In a surprising turn of events, Joe Hendry triumphs in his TNA return match, leaving fans and critics alike intrigued by the peculiar booking decision.
TNA's faith in Hendry paid off, as he unexpectedly stepped into the ring at TNA Genesis on January 17, 2026. Originally, Leon Slater was set to defend his X-Division Championship against Cedric Alexander and Moose, but visa complications forced a change of plans. Enter Hendry, who seized the opportunity and emerged victorious.
The match had its fair share of drama. A heart-stopping moment occurred when Hendry executed a back body drop on Moose, sending him crashing onto the steel steps. The impact was so severe that it prompted the TNA president, Carlos Silva, to rush to the ring to assess Moose's condition. Despite the concern, the match continued, with Hendry and Alexander exchanging blows while keeping a watchful eye on Moose.
Thankfully, Moose seemed to recover, as he re-entered the fray with high-impact moves, dispelling fears of a serious injury. As the match neared its climax, Hendry powerbombed Moose and showcased his signature spin pose. But Alexander retaliated with a Death Valley Driver, followed by a crossface submission attempt. Moose intervened, ensuring the match wouldn't end there.
But here's where it gets controversial. Alexander then executed a Styles Clash on Moose, a move made famous by AJ Francis, who had performed it earlier in the show. This raises the question: who executed it better? And was it a subtle nod to Francis or just a coincidence?
As the match progressed, Moose, defying his back injury, almost pulled off a win with a spear on Alexander. However, his back betrayed him, allowing Alexander to counter with the Lumbar Check. Hendry, seizing the moment, slammed Alexander with the Standing Ovation to secure the win.
This outcome leaves us with intriguing questions. From TNA's perspective, was it a calculated risk to push the injury angle for Moose and have Hendry win? Leon Slater promised title shots to Alexander and Moose, but now Alexander loses, and Moose is left injured in the storyline. Moreover, Hendry's future in TNA is uncertain, as he is currently in NXT, potentially making his victory a fleeting moment.
On the flip side, Hendry's win provided a satisfying conclusion to his TNA run, giving fans a memorable send-off. It's possible that TNA intended to follow the original script, where Slater would have retained the title, and Alexander would have been the likely loser. Moose's injury, though unfortunate, could have been a strategic move to protect him from a clean loss and set up a future rivalry with Slater.
Here's the twist: some speculate that WWE had a hand in Hendry's victory, ensuring their talent wouldn't lose. Conspiracy theories aside, the match undoubtedly entertained the audience.
For those who missed it, catch the full TNA Genesis results and replay on TNA+ and TrillerTV. What are your thoughts on this thrilling three-way match? Did TNA make the right call with the booking? Share your opinions and let's discuss the controversial elements of this exciting wrestling event!
