Joe Hendry shocked the wrestling world by winning the NXT Championship in a chaotic ladder match on the February 3, 2026, episode of WWE NXT. This victory marks a pivotal shift for NXT amid main roster call-ups and title changes.
NXT has seen major roster shakeups in early 2026, with stars like Je'on Evans, Oba Femi, and Trick Williams moving to Raw and SmackDown—Femi even vacated the NXT title last month. Qualifying matches set up a high-stakes ladder bout on February 3, featuring winners like Lexis King, Nathan Frazer, Karmen Carver, Ricky Saints, Sean Legacy, and Shiloh Hill; Joe Hendry earned his spot via a brawl with Drake Armstrong and The Vanity Project.
Each competitor brought fire: Carver building momentum post-call-up, Drake chasing dual titles (NXT and Evolve Men's), Hendry amplifying his viral fame, Hill extending his WWE LFG Season 2 streak, Legacy proving Evolve worth, King targeting DarkState gold, and Starks reclaiming his former prize. The ladder match delivered mayhem with near-falls, ladder shots, and big spots like spears through signs and dives into the crowd.
Enter Joe Hendry: He ambushed Saints, sparked a title tug-of-war, then smashed the belt into Saints' face for a ladder backbreaker. Hendry unhooked the NXT Championship, sparking wild celebrations—including Booker T spinning his theme—cementing his reign.
Each competitor brought fire: Carver building momentum post-call-up, Drake chasing dual titles (NXT and Evolve Men's), Hendry amplifying his viral fame, Hill extending his WWE LFG Season 2 streak, Legacy proving Evolve worth, King targeting DarkState gold, and Starks reclaiming his former prize. The ladder match delivered mayhem with near-falls, ladder shots, and big spots like spears through signs and dives into the crowd.
Ladder Match Key Moments and Finish
Chaos ruled as competitors traded ladder-assisted brutality—Drake flew into fans, Legacy speared a cardboard NXT sign, and Carver bulldozed foes. The climax hit with Ricky Saints and Karmen Carver climbing together; Saints shoved Carver onto bridged ladders outside, seemingly securing the win.Enter Joe Hendry: He ambushed Saints, sparked a title tug-of-war, then smashed the belt into Saints' face for a ladder backbreaker. Hendry unhooked the NXT Championship, sparking wild celebrations—including Booker T spinning his theme—cementing his reign.
