If a match between himself and John Cena is to happen this year, TNA World Champion Joe Hendry said it’s up to him to drum up the interest to make it a reality.
Hendry appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show Monday to talk about his experience debuting at the WWE Royal Rumble Saturday and said he had “a long and meaningful conversation” with the legend which blew him away given the chaos of the day.
He stated his desire directly to Cena that he wants to have a match with him before he retires, something Hendry has said before and stated to Helwani that, “hand on heart, I believe I will wrestle him this year 100%.”
Hendry said Cena gave him great advice on how it could happen.
“What (Cena) did say was fortune favors the bold. If I want it to happen, it’s on my shoulders. I have to generate the interest to make that happen,” Hendry said, later adding that “I have to put myself in a position where that me vs. Cena is one of the most compelling matchups in professional wrestling.”
On the Rumble match itself, Hendry said he tried to speak it into existence, telling former TNA co-worker Jordynne Grace last year after her debut in the match that he would be there this year.
Without knowing anything, he had a feeling it would happen, going as far as to pause his presence on this week’s Chris Jericho cruise until after the show. Anthem executive Ariel Shnerer told him the news recently and he said he immediately began thinking of how he could maximize the opportunity, elevate both TNA and the World title, and make the most impact.
He purposely booked signings and appearances in Indianapolis to put him there and then had to leave a signing early to “catch a flight,” adding that he was amazed his inclusion didn’t leak.
He said he spoke with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes about how he should approach his appearance and also put over The Miz as “awesome” with his guidance.
“These guys go out of your way to help you succeed,” he said, noting that Shane Helms also gave great advice about taking a moment after he came out for his entrance and “appreciate the magnitude of what is happening.”
He said the main things he wanted to avoid was “not doing the Titus (O’Neill) thing” where he accidentally fell running to the ring and to not stumble on the kip-up he performed.
He later revealed the Triple H “point” picture that made its way to social media was done right before he headed out to the ring.
Hendry said he had another conversation with Cena when the latter got back after his elimination and that the whole night was “hard to put into words” and “a chapter in my career that was a wonderful surprise.”
Comments