Joe Hendry's Musical Journey and WWE Ambitions: From Edinburgh Pubs to WrestleMania

Joe Hendry's journey to professional wrestling stardom began not in a training ring, but on the open mic nights of Edinburgh pubs, often as an underage performer. The 38-year-old Scot's rise has been marked by a unique blend of musical ambition and wrestling prowess, culminating in a recent appearance at WrestleMania against WWE legend Randy Orton.

Hendry, now signed to WWE, has also found success with his music. His album, "Beyond Belief," has climbed the charts, topping the iTunes soundtrack chart. The album features songs that celebrate his own accomplishments, with one track, "Fire Logan Paul," explicitly calling for the dismissal of the fellow WWE star. Hendry expressed his belief in using his platform for positive change, humorously suggesting that even his colleagues might secretly enjoy the song.

His musical roots run deep, with performances in notable Edinburgh venues like Cabaret Voltaire and the Liquid Rooms. Encouraged by his DJ father, Hendry began experimenting with music production at 15. However, professional wrestling remained his primary aspiration.

Inspired by figures like The Rock, Hendry initially doubted his physical suitability for wrestling, believing he was not large enough. This perception changed when he began competing on the independent circuit, often finding himself the larger competitor. He now champions the idea that wrestling accommodates various sizes and roles.

The turning point for Hendry came at the start of 2013, when he committed to pursuing professional wrestling full-time. After a thirteen-year journey that involved balancing work and his wrestling dreams, he achieved his goal of performing at WrestleMania.

His self-penned entrance theme, "I Believe in Joe Hendry," became a viral sensation, significantly boosting his profile and popularizing his "believe" catchphrase. Despite demand from other wrestlers, Hendry has declined to write entrance themes for them, citing the significant time investment and his focus on his own career. He maintains that his current entrance theme is the best in the business.

MUSICAL INFLUENCES

Hendry cites the American rock band Weezer as a major influence on his songwriting. During the Britpop era, he identified as a fan of Blur over Oasis, though he now acknowledges the musical merit of both bands. He views the Gallagher brothers through the lens of a wrestler, appreciating their combination of style and substance, qualities he believes are essential for success in any performance art.

LOOKING AHEAD

One of Hendry's foremost ambitions is to perform in front of a Scottish WWE audience. He believes that fan support is key to making this happen, expressing hope that vocal demand will lead to a WWE event in Scotland, potentially at the OVO Hydro. For Hendry, performing in a packed Scottish arena would represent a significant homecoming since his early days performing in Edinburgh pubs.