can either bitch about the logistics or you can just
get to work, you know. So what I did is
I constructed some like chord sequences and ways of playing
Jeff songs that we could that we would be able
(13:11):
to do it without practicing.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
And again the fact that Jeff was open to that
was awesome.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
And and again it's one of those moments you're like,
I am doing a live concert with Jeff Hardy was
you know.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
So that was an awesome experience. Jeff was a great Jeff.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
The thing I really like about Jeff as well as
he does have like this this insane like passion for
music as well, and it was very cool he was
he was able to just like slot into the chord
structures that had made and we played his songs and
it came out really, really well. So that was a
great honor and a privilege to to work with Jeff
(13:50):
on that.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
Well, Joe, that's been awesome. I want to thank you
again for taking the time. And you know we've mentioned
that the big stars in TNA, Joe Hendrey, the Hardy's,
you know, Nick Neamath, among many others that you can
catch every Thursday on TNA. And you know, we're so
fortunate as wrestling fans right now, Joe, that there's so
much wrestling content out there for all of us.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
To enjoy it on a weekly basis.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
And you know, maybe there's somebody out there listening right
now that that's kind of looking to expand their horizons
as far as what they watch weekly and what would
kind of be your sales pitch to them as far
as you know, you should check out TNA.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
There's something for you here.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
I think that TNE is, you know, it has a
argument for being, you know, the strongest wrestling shoe out there.
I think that if you think about what a wrestling
shoe is, you know, there's something for everyone.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Is very much a variety shoe.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
I think that whatever it is that you are a
fan of, TNA does it exceptionally.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
So.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
We have, you know, amazing athleticism, we have an incredible
we have.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
Each of our individual divisions are incredible.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
We have amazing characters, we have phenomenal athletes, we have
you know these, we have amazing matches, we have awesome
backstage segments.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
We have moments that surprise you as well.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
So for example, if you saw the latest episode with
Elijah debuting, that was real. That was a shock and
that and people did not find out about that, And
it's very cool when something like that happens, which is
a surprise and professional rest.
Speaker 5 (15:24):
Yeah, once again, it's awesome.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
We're looking forward to it these shows, especially it's going
to be an El Paso and New York and really
excited to see how everything is done in that well
produced arena.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
It's gonna be awesome. Big things looking up for TNA.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Joe.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
We certainly appreciate you coming on and like I said,
we're looking forward.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
To your career developing.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
You're still skyrocketing out there, and hopefully when we have
you on again sometime you'll be having more Gold, different Gold,
other promotions, Gold, you just never know.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
We appreciate all your sacrifices.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
For all the entertainment of us and millions of other
wrestling fans out there, and as personally, we appreciate your
time today, Joe, thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Guys,
Everybody. This is the American Nightmare Cody Rosen.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
And you are listening to the baby Faces on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 3 (00:06):
Hey guys, this is ww Superstar Timpty Strun and you're
listening to the baby Faces on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
What's going on y'all?
Speaker 4 (00:15):
Is WWE Superstar Kobe Kingston and you're listening to the
Babyfaces on iHeart Radio.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
Babyaby all right, you hear that music that means we
are back. It's the baby Faces podcast on iHeartRadio, the
official proressl podcasts of iHeartRadio Louisville, powered by ninety seven
(00:45):
to five WAMZ Kentucky and was number one four Country
and Sports Talk seven ninety and check me out every
day on Caffee and Company from three to six. I
am here back with my co host Billy. This is
his second straight appearance. I like that up in the world,
and we welcome in another huge guest. We had him
one just a couple of months ago when TNA Emergence
(01:06):
was here at the Paris Town Hall. Really really fun show.
And this is before he's done in some new hardware.
Now we got him back again. Joe Hendry. Welcome to
the show. My man, how are you.
Speaker 1 (01:18):
I'm doing very well. Thank you, thanks forrev awesome that.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
We appreciate your.
Speaker 4 (01:21):
Time absolutely man. And like Austin said, you know, done
in some new hardware, that beautiful TNA Championship that's new
since you were on the show last of course, and
say his name, he appears here. He is Joe Hendry
with that belt on his shoulder. So how does it
feel to be, you know, kind of the face of
the TNA brand nowadays.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Yeah, it's it's a huge owner, it's a privilege, it's
a massive responsibility, but it is Yeah, it's it feels
like a long journey, but it feels like it happens
so fast as well.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
It just feels it feels right, is the answer.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Now, it feels right. Like I said when we were
talking off air, it just looks right. And you've had
just like this, this growth over the last year which
culminates and you winning the title just a couple of
months ago you defeated Nick Neamoth, who's had the title
for a long time too, and it's faced some extreme challengers.
