Joe Hendry, the newly crowned WWE NXT Champion, is scheduled to defend his title again at the upcoming NXT Vengeance Day event on March 7. Hendry recently secured the championship in a seven-man ladder match on the February 3 episode of WWE NXT and has since faced constant challenges every week, including a recent defense against WWE Evolve Champion Jackson Drake.
Tense Confrontation Unfolds Between Hendry and Ricky Saints
On the February 17 episode of WWE NXT, broadcast live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, tensions flared between Hendry and fellow competitor Ricky Saints. The two clashed outside the arena, sparking a physical altercation that was quickly broken up by security. Hendry was visibly upset over Saints’ prior attack and aggressively pursued a confrontation.
Entering the ring with a serious demeanor, Hendry called out Saints to answer for his earlier aggression. Instead of meeting him, Saints appeared on the stage and criticized Hendry for holding the NXT Championship, dismissing him as merely a social media star rather than a legitimate wrestler deserving of the title.
Official Title Match Set for NXT Vengeance Day
Amid the escalating rivalry, an official title match between Joe Hendry and Ricky Saints was announced for NXT Vengeance Day. Saints claimed he built the NXT division and therefore deserved the championship, challenging Hendry to prove his worth in the ring. Hendry, visibly frustrated but determined, accepted the challenge, promising that fans would continue to chant ‘We Believe’ as he successfully defends the title.
.@joehendry vs @starkmanjones for the NXT Title at VENGEANCE DAY!?! 😳 Come on @MrStoneWWE, make it official! pic.twitter.com/JaOgyMbVGd
— WWE (@WWE)
NXT Champion @joehendry is ready to FIGHT @starkmanjones! 💪 pic.twitter.com/brvpdfB5VE
— WWE (@WWE)
What This Means for the NXT Championship Landscape
With the NXT Championship scene already intense following Hendry’s recent victory in the ladder match and his defenses against top contenders like Jackson Drake, the upcoming clash with Ricky Saints adds another layer of uncertainty and excitement. Hendry’s streak of weekly defenses underscores his role as a fighting champion facing relentless challenges.
The confrontation with Saints—who questions Hendry’s legitimacy as champion—raises the stakes for Vengeance Day, making this title defense more than just a match but a battle for respect within the WWE NXT roster. Fans can anticipate a fiercely contested showdown that could shape the trajectory of the NXT Championship for months to come.
NXT Champion @joehendry is ready to FIGHT @starkmanjones! 💪 pic.twitter.com/brvpdfB5VE
— WWE (@WWE) February 18, 2026
"We've got a meme as Champion"
Come on, @starkmanjones 😒@joehendry pic.twitter.com/w1cAkcOyAf
— WWE (@WWE) February 18, 2026
.@joehendry vs @starkmanjones for the NXT Title at VENGEANCE DAY!?! 😳
Come on @MrStoneWWE, make it official! pic.twitter.com/JaOgyMbVGd
— WWE (@WWE) February 18, 2026
