Full Breakdown
Joe Hendry Wins NXT Championship in Ladder Match
2/4/2026, 1:54:35 PM
Championship Ladder Match Overview
Joe Hendry emerged victorious in a Seven-Man Ladder Match to claim the NXT Championship, marking his first title win in the promotion. The match took place on Tuesday, featuring Hendry and six other competitors: Ricky Saints, Shiloh Hill, Sean Legacy, Dion Lennox, Keanu Carver, and Jackson Drake. The championship was vacated after Oba Femi was called up to WWE's main roster, leaving the title open for contention following his successful defense against Leon Slater at New Year’s Evil.
Key Moments in the Match
The match concluded dramatically when Ricky Saints attempted to secure the championship after shoving Keanu Carver off a ladder, causing Carver to crash through another ladder below. Saints, believing he had the title within reach, was confronted by Hendry. The two wrestlers engaged in a brief struggle for the championship belt, culminating in Hendry striking Saints with the title, which sent him crashing through a ladder. Hendry then successfully unhooked the championship to become the new NXT Champion.
Background to the Championship Match
The path to the ladder match was fraught with tension. Hendry was initially scheduled to compete against Jackson Drake in a qualifying match; however, he was attacked prior to the event. General manager Ava had initially threatened to fire members of the Vanity Project, which included Drake, after discovering their involvement in Hendry's attack. Despite the circumstances, Ava allowed both Hendry and Drake to compete in the ladder match, leading to the historic championship bout.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the match, Hendry expressed his excitement about winning the title, emphasizing the significance of the moment for his career. General manager Ava, who announced the ladder match, highlighted the competitive spirit of the participants and the unpredictability of such high-stakes matches.
Criticism & Opposition
While the match was celebrated by many fans, some critics pointed to the chaotic nature of the ladder match format, arguing that it can overshadow individual wrestling skills. Concerns were raised about the safety of the competitors, particularly following the high-impact spots that occurred during the match.
What's Next
With Hendry now holding the NXT Championship, future storylines are anticipated to revolve around potential challengers and the implications of his victory on the NXT landscape. Fans are eager to see how this title win will shape Hendry's career and the dynamics within the NXT roster.
