Speculation Mounts Over Joe Hendry’s Potential WWE Royal Rumble 2025 Appearance

As the WWE Royal Rumble 2025 approaches, speculation is heating up about potential surprise entrants, with Joe Hendry emerging as a top contender. The TNA Wrestling star, who gained popularity through WWE’s partnership with TNA, has teased a possible return to the main roster, sparking rumors of his participation in the men’s Royal Rumble match on February 1.

Dave Meltzer, a prominent wrestling journalist, revealed on a recent episode of ‘Wrestling Observer Radio’ that Hendry’s recent appearance on ‘WWE NXT‘ hinted at a main roster comeback. ‘He very much teased that he will be back, and kind of teased it would be on the main roster. Everyone thinks he’s going to be in the Royal Rumble,’ Meltzer said. Hendry’s cryptic message, ‘say my name and I’ll appear,’ has further fueled fan anticipation.

Hendry’s potential appearance could be even more significant if he enters the Royal Rumble as the TNA World Champion. He is set to compete for the title at TNA’s Genesis pay-per-view on January 19. A victory would likely secure his status as champion heading into the Royal Rumble, barring any changes during the ‘TNA Impact‘ tapings on January 23 and 24 in San Antonio, Texas.

Meanwhile, WWE has already announced a marquee match for the Royal Rumble event. On the December 27 edition of SmackDown, General Manager Nick Aldis confirmed that Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match. This bout, alongside the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, promises to make the event one of the most anticipated of the year.

In addition to Hendry’s potential appearance, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Becky Lynch. The Man is expected to make her comeback at the Raw on Netflix premiere on January 6. Lynch was recently spotted at WWE’s media event at Netflix HQ and featured in a Raw Netflix commercial, signaling her imminent return. Speculation suggests she could play a pivotal role in the ongoing feud between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan, potentially setting up a future championship match.

With the Royal Rumble card shaping up, WWE fans have plenty to look forward to as the road to WrestleMania 2025 begins.