When news came out that Randy Orton would face Joe Hendry at WrestleMania 41, most people thought WWE bosses like Triple H had made the call. But it turns out that was not the case.
After Kevin Owens got injured, Orton was given a list of possible opponents, and he ended up handpicking Hendry. This made the match even more exciting because it was not a typical booking decision. It was a rare case where a WWE legend had the final say.
Randy Orton Defeats Joe Hendry at WrestleMania 41
When the match started at WrestleMania 41, it was clear that Hendry was not just there to fill in. He showed up ready to fight and pushed Orton to his limits.
Hendry’s energy, strength, and speed made him a real threat. He blocked a few RKO attempts, landed some heavy shots of his own, and had the crowd behind him the whole way. At one point, it even looked like Hendry might pull off the upset.
But Orton’s experience on the big stage made the difference. Late in the match, Orton hit a perfect RKO to seal the win. After the match, Orton raised Hendry’s hand, a mark of respect after a strong performance.
Hendry may not have won, but he earned the respect of the fans and proved he belongs in the spotlight.
Randy Orton was given a list of several people and given the option of choosing his WrestleMania opponent after Kevin Owens was injured.
Joe Hendry was his choice.
– WON pic.twitter.com/NM7s0MiHXv
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists)
Randy Orton’s Joe Hendry Decision Pays Off
It appears Orton was on board with Hendry, given his rising popularity, and believed they could have a great match together. It’s also a positive sign that the company trusted Orton enough to make the decision to ensure WrestleMania 41 would be smooth sailing.
It also gave Hendry a huge opportunity. Being picked by someone like Randy Orton at WrestleMania is a big honor, and Hendry made sure to deliver when it mattered most.
The match between Randy Orton and Joe Hendry at WrestleMania 41 was about more than just who won or lost. It was about a veteran choosing to give a newer star a real shot.
Orton trusted Hendry to step up, and Hendry did not disappoint. In the end, it was not a company decision or a creative plan that set up this match. It was Orton himself who made the call, and that choice led to one of the most exciting moments at WrestleMania 41.