Joe Hendry Defeats Ricky Saints at WWE Vengeance Day 2026 – Results & Highlights

ORLANDO, FL – Joe Hendry retained his NXT Championship at Vengeance Day on Saturday night, overcoming a hard-fought challenge from Ricky Saints in a match filled with dramatic swings and controversial moments at the WWE Performance Center. The victory wasn’t without its complications, as interference and a low blow ultimately decided the contest.

The match began with a furious pace, quickly escalating into a brawl. Saints initially gained the upper hand, capitalizing on an early opportunity when Hendry’s foot became entangled in the ropes. However, Hendry demonstrated his resilience, knocking Saints off the top rope during a risky maneuver. The physicality continued outside the ring, with Saints regaining control by slamming Hendry shoulder-first into the steel steps.

Back