Joe Hendry on Making WWE 2K26 History With Franchise First

Say his name, and he appears, and that's what I said to bag myself an interview with WWE NXT Champion, Joe Hendry, as we talk about his rise in pro wrestling and getting his own historic DLC pack in WWE 2K26.

Joe Hendry began his pro wrestling career in the UK at ICW and What Culture Pro Wrestling, and even appeared on the short-lived TV revival of World of Sport Wrestling, to name a few. Before performing in the states for the likes of Ring of Honor, Impact/TNA and now with the WWE, Joe became NXT Champion when he won the gold in a Ladder Match on 3 February 2026.

With the release of WWE 2K26, Joe Hendry received his own pre-order DLC. This pack included Joe Hendry as a playable character, a MyFACTION Evo, an emote and a cosmetic t-shirt for the Create-A-Superstar.

Having a special pre-order pack for a WWE 2K game is nothing new; however, that’s not the case with Joe Hendry, because he’s the only NXT Superstar to receive such prestigious treatment, and it’s an honour that the fan-favourite Scotsman values.

“It means everything to me, because video games are what got me into professional wrestling. I first played WWF Warzone, and that was the first WWF/WWE game that let me create my own Superstar. Then I played the two SmackDown games, and after that, I was hooked.

“I used to create my own wrestlers and storylines. It was just such an enjoyable part of my childhood and teenage years that it actually made me start to watch historic wrestling on TV. Now, I’m very aware that wrestling video games will have the same impact on kids today as they once did for me. So, for me to be a part of this game and be a part of introducing new fans to our world is special.”

“I’m grateful for the journey that I’ve had. I wouldn't change anything, I love the fact that I’ve had the opportunity to do this at every possible level,” says Joe.

Has Joe Hendry Always Believed?

“I always wanted to come to WWE, and my goal is to become a WWE World Champion. But there was a point that I was so fixated on that goal, I was almost thinking too far ahead. But I remember getting to a point when I was in Newcastle, and I was wrestling in front of 100 people, and I did one of my comedy songs. It was a great evening, and I thought if it doesn't get any better than this, I’ll still enjoy it and be 100% committed.

“But I always trusted that if I put in the work, good things would happen, and I had trust in God’s plan. Then I was able to let go of the pressure of my dream and focus on the audience and give them the best show.

WWE Superstar Joe Hendry, WWE.com (via Getty Images)

Is Ricky Saints Jealous of Joe Hendry?

After making several cameo appearances in NXT, as a representative of TNA, Joe Hendry reportedly signed with WWE in November 2025, and on 3 February 2026, he won a seven-man ladder match to earn his first title in the company, as the NXT Champion. One of those men in that match is Joe’s fierce rival, Ricky Saints. It’s fair to say that Ricky Saints may have a dose of the green-eyed monster when it comes to the success of Joe Hendry.

“I think jealousy is part of Ricky’s attitude towards me. I think he’s supremely talented, no question. His motivation is what’s in question. I made it clear that when I came to WWE, I was gonna do everything that I could do to give value to NXT and be a big part of the team.

“That was my goal. So I'm in the Performance Centre every day. I do every house show that I can do. I’ve only had this title for a few weeks, and already, I've had four title defences that people might not know about.

“Whereas Ricky, I think he sees himself as above all, a little bit of a superstar, blaming other people for his failures. I guess we’ll find out what Ricky’s all about when I face him at Vengeance Day for my NXT Championship on Saturday, 7 March.” Well, Joe certainly believed, because he successfully defended his championship on the last PLE before Stand and Deliver on WrestleMania 42 weekend. Albeit via some suspicious shenanigans from Ethan Page.

Joe Hendry in WWE 2K26, 2K/GAMINGbible

Finding Joy in Life in and out of the WWE

“There are so many personal things that I find joy in life. Such as knowing that my family is secure and healthy. I have some great people in my life that I love, and I’m grateful to have.

“Professionally, winning the NXT Championship at this point in my career is something that I’m proud of. I train with Terry Taylor daily at the Performance Centre, and I get to watch matches back with him. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons, and it’s those lessons that have carried me to become an NXT Champion.”

WWE 2K26 is out now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch 2.