Joe Hendry will serve in a pivotal role on October 7 for the NXT vs. TNA Showdown special.
After the former TNA World Champion echoed Jordynne Grace’s comments about being left off of the upcoming special episode, TNA’s Director of Authority Santino Marella made the announcement on social media on October 5 that Hendry would be the special guest referee for the men’s match. The aforementioned Hendry video saw the Scottish wrestler point out his previous appearances in the 2025 Royal Rumble and at WrestleMania 41, both of which were highlights in the ongoing partnership between both promotions.
Also over the weekend, NXT General Manager Ava announced that she had heard Grace’s frustrations and named the former TNA Knockouts Champion as the special guest referee for the women’s match. Grace was one of the first TNA names to make a shock appearance on WWE TV back in 2024, and signed full-time with the company at the start of the year. While there has been no official announcement, it is heavily speculated that Hendry will also join WWE full-time when his TNA contract expires. During the latest set of Impact tapings, Hendry looked to have been written off TV, and is reportedly focusing on NXT as a priority moving forward until the transition happens. However, in a recent interview, TNA President Carlos Silva reiterated that the Scottish wrestler is still a part of their company.
Joe Hendry To Referee NXT vs. TNA Showdown Main Event
Along with the men’s and women’s matches that will see competitors from each brand fight for supremacy, 2 title matches have also been booked for the show. The lineup for NXT vs. TNA Showdown is as follows:
- Team NXT (Ricky Starks, Trick Williams, Myles Borne, and Je’Von Evans) vs. Team TNA (Mike Santana, Frankie Kazarian, Moose, and Leon Slater) – TNA vs. NXT Survivor Series style men’s match. Joe Hendry will be the special guest referee
- Team NXT (Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, Jaida Parker, and Lola Vice) vs. Team TNA (Kelani Jordan, The IInspiration, and Mara Sade) – TNA vs. NXT Survivor Series style women’s match. Jordynne Grace will be the special referee.
- NXT Tag Team Champions Darkstate vs. TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys – Title for title match
- Ethan Page (c) vs. Mustafa Ali – Singles match for the NXT North American title
Featured image: WWE
