Randy Orton Reflects on WrestleMania 41 Surprise Match with Joe Hendry – Randy Orton faced a surprise opponent in Joe Hendry at WrestleMania 41 Sunday, and in a backstage interview with Cathy Kelley for WWE Digital, Orton opened up about the experience and how the fans’ reaction shaped his mindset going into the match.
Orton admitted that not knowing his opponent ahead of time actually helped him relax before the bout. Without the pressure of preparation, Orton said he was able to enjoy the moment and connect with the crowd in a way that’s often difficult given the usual adrenaline and nerves associated with big matches.
“Having fun, that’s the part of what we do that sometimes you don’t get to have as much fun out there because you’re—the nerves, the adrenaline—it’s through the roof,” Orton said. “You can’t sleep nights before. But me not knowing who my opponent was going to be, all those nerves were gone, and I was able to soak up all that energy. Got to say a little something, get everybody ready for the fact that we don’t know who’s about to step through that curtain. I couldn’t be more happy with who my opponent ended up being.”
The former WWE Champion admitted he initially didn’t know what to make of Hendry’s surprise appearance. But once he heard the fan reaction, his opinion shifted quickly.
“Now, when I first heard the music, and I first saw who it was, I wasn’t quite sure how it was going to feel about it, but then I heard the people’s reaction to this guy, and they love him,” Orton said. “They love him. Now, I had to hit a couple of RKOs, as per the usual, but then I did my own little version of the Hendry spin around. I don’t know what he calls it, but I’ll tell you what, I might have to steal that for next week. Maybe, we’ll see when we get there. You’re going to have to wait. If I do it again, it will be on SmackDown, or maybe Monday Night Raw.”
Although Hendry didn’t win in his WrestleMania debut, his performance clearly resonated—not just with the fans, but with a veteran like Orton. The Viper’s comments could signal a greater spotlight on Hendry in the future, and perhaps a developing on-screen rivalry or respect-based storyline between the two.
Fans will now be watching closely to see if Orton follows through with incorporating Hendry’s signature spin into his own act—something that could appear as soon as this week’s SmackDown or RAW.
Randy Orton Reflects on WrestleMania 41 Surprise Match with Joe Hendry