What was that moment like when the refs hand hit
three and then you're finally hoisting one of the most
(02:22):
prestigious titles in the company. Think about all the names
that have held that title before you. Now you kind
of get to be the flag bearer going forward. What
does that mean for Joe Hendry in your career?
Speaker 2 (02:33):
The moment itself was incredible, you know, it was it
was the culmination of a lot of hard work. It
was a moment of validation. And yeah, Nick is obviously
an awesome champion. He's one of the best to ever
release up a peated boots. So to be able to
go in there with him and get the reactions that
we did, you know, I feel like for me, all
(02:55):
I'm just trying to do is get better at this
every day, and I feel like I'm a completely different
wrestler every couple of months, you know, and that you
get that way by working with people at.
Speaker 4 (03:04):
Nickname, like Alstin mentioned, a super prestigious title. Of course,
you think of the names that have held it, the
Kurt Angles, the aj Styles, Jeff Hardy, Sting, I mean,
the list goes on and on. Are there any guys
that kind of stick out to you personally? Though? When
you were up and coming in the business, and you know,
you were watching TENA growing up hoping that you'd be
on that stage one day.
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Well, yeah, I've told this before. I had a video iPods.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
I had only one video on it and it was
a kerr Angle versus Simula Joe from Genesis two thousand
and six. So it's very full circle to win the
championship at Genesis and actually got the chance to wrestle
kerr Angle when I was only three years in the business.
So to be able to have the championship that Kurt
once had, it's yeah, things like that put into perspective.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
How would you say that the TNA locker room is
right now? It seems that everything is going in such
good direction. Everybody seems and other TNA people that we
talked to before has constantly hammered home. I'm like, this
is a show that you should be watching, and I
think that speaks to everybody having the same mindset, everybody
having the same goals. What's it kind of been like
in the locker room and what's everybody looking forward towards.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
It is very much a team environment every you know,
you ask anyone at TNA with the locker rooms, like
and Neil to say the same thing. We have an
amazing locker room. It's very kind of is a team
environment is a little stressed when it comes to that
sort of thing. It's people very much enjoy working there.
I think is what you will find is the common answer, Joe.
Speaker 5 (04:34):
I understand.
Speaker 4 (04:35):
You guys got some big shows coming up in El Paso,
including Sacrifice going down on March fourteenth. Of course, are
actually our favorite football team here in Louisville. The Cardinals
played a bowl game in El Paso this past year
and the fans that went to l Paso said it
was just an awesome city, awesome atmosphere and all that.
So how much you're looking forward to to getting down
(04:55):
there and giving the fans a show in Texas?
Speaker 1 (04:58):
Very much? Looking forward to it. Texas has really been
a hot market for us.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
It's somewhere we're investing a lot of time, and every
time we go there, the attendances are great, the audiences
are loud, and it's just a great time. So as
you can see from our schedule, we're making a lot
of time for Texas this year.
Speaker 1 (05:15):
Happy to be there and looking forward to Headtel Paso.
Speaker 3 (05:18):
And after that, of course you're going to be going
up to Slammiversary. It's going to be in New York,
And I was just saying off air, New York is
one of my favorite places. And you talk about mecca
of sports, especially pro wrestling days, the old territories, and
everybody knows the old Northeast is rowdy crowds as a
performer that's actually in the ring, because us as viewers
(05:39):
can kind of tell it's a different environment when wrestling
shows go up there. What stands out about New York
that crowd specifically, Like as a worker, like, what makes
New York so different, more special than any other city
that you've been working in a wrestling in.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
Well, I mean, if you look at the lineage in
history of professional wrestling in New York, for for a
long time, New York was the nucleus of professional wrestling.
So you know, it's very much a case of if
you can make it in New York, you can make
it anywhere.
Speaker 1 (06:10):
You know, That's that's a phrase for a reason. So
we feel that way as well, and we're super excited
to be here.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
We were at the Ubs Arena last night again to
see TNA wrestling. You know, we were able to cut
a promo at the Islanders and Rangers game and to
see TNA in mainstream settings like that on a regular basis.
