A new champion emerged triumphant on the February 3rd episode of WWE NXT as the vacant men’s title was decided in a chaotic multi-man ladder match.
Seven competitors entered with the same goal, but only one left holding the championship after a dramatic closing sequence.
How Joe Hendry became the new WWE NXT Champion
Joe Hendry captured the NXT Championship by outlasting Ricky Saints, Shiloh Hill, Sean Legacy, Keanu Carver, Jackson Drake, and Dion Lennox in a seven-man ladder match. The bout took place after the title was vacated earlier in January. Thus, creating a wide-open race at the top of the men’s division.
The match came together following Oba Femi’s decision to relinquish the championship after a successful title defense earlier in the year, as he prepares to transition to the main roster. NXT officials set up a ladder match featuring a mix of established names and rising talent to determine the new champion, with several competitors earning their spots through qualifying matches.
The contest gave each wrestler moments to stand out. Keanu Carver drew attention as multiple opponents worked together to neutralize him by piling ladders on top of him. Shiloh Hill also impressed with the creative use of the ladder. Meanwhile, Sean Legacy earned a strong reaction for a high-risk 450 splash onto a ladder-supported opponent.
The finish transpired between Hendry and Saints. Saints appeared close to victory but hesitated, allowing Hendry to climb the ladder from the opposite side. Both men reached the top and engaged in a tug-of-war over the championship. Hendry ultimately won the struggle, knocking Saints down and pulling the title free to secure the win.
The victory marks Hendry’s first WWE championship and comes roughly seven months after he lost the TNA World Championship. As NXT moves forward, Hendry now sits at the center of the men’s division, with several potential challengers having a new target to dethrone.
