Trick Williams wins TNA World Championship from Joe Hendry in a landmark crossover at WWE Battleground on May 24, marking the first time a WWE-signed athlete has claimed TNA’s top prize. Joe Hendry, after remaining silent for two weeks following his loss, finally addressed the TNA audience on the most recent episode of TNA iMPACT, revealing his disappointment and emotional struggle after dropping the title.
Historic Title Switch at WWE Battleground
The wrestling world was stunned when Trick Williams dethroned Joe Hendry at WWE Battleground, bringing an unprecedented shift to both companies’ histories. Williams became the first competitor actively signed to WWE to win the TNA World Championship, breaking a streak that lasted over twenty-three years. For Joe Hendry, whose tenure as TNA World Champion saw the promotion reach new heights, the loss represented not only a personal setback but also a pivotal moment for TNA Wrestling.
Joe Hendry Addresses His Defeat and Emotional Fallout
After staying out of the spotlight for two weeks, Hendry chose the episode of TNA iMPACT to speak candidly about his experience dealing with the loss. He admitted to feeling like he was propelling TNA to its greatest era, only to watch the title leave with someone from another brand. He openly expressed his guilt for disappointing fans, his team, and fellow wrestlers, emphasizing the weight the TNA World Championship holds for those within the organization and those who have grown up admiring it.
Hendry shared how his connection to TNA dates back to his own teenage years, describing the championship as a symbol of hope during his time in high school. Wrestling, he said, inspired him to strive for more, and the outpouring of support from fans heightened the pain of his loss.
Hendry’s Desire for Redemption and Support for Elijah
During his televised remarks, Hendry directly acknowledged Trick Williams, making it clear that he longs for a chance to win back the TNA World Championship. However, he recognized that another wrestler, Elijah, is now next in line for a title shot, and offered his public support ahead of the showdown set for TNA’s Against All Odds event.
“And look I want nothing more than to have another shot at Trick Williams, to take back what’s mine. To look him in the eye and take it back for TNA, but I understand that’s not my spot right now. Elijah is next and he deserves it and I support him at Against All Odds.”
—Joe Hendry, TNA Wrestler
Frankie Kazarian Weighs In and Stirs Up Rivalry
The charged atmosphere intensified when veteran TNA star Frankie Kazarian stepped in during Hendry’s address, sharply criticizing Hendry for losing the championship. Kazarian did not hold back, branding Hendry an embarrassment for allowing the prized title to fall into the hands of someone not under the TNA banner. This confrontation set the stage for a highly anticipated clash between Hendry and Kazarian, scheduled to take place at TNA Against All Odds.
.@joehendry breaks his silence after losing the TNA World Title to @_trickwilliams… but @FrankieKazarian isn’t interested in sympathy.
It’s Hendry vs. Kazarian TOMORROW NIGHT at #TNAAgainstAllOdds!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/yGMz3jJpVM pic.twitter.com/o0I7Sd8i87
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 6, 2025
What’s Next for the TNA World Championship?
As the wrestling community reacts to one of the most significant cross-promotional moments in recent memory, the spotlight moves to Elijah, who will challenge Trick Williams for the championship at Against All Odds. Hendry’s acknowledgment of Elijah’s opportunity, despite personal disappointment, illustrates the resilience and camaraderie among TNA stars. Meanwhile, the future remains uncertain for Hendry, as fans and analysts now speculate about his path back to a championship run.
Beyond the title race, TNA Wrestling is reportedly eyeing talent who recently left WWE, hinting at ongoing changes and new possibilities within the wrestling landscape. The shock of seeing Trick Williams win the TNA World Championship from Joe Hendry has already had far-reaching effects, igniting fresh interest and emotional debate among both TNA and WWE loyalists. Key players such as Hendry, Williams, Kazarian, and Elijah now find themselves at the center of a storyline that could shape TNA’s identity for years to come.
