WrestleMania 41 shocked the WWE Universe when TNA World Heavyweight Champion Joe Hendry suddenly appeared on wrestling's biggest stage.

In his signature "Say His Name and He Appears" style, Hendry responded to Randy Orton's open challenge in Las Vegas, building a crossover buzz that won't soon subside.

Randy Orton's Open Challenge Paves the Way for Joe Hendry

WWE WrestleMania 41: Randy Orton Gives Joe Hendry Viper's Taste WWE WrestleMania 41: Randy Orton Gives Joe Hendry Viper's Taste
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Following Kevin Owens' removal from WrestleMania 41 because of scheduled neck surgery, Randy Orton was left without an opponent. On the last episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania, "The Viper" made an open challenge to anyone who would be willing to step up against him on short notice.

Cue the music and the chants—Joe Hendry walked out to the ring to a thunderous reception. Fans went wild inside Allegiant Stadium, representing one of the loudest reactions of the evening as the TNA sensation entered WrestleMania for the first time.

Randy Orton Spoils Joe Hendry's WrestleMania Debut

Though the underdog and lesser known to the WWE mainstream fan base, Hendry managed to hold his own against one of the most decorated superstars in the history of the company. From the beginning of the match, Hendry was able to display his athleticism and charisma, even successfully keeping Orton off balance during the brief but effective contest.

According to Sports Illustrated, he almost turned the match around in his favor with his trademark hard-cam pose, but that proved to be an expensive error. Just as he was about to turn to pose, Orton blindsided him with an RKO out of the blue, ruining Hendry's WWE debut in classic style.

WWE x TNA: New Crossover Moments?

What came after the match only served to further enhance Hendry's legitimacy.

Las Vegas fans awarded him a second thunderous ovation, and Randy Orton lifted his hand in a rare show of respect before, in characteristic Orton fashion, knocking Hendry out with another RKO simply because he could.

The moment sent shockwaves across social media. Wrestling insider Jon Alba reported that Hendry was initially slated to appear on WWE's European tour earlier this year.

While that didn't happen, WrestleMania 41 seemingly served as a make-good, and what a way to do it.