There’s a few golden rules to be successful in music. In 2024, close to the top of that list is the best piece of advice any aspiring musician should follow…Thou shall not fuck with the Swifties. But when you’re used to giving and taking regular beatdowns in professional wrestling, it’s no wonder people are starting to believe in Joe Hendry and his unlikely quest for a number one in the UK chart. Andy Spoors talks exclusively to the TNA star to find out the details…
It’s a popular phrase thrown around right now. Professional wrestling is cool again. The industry is currently undergoing a bit of a metamorphosis and interest is beginning to peak with viewing figures not seen since the boom of the nineties. It isn’t just WWE that is benefiting from the increase in popularity either. A rising tide lifts all boats indeed.
Born out of a popular meme, Joe Hendry and TNA are two of those boats. When asked where the idea to release his insanely catchy theme song as a single came from, like any viral phenomenon, its foundations lie in the bizarre world of social media.
“It all started when there was a rumbling on TikTok. I kind of heard that I was starting to go viral but I hadn’t used TikTok in a couple of years.” Said Joe Hendry.
“So I went to check it out and I noticed that fans were posting videos about me and they were getting half a million hits and it was mostly about the song.
I thought to myself, well I should probably just release this, so I did that. I filled out the paperwork, jumped on Adobe and spent an hour just doing the artwork that I adapted from the YouTube thumbnail and uploaded it.
I didn’t think much of it and then it just really took on a life of its own from there! We started uploading some fun videos where we remixed famous movie scenes in my entrance and then with the song released, it just really took on a life of its own.”
Joe Hendry and Music
This however, isn’t an overnight success story for the proud Scotsman. His wrestling career has spanned well over a decade and taken him all over the globe. His unique blend of technical ability and showmanship have made him a unique prospect in pro wrestling. Comfortable at going head to head with opponents in the ring or on the microphone, Hendry has developed a penchant for getting inside rivals’ heads through music.
Last year, The Prestigious One faced off against WWE legend Scotty 2 Hotty at NORTH Wrestling. Before his entrance, Hendry played a modified version of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer, poking fun at his opponent’s finishing move. It would rack up over 100,000 views on YouTube.
Before his career in wrestling, Hendry would perform as lead singer in the band Lost in Audio, something that would stand him in great stead even if his current career sees him locking in submissions instead of holding on to a microphone.
“To be honest for 10 years I did nothing but sit down and write songs from the age of 15 to 25. That’s really all I did, I just love that and I had a passion for it. Previously I kind of felt like I failed in music, but actually, I feel like I’ve been able to take those skills and put them to work in pro wrestling.” Said Hendry.
“When you talk about things being stored up for a long period of time, I actually wrote the melody to my theme song probably in 2012! It was a joke song that I used to sing because I said “it seems to be artists nowadays get huge by just mentioning places!”
“So I would just go “London and Paris and Tokyo!” We were just joking instead of trying to do the music we’re doing, we should just name places! And that’s how that piece of music started. Then it was 2019 when I realised that actually that’s quite catchy and it’s been in my head for about 10 years, so maybe I should do something with it…and then I did!”
Taking on Taylor
His current rival in TNA Wrestling, AJ Francis, is no stranger to a music studio either. But this week Hendry found himself up against one of the most intimidating forces in the world today, Taylor Swift fans aka Swifties.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Joe’s push for a number one in his native UK, inevitably runs through the pop sensation. So were there any nerves when it came to cutting a promo on the biggest name in music right now?
“Yeah it was one of those moments where I was about to press share and I thought ooh this could go wrong, this could get an interesting reaction, because I know there’s a lot of Swifties out there! I have friends who are serious Swifties.” Added Hendry.
“But I thought you know what? Taylor is super talented. Taylor Swift is, I believe, the number one artist in the world, but I think it would be nice for her to have a week off and take the pressure off a little bit!
https://twitter.com/joehendry/status/1785356881818419623
So why don’t you let me step in and I’ll take the number one spot for a week and then she can have it right back you know!?”
And if Hendry does indeed claim an unlikely number one, he could find out in the strangest of surroundings.
“I think the number one will be announced almost exactly when Under Siege (this Friday’s TNA PPV) will begin if I’m correct! So that will be an interesting way to celebrate. I will celebrate by continuing to contribute to TNA Wrestling.” Said a hopeful Hendry.
“How cool would that be, if the moment I find out that I have a charting single is when I’m walking to the ring? That’s going to be pretty cool!”
https://twitter.com/officialcharts/status/1786034996735541410
Support Joe Hendry by purchasing and streaming ‘I Believe In Joe Hendry’ on your preferred music streaming platform.
TNA Wrestling presents Under Siege LIVE THIS FRIDAY, May 3 at 8pm ET on TNA+ and YouTube for Ultimate Insiders from Washington Avenue Armory in Albany, NY.