Speaker 1 (06:31):
Is very very cool.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
But that arena is a size and a level of
production that TNA hasn't seen in a long long time.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
This is this is huge.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
If you look at the cube, the big video cube
at the top of that venue, that just the fact
that we're going to see the wrestler's entrances on that.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
This is a very this is a very high end.
This is a big deal.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
So when we run this arena, I am quite confident
it's going to be the biggest that TNA has ever
done to date, and you know it will likely be
it might be the highest gate.
Speaker 1 (07:06):
That is entirely Oh Joe, I know what, I would
love to walk in his Champion.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
I really feel strongly that I'm contributing to the company
and its growth, and my goal is to keep this
thing until then and walking the walking his Champion.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Well, let me ask just because when last time we
spoke to you're still a rising star and you still
are as champion, do you feel any sort of like
what kind of pressure do you feel to kind of
hold the champion going into pay per views like that?
Because Slammiversary is one of the like the larger TNA
pay per views that there is, and of course you
got bound for Glory, hard to kill stuff like that.
(07:45):
So do you feel any pressure or is this something
that you've always sort of wanted out of your career?
Do you like relish and am I going to walk
out as champion? And like what what's going to be
the end result of this? Like every pay per view
that you have to defend your title.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Like I have, course there's pressure to deliver, but look,
I'm just I'd like to deal with facts, figures and metrics,
and you know, the story is when Joe Hendry's on
top sort of the numbers.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Sorry, but that's just those are the facts I bring.
I bring a lot to the table.
Speaker 4 (08:16):
That's a perfect segue into my next question because I
was going to say that, you know Joe Hendry right
now is really it's one of the more recognizable names
in mainstream wrestling, not just TNA wrestling in general. So
that's going to be an awesome feeling for you, of course,
and why that that strap is on your shoulder right there?
But I think a huge part of that has been
the development of your character and just how captivating you
(08:38):
are on screen. You know, everybody's got to be able
to go in the ring, but what sets people apart
is being able to have that character too. So how
did you just kind of sort of develop this character
over the years into what it is now of Joe Hendry.
Speaker 6 (08:51):
It happened over a long period of time, and there
are you know, the song has been the same for
five years, but we've made changes to the video and
the nuances and things like that as I've learned more
about what I wanted to portray, and ultimately the character
is uh, you know, as the greats have said.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
Like Steve Awson and has said in the past, like
you know, it's uh, he just wants to take his
own personality and turn the volume up to ten. And
that's kind of what I've tried to emulate what they've
said in that regard.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
I've also puilled influences from other places.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
I you know, I actually had to get buy my
own visa. I had to pay for my own visa
to get over to America, and I remember I had
to do this job that I just despised, and I
had this guy who's like this, this motivational sales coach.
I just just couldn't stand and I would put, I
would put, I'd.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Put the zoom on mute and just you know, yell
at the screen. But you're all about this guy.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Yeah, so, but this guy would just say things like
you go, guys, you know when when you.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Need motivation to sell, I mean, just look out the window,
find a tree, Find a tree, and what does a
tree have roots? And we all need to have roots
and those roots are skills, and skills are sales.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
And it's just so I was like, ugh, I really thought,
you know, there's something to this guy. Like no matter
all the all the stuff that he was saying, he
always had a smile on his face, which made me
hate him even more.
Speaker 1 (10:20):
So.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
I think I originally had wanted the character to be
a bad guy, but the audience just started cheating.
Speaker 5 (10:31):
And that's an interesting thing too.
Speaker 3 (10:33):
As you were saying that, I was about to say,
that makes your character a little bit more versatile. So
if you wanted to go be a bad guy or
hears a smart so let's say it's.
Speaker 5 (10:40):
Heels and baby faces. Obviously the name of the show.
It could just go anywhere.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
And you mentioned something about like the music has stayed
the same, but you've always changed, like these little nuances
I mentioned when you guys were here for Emergence back
during the summer at Paris Town Hall, that was one
of the more fun times I've ever had at a
show TNA Live. If you guys have never been to it,
it's something you definitely need to check out. Know you
mentioned Kurt Angle as one of your mentors when I
talked to you before, you said you really looked up
to the Hardy Boys too, and then you're honored to
(11:06):
tag with them.
Speaker 5 (11:07):
So and that's who you came out with.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
You had a absolutely a fun match there and what
really popped everybody is you had the yeah, the Joe
Hendry music, but it was mixed with like the Hardy Boys,
and then you got I believe in Matt Hardy and
Jeff Hardy and it's such a fun, integrative entrance. What
was that experience like teaming with one of the most
legendary tag teams and in the business is history.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
So the thing is, like the Hardy the Hardys are
just the best. You know they're they're the best.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
They're the most positive influence in the locker room, their leaders,
you know they are. You want to talk about numbers.
