25 Best Wrestling Moments Of 2024

14. Joe Hendry’s Huge Pop

NXT Joe Hendry
WWE

Joe Hendry felt like a man out of style five years ago: a born sports entertainer in an era in which Vince McMahon’s vision was getting the sh*t kicked out of it by pro wrestling. Even if Hendry was to make it to WWE, WWE was all but guaranteed to ruin his career. 

Then, as is always the case, things changed. A catchphrase became more important than a ***** match. By 2022 or so, everybody could wrestle bangers or emulate wrestling bangers - and a lot of critics were unable to discern the difference. 

As wrestling underwent a stylistic shift, Hendry did the work to transform his body and round out his skill-set. By the time WWE struck a relationship with TNA, he was leaner. He had more spring. He incorporated his amateur wrestling prowess into his work, thereby legitimising it and allowing himself to stand out. All the while, he learned the most valuable skill: he learned how to get over. Boasting an act that unlike the PWG landfill match is inimitable, Hendry went viral and got over as the all-round singing and dancing entertainment machine equipped with an all-timer of an entrance theme.

He headlined a major arena NXT event while still contracted to TNA - an incredible feat - but that WWE debut pop was the magic moment. 

Everybody believed in Joe Hendry.  

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!