Joe Hendry captured the TNA World Title at TNA Genesis, defeating Nic Nemeth in the main event.
As the reigning champion, Hendry will now have the target on his back, but before challengers start lining up to face him, he has his sights set on one of the top names in wrestling history.
"John Cena. Let's let it continue. I have done all the things that I thought would be impossible, but in an era where anything can happen, and just before Genesis, Triple H tweeted us, Shawn Michaels tweeted the show, and John Cena posted the TNA logo on his Instagram. What kind of representative would I be for TNA if I didn't call out John Cena," Hendry said on Busted Open Radio.
"I already know that everyone in TNA is gunning for me. I'm the champion. That's the match I want. To invite John Cena to cross the line to TNA Wrestling is the most exciting matchup and it's my job as champion to bring as many eyeballs to TNA Wrestling as possible. I have all the respect in the world for John Cena. He was the first professional wrestler that I ever spoke to. When I was 15, I couldn't make a show, my friend went to a meet and greet and said, 'My friend Joe is a big fan. He couldn't come, would you call him?' John held up the meet and greet, phoned me from my friend's phone, and talked to me for five minutes.' I feel that's the story I need to finish, facing John Cena and why not for this championship? I don't know John Cena. I respect him. He's on my Mount Rushmore. He's the greatest. I think he'd be excited about the TNA World Championship," said Hendry.
Asked if he could hang with Cena on the mic, Hendry replied, "1000%. I love it. John Cena, when he gets the microphone, he tells the truth. I honestly believe people haven't seen what I can do on the microphone yet. I feel so comfortable going out there with nothing prepared. John Cena is in the top echelon of talkers ever in this business. If you don't invite that challenge to try and step up, you're not challenging yourself. I know how powerful he is on the microphone. I believe I can hang on the microphone with John Cena."
Hendry noted that he won't get many more opportunities as Cena is on his farewell tour, which concludes at the end of the year with Cena's in-ring retirement.
Fans can find Fightful's coverage of TNA Genesis by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review by clicking here.
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