Joe Hendry, the reigning WWE NXT World Champion, spoke with FOX News Digital this week about his current role and the profound admiration he holds for Drew McIntyre. During the discussion, Hendry emphasized his deep respect for McIntyre’s legacy both inside and outside WWE, highlighting a unique connection rooted in their shared experiences.
Significance of Being the WWE NXT World Champion
Reflecting on his championship status, Hendry expressed how meaningful it is to represent NXT amid a pool of highly skilled athletes.
“It means the world. It’s very humbling that with the amount of talented people that we have working in the Performance Center and on NXT that I’m the person who has the privilege to be the champion and to represent the brand. It’s a surreal feeling, but it’s a responsibility that I take very seriously and I want to deliver for NXT,”
he said.
Drawing Parallels Between Drew McIntyre and The Undertaker
Hendry compared the respect given to Drew McIntyre in the independent wrestling scene to how WWE Superstars regard The Undertaker in their locker rooms. Recalling a conversation with McIntyre, Hendry noted,
“It was Drew that said to me that Scotland is 0.068% of the world’s population, but we have a much larger percentage of WWE titles. So, very proud to be someone that’s worked with Drew. The way that people talk about the Undertaker in the locker room, that’s how we saw Drew McIntyre when we were on the independents. He was our Undertaker and so to see him now as undisputed WWE champion and for me to be NXT champion at the same time is an amazing feeling. He challenged me when we worked together. He always made me better and brought out the best in me. So, I’d be delighted if our paths could cross again,”
Hendry shared.
The Importance of This Recognition
Joe Hendry’s reflections highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect that continue to define the wrestling community, bridging the independent circuits with WWE’s premier stages. His recognition of Drew McIntyre’s influence underscores the role that veteran champions play in inspiring and elevating rising stars. As Hendry carries the NXT championship with sincerity, his acknowledgment of McIntyre’s achievements hints at future opportunities where these two champions could once again collaborate or compete, inspiring fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
