TNA’s Frankie Kazarian and Joe Hendry shook up WWE NXT last night, making surprise entries in the #1 Contender’s Battle Royal. While the fans expected fireworks, what they got was more like a damp sparkler. Hendry, full of bravado, was the first to be unceremoniously launched over the top rope by none other than Kazarian himself. The crowd’s reaction? Let’s just say they weren’t shy about expressing their displeasure, chanting “b*st” as Hendry made his exit.
Kazarian, never one to mince words, took to social media post-show to unload his frustration. In a video dripping with indignation, he laid the blame for his own Battle Royal loss squarely on Hendry’s shoulders.
“Tonight, like all great kings, I was planning on expanding my kingdom,” Kazarian ranted. “The king of TNA was going to become the king of NXT. But what happens? Joe Hendry, you corny a** one-trick pony, you show up and steal my thunder. I took your a** out immediately. If you hadn’t shown up and thrown me off my game, I would’ve won and become NXT Champion. Joe Hendry, all you are is an obstacle everywhere I go. NXT, you’re welcome.”
Kazarian’s fiery words came after an impressive performance, as he outlasted 21 other competitors to reach the final four. However, his dream of NXT glory was cut short by Je’Von Evans, who ultimately won the Battle Royal and secured a title shot against Trick Williams at Heatwave on July 7.