Randy Orton Offers TNA World Champion a Style of the RKO to Declare Victory

WrestleMania 41 shocked the WWE Universe when TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry instantly appeared on wrestling’s largest stage.

In his signature “Say His Name and He Appears” model, Hendry responded to Randy Orton’s open problem in Las Vegas, constructing a crossover buzz that will not quickly subside.

Randy Orton’s Open Challenge Paves the Way for Joe Hendry

Following Kevin Owens’ elimination from WrestleMania 41 due to scheduled neck surgical procedure, Randy Orton was left with out an opponent. On the final episode of SmackDown earlier than WrestleMania, “The Viper” made an open problem to anybody who could be keen to step up towards him on brief discover.

Cue the music and the chants—Joe Hendry walked out to the ring to a thunderous reception. Fans went wild inside Allegiant Stadium, representing one of many loudest reactions of the night because the TNA sensation entered WrestleMania for the primary time.

Randy Orton Spoils Joe Hendry’s WrestleMania Debut

Though the underdog and lesser identified to the WWE mainstream fan base, Hendry managed to carry his personal towards probably the most adorned superstars within the historical past of the corporate. From the start of the match, Hendry was capable of show his athleticism and charisma, even efficiently preserving Orton off steadiness through the temporary however efficient contest.

According to Sports Illustrated, he nearly turned the match round in his favor along with his trademark hard-cam pose, however that proved to be an costly error. Just as he was about to show to pose, Orton blindsided him with an RKO out of the blue, ruining Hendry’s WWE debut in traditional model.

WWE x TNA: New Crossover Moments?

What got here after the match solely served to additional improve Hendry’s legitimacy.

Las Vegas followers awarded him a second thunderous ovation, and Randy Orton lifted his hand in a uncommon present of respect earlier than, in attribute Orton style, knocking Hendry out with one other RKO just because he might.

The second despatched shockwaves throughout social media. Wrestling insider Jon Alba reported that Hendry was initially slated to seem on WWE’s European tour earlier this yr.

While that did not occur, WrestleMania 41 seemingly served as a make-good, and what a option to do it.