I mean, these guys are just you know, they're killing it.
They are killing it. Their their merch lens are just unfathomably.
These guys are doing great business. And then but they've
they've kind of you know, mentored me to a great
deal as well, and they've taken an interest in my career,
(11:57):
and you know, for them to do that with me,
and and you know, I had to kind of pull
them as sad and say, hey, guys, I've got this idea,
what do you think about this? And so I actually
had to direct, like when we were doing the green
screen for that video.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
And I'm like, what is going on?
Speaker 2 (12:11):
I'm here, you know, asking Matt and Jeff Hardy if
they can, Yeah, if you can, just let's wait three
seconds then do the spin and if it can be
a little more of this wady.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
I'm good, what what is going on? But the fact
that they were open.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
To trying my idea and the idea paid off, you know,
that's a that's a great feeling. But you know, to
know that the Hardy's trust me with that creatively again,
you know, I did a concert with Jeff where I
was just told, you know, do a concert with Jeff,
and it's like, all right, so when I've just learned, Yeah,
I've just learned when you get given an assignment.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
You know, you can bitch about it. And that's when
I say bitch about it.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
I just been like, you're thinking about the logistics of well,
we've never played before or anything like that. So you
can either bitch about the logistics or you can just
get to work, you know. So what I did is
I constructed some like chord sequences and ways of playing
Jeff songs that we could that we would be able
(13:11):
to do it without practicing.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
And again the fact that Jeff was open to that
was awesome.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
And and again it's one of those moments you're like,
I am doing a live concert with Jeff Hardy was
you know.
Speaker 1 (13:22):
So that was an awesome experience. Jeff was a great Jeff.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
The thing I really like about Jeff as well as
he does have like this this insane like passion for
music as well, and it was very cool he was
he was able to just like slot into the chord
structures that had made and we played his songs and
it came out really, really well. So that was a
great honor and a privilege to to work with Jeff
(13:50):
on that.
Speaker 4 (13:51):
Well, Joe, that's been awesome. I want to thank you
again for taking the time. And you know we've mentioned
that the big stars in TNA, Joe Hendrey, the Hardy's,
you know, Nick Neamath, among many others that you can
catch every Thursday on TNA. And you know, we're so
fortunate as wrestling fans right now, Joe, that there's so
much wrestling content out there for all of us.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
To enjoy it on a weekly basis.
Speaker 4 (14:11):
And you know, maybe there's somebody out there listening right
now that that's kind of looking to expand their horizons
as far as what they watch weekly and what would
kind of be your sales pitch to them as far
as you know, you should check out TNA.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
There's something for you here.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
I think that TNE is, you know, it has a
argument for being, you know, the strongest wrestling shoe out there.
I think that if you think about what a wrestling
shoe is, you know, there's something for everyone.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Is very much a variety shoe.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
I think that whatever it is that you are a
fan of, TNA does it exceptionally.
Speaker 1 (14:44):
So.
Speaker 2 (14:44):
We have, you know, amazing athleticism, we have an incredible
we have.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
Each of our individual divisions are incredible.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
We have amazing characters, we have phenomenal athletes, we have
you know these, we have amazing matches, we have awesome
backstage segments.
Speaker 1 (15:06):
We have moments that surprise you as well.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
So for example, if you saw the latest episode with
Elijah debuting, that was real. That was a shock and
that and people did not find out about that, And
it's very cool when something like that happens, which is
a surprise and professional rest.
Speaker 5 (15:24):
Yeah, once again, it's awesome.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
We're looking forward to it these shows, especially it's going
to be an El Paso and New York and really
excited to see how everything is done in that well
produced arena.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
It's gonna be awesome. Big things looking up for TNA.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Joe.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
We certainly appreciate you coming on and like I said,
we're looking forward.
Speaker 5 (15:40):
To your career developing.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
You're still skyrocketing out there, and hopefully when we have
you on again sometime you'll be having more Gold, different Gold,
other promotions, Gold, you just never know.
Speaker 5 (15:50):
We appreciate all your sacrifices.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
For all the entertainment of us and millions of other
wrestling fans out there, and as personally, we appreciate your
time today, Joe, thank you very much.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Guys,
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