Joe Hendry Aims for Dream Match Against John Cena

TNA world champion Joe Hendry is determined to turn John Cena’s challenge into reality before Cena’s retirement.

Joe Hendry has a knack for making the impossible a reality. It’s how he’s cultivated such a wide swathe of believers. The TNA world champion received a louder ovation than any WWE superstar at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble. Now he has planted the seeds for something even more ambitious: a match with John Cena.

“John laid down the challenge. He said it’s on me to make it happen. I accept that challenge,” Hendry told CBS Sports. “I need to rise to the occasion to make that one of the most compelling matchups in professional wrestling. John said if I can generate the buzz to the point where the parties that need to want that match to happen, he’ll be there for it.”

Hendry and Cena had an extensive conversation at the Rumble in Indianapolis. According to Hendry, Cena shared words of wisdom and conditionally accepted his request for a match between them. Hendry must generate undeniable fan interest, which is a tremendous task against one of the greatest WWE superstars.

If Cena’s challenge wasn’t bold enough, it comes with a time limit. The 16-time world champion is on his farewell tour and will retire at the end of 2025.

“We don’t have a lot of time left,” Hendry said. “That is the matchup I’m looking for. It’s a huge goal for me this year and in my career. John Cena was the first wrestler I ever spoke to when I was 15 years old. The matchup means a lot to me.”

Hendry recalls how Cena was his inspiration. A phone call that left a lasting impact was when Cena spoke to him as a teen, igniting his passion for wrestling. Hendry recognizes this current moment as a full circle, where he is now in a position to challenge the man he once idolized.

Check out the full interview with Joe Hendry below.