The annual WWE 2K games are a showcase of talents who have made waves on WWE programming, as well as an homage to legendary wrestlers. WWE 2K25 continues this legacy with enhanced gameplay and a new immersive experience in the form of The Island. For the next few months, WWE 2K25 will also come out with DLCs that offer additional wrestlers, excluding one highly-requested star: Joe Hendry.
Joe Hendry is currently signed to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and is the reigning TNA World Champion. Thanks to a partnership with his home promotion, he also makes appearances in WWE and NXT, and even made his Royal Rumble debut just last February. Hendry’s charisma, entertaining gimmick, and his viral entrance song titled “I Believe in Joe Hendry” have helped him gain popularity in both promotions. However, he wasn’t included on WWE 2K25‘s roster, which disappointed many fans.
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WWE 2K25 Still Has Time to Add Joe Hendry
Earlier this year, WWE announced a multi-year partnership with TNA, which will allow talents to gain exposure through crossover opportunities in both promotions. Fans have seen this come to fruition with TNA talents like Hendry and Moose working NXT, WWE’s developmental brand; and WWE’s Cora Jade and Wes Lee having performed in TNA. This partnership also comes after a number of TNA stars have made surprise appearances on WWE and NXT programming through PPVs.
With WWE and TNA working together, many fans had high hopes for WWE 2K25 to take advantage of the partnership and feature top TNA stars, like Hendry. The Scottish wrestler has entertained the WWE and NXT crowds since last year with his attention-grabbing promos and vignettes, as well as memorable matches against the likes of Ethan Page and Joe Coffey. His first Royal Rumble appearance practically convinced many fans that he might be included in WWE 2K25, but as mentioned, he’s neither part of the initial roster nor the planned DLCs.
It’s possible that the working partnership doesn’t cover the inclusion of signed TNA stars in WWE 2K25. Former TNA talents Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, and Jordynne Grace will be included in upcoming WWE 2K25 DLC packs because they officially signed with WWE. Hendry is still a guest on WWE and NXT TV, so the game likely doesn’t have the rights to use his image for the game yet. Unless, of course, WWE and TNA strike up a last-minute deal to include Hendry in a WWE 2K25 DLC because they recognize the wrestler’s popularity and marketability.
Meanwhile, Hendry recently uploaded a video teasing that he would appear in an unnamed video game, and that he’ll make an announcement soon. Naturally, many fans think it’s going to be WWE 2K25, but it could also be a different title because Hendry had been posting about wanting to be part of GTA 6‘s soundtrack and becoming a Fortnite character, so anything is possible at this point. Plus, if one looks at his teaser video closely, PUBG Mobile‘s ad conveniently shows up on the digital billboard behind him. Of course, this could just be a perfect coincidence, but it would be a cool Easter egg if such a collab were to be confirmed.
Hendry’s inclusion in WWE 2K25 is really uncertain, but it doesn’t mean that the dream is over for him. WWE and TNA’s multi-year partnership could still expand to other products, like video games, in the future. There’s a possibility that he could be part of WWE 2K26, regardless of if he’s still signed to TNA or has officially moved to WWE. As long as there are people who believe in Joe Hendry, the opportunities for him can go beyond wrestling in the ring.
- Released
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March 14, 2025
- ESRB
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Teen // Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
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