Joe Hendry Addresses Fan Criticism After NXT Title Win

Joe Hendry won the NXT Championship on the February 3rd edition of WWE NXT—but it was what he said afterwards that really told the story. Speaking on Busted Open After Dark, Hendry got real about the years of criticism he’s faced and how it fueled his transformation.

“At this level, you deal with a lot of criticism. Sometimes the criticism that hurts the most is what’s actually true. That happens all the time in your career.”

Fresh off winning his first WWE title in a brutal seven-man ladder match, Hendry reflected on the doubts that have followed him—from his look to his in-ring skills—and how those doubts turned into daily motivation.

“There have been times when people say, ‘Maybe Joe Hendry could have a better physique, maybe Joe could have a more unique look, maybe his promos could be better, maybe his matches could be better and longer.’ You hear all of that throughout your career.”

Now, Hendry says he welcomes that kind of talk—not because it’s wrong, but because he knows he’s not done evolving. He pulled back the curtain on his work ethic, revealing just how hard he pushes himself at the WWE Performance Center.

“The reason I actually get a kick out of it is because when people criticize me, they think they’re criticizing the finished product. But I’m evolving every single day. I’m not afraid to get in there. I do rolls every day. I do drills as fast as we can possibly do them. I push myself, and I’m happy to do that every day.”

Looking back, Hendry said the title means more than people realize. The choice to join WWE and NXT wasn’t easy—and there were moments of real struggle.

“In life, we have different goals and challenges. This championship means so much to me. It represents what the last eight months here full-time at the Performance Center mean to me. I made the choice to come to WWE and join NXT. There were days when it was so tough, and I was frustrated and wanted to progress. Then things started to click.”

Now, he says it’s not just about introducing himself to the world—it’s about proving he belongs at the top. And holding that title, he says, is no small thing.

“For the last couple of years, it was about telling the world who Joe Hendry is. Now the journey has been about stepping up as a championship-caliber athlete who can go to the very top of the business. To have that goal realized by winning this championship—one that has been held by some of the most prestigious names in the business—I’m so honored to represent this brand.”

Joe Hendry didn’t just win a title—he proved he’s more than the criticism that followed him. With the NXT Championship in hand, he’s stepping into a new chapter with something to prove every single day.

What do you think of Joe Hendry’s message? Do you think he will have a great reign as the NXT Champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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