One of the major turning points in TNA World Champion Joe Hendry’s explosive career in professional wrestling has been the quick sell-out of his first WWE-branded t-shirt.
But there have been drawbacks to this success as well, most notably the rise in fake goods that use his name and image.
A Viral Sensation and Merchandise Success
Following his well-received entrance theme and prominent appearances on WWE NXT and the 2025 Royal Rumble, Joe Hendry’s popularity skyrocketed.
Taking advantage of this momentum, he released his first official WWE t-shirt, which sold out fast, demonstrating the high demand from his expanding fan base.
Combatting Counterfeit Merchandise
Unauthorized products also increased as a result of Hendry’s popularity rise. Hendry publicly addressed this problem in February 2025 when he accused TeePublic of selling fake shirts that featured his intellectual property. He threatened legal action if these objects were not removed within the allotted 24-hour period.
Hendry emphasized the importance of purchasing merchandise from authorized retailers, stating:
“Counterfeit merch has become a serious issue. Unless you get it from me, TNA, Pro Wrestling Tees, Hot Topic, or Major Bendies, it is FAKE.”
He also warned fans about fraudulent websites posing as official stores, urging vigilance to ensure authenticity.
A Victory Against Bootleggers
In response to his warnings, TeePublic deleted 89 unapproved Joe Hendry designs and started a discussion to safeguard his intellectual property going forward.
Hendry acknowledged his efforts to resolve the remaining fake listings and thanked his fans for their support in drawing attention to the problem.
Looking Ahead
Joe Hendry’s aggressive campaign against fake goods highlights the difficulties public personalities have in defending their reputations.
Fans are urged to help him as he rises in the wrestling industry by buying his merchandise through authorized means, guaranteeing that they get genuine goods and help him achieve his rightful success.