Joe Hendry was reportedly backstage at WWE’s double taping in Grand Rapids, Michigan, ahead of upcoming episodes of Raw and SmackDown.
According to a report from Bodyslam, there are plans for Hendry to be featured on the December 26 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. WWE is taping both next week’s Raw and SmackDown during tonight’s event in Grand Rapids.
The appearance would mark another notable moment for Hendry amid growing speculation about his role within WWE programming.
During the tapings @LvlUpReports noted that Joe Hendry faced off against The Miz in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight which opened the SmackDown taping. It was also noted that Alpha Academy was ringside. Otis was dressed as Santa and Tozawa was dressed as an elf. A person in a rabbit costume was also present and was later revealed to be R-Truth. Ultimately Joe Hendry picked up the win.
MIZ VS JOE HENDRY IS A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET FIGHT TO OPEN THE SMACKDOWN FOR DECEMBER 26TH #SmackDown
— LevelUpReports (@LvlUpReports) December 20, 2025
Joe Hendry defeats The Miz via pinfall in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight to open the December 26th SmackDown #SmackDown
— LevelUpReports (@LvlUpReports) December 20, 2025
Joe Hendry has been making appearances on WWE programming for a few years now and it was reported last month that the former TNA Wrestling World Champion had officially signed with World Wrestling Entertainment. Hendry has made frequent appearances on NXT, he recently appeared at Satiday Night’s Main Event, and he also faced off against Randy Orton at WrestleMania earlier this year, but his match against The Miz is his first official match on SmackDown.