How a Scottish wrestler turned a viral music video into a global championship run
In short: Joe Hendry, a former amateur wrestler and musician, transformed his career by blending wrestling with viral musical performance. After years in the independent circuit, his theme song, I Believe In Joe Hendry, surged to the top of UK music charts, fueling a meteoric rise to becoming TNA World Champion.
Born on May 1, 1988, in Scotland, Joe Hendry began his journey as a decorated amateur wrestler, securing British Senior National Championships in both freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. He represented Great Britain at the 2017 Commonwealth Wrestling Championship and competed for Scotland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. His transition to professional wrestling involved training at the Source Wrestling School under mentors like Damian Mackle and Robbie Brookside, followed by extensive work in the Scottish independent scene, most notably with Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) from 2013 to 2019.
Hendry’s career is defined by his unique ability to integrate his musical background into his persona. The track achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number four on the UK Singles Downloads Chart and the Official Big Top 40 Charts, and reaching number six on the UK Singles Sales Charts in May 2024. This popularity coincided with his ascent in TNA Wrestling, where he earned a reputation for his charisma and technical prowess.
His path to the top of TNA was marked by high-profile feuds and strategic alliances. After returning to the promotion in 2022, he became the longest-reigning Digital Media Champion, holding the belt for 266 days. By 2025, his momentum led him to defeat Nic Nemeth at Genesis to capture the TNA World Championship. His success extended beyond TNA, as he became the first TNA World Champion to compete at WrestleMania and the Royal Rumble, eventually signing with WWE in November 2025. His career serves as a case study in how modern wrestlers leverage digital virality and cross-platform media to transcend traditional independent circuits.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Joe Hendry
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