WWE: More on Joe Hendry Surprise Appearance at NXT Heatwave 2024, Ethan Page on NXT Title Victory, More on Botched Pinfall Count in WWE World Title Match at Money in the Bank 2024

More on Joe Henrdy’s Surprise Brief Appearance at NXT Heatwave 2024

As noted before, Sunday’s WWE NXT Heatwave 2024 event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada featured TNA Wrestling talent Joe Henrdy making a surprise very brief video appearance.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that NXT offcials currently have plans to use Hendry in a significant way moving forward. WWE officials reportedly are leaning into Hendry’s tendency for going viral and currently feel teasers of Hendry can be just as effective as their subtle buildup for the Wyatt Sicks in terms of generating online buzz.

WWE executive reportedly view Hendry as one of the wrestlers from TNA with the most upside, along with Jordynne Grace. It was reported that there have been rumors of WWE making serious overtures to Hendry once his current contract with TNA expires.

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Ethan Page on His NXT Title Victory at NXT Heatwave 2024

Sunday’s WWE NXT Heatwave 2024 event in Toronto also featured “All Ego” Ethan Page defeating Je’Von Evans, Shawn Spears, and Trick Williams in a Fatal Four-way match for the NXT Championship.

Following the event, WWE held a digital exclusive backstage interview with Page discussing his thoughts about his NXT Championship victory.

Well, most people would say it feels amazing, it feels great. But to be honest with you, I mean, I knew this was gonna happen. [Laughs] Six weeks. I walked in the first night, and I attacked who? Oh, that’s right, this bum’s name is still in this belt, and as soon I’m done with this interview, I’m gonna be getting these things changed. That’s right, I attacked Trick Williams. My first attempt didn’t really play in my favor. I clearly learned from my lesson since I’m a wily veteran of the game, and it took me 17 years to get to the WWE Universe and only six weeks to become champion. Now I’m the face of NXT. That’s what everyone’s saying, right?”

Page also gave his thoughts about luck being involved with the finish of the match for his title victory.

“You’re gonna say I got lucky? I earned everything I have in the last 17 years of my career. Tonight is no different. This championship is earned, and I’m gonna prove it. I’m going to be a fighting champion. I’m going to be the man in NXT, but not to prove it to you, people doubting me, saying things like, ‘Oh, you got lucky.’ No, ‘All Ego’ was born to be champion. Now, I finally have the hardware to prove it.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

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More on Botched Pinfall Count Incident During WWE World Title Match at Money in the Bank 2024

This past Saturday’s WWE Money in the Bank 2024 event featured Damian Priest defeating Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This match was notable for McIntyre cashing in his Men’s Money in the Bank briefcase that he won earlier in the show and for a pinfall count botch by the referee prior to McIntyre showing up.

In regards to the pinfall count botch incident, Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that his sources stated that there was not any backstage heat on Priest nor match referee Rod Zapata over the botched pinfall count spot during the match. Sapp reported that Priest was supposed to have kicked out of Rollins’ pinfall attempted and him not doing so was not due to any injury related issue and instead was said to be feeling fine after the match. Zapata reportedly made the decision to not count to three due to it would have led to a title change and would have also changed the scheduled plans for the match involving McIntyre’s cash-in and CM Punk interference.

One source spoken to reportedly stated that it was an “unfortunate situation” and noted that this does not usually happen with Priest. This same source reportedly also stated that it would be silly to hold the error against Priest due to it being a “shit happens situation.

In regards to McIntyre’s cash-in, it was reported that McIntyre’s music hitting would not have led to the pinfall count being stopped and for this reason, the planned music was not blamed for the botch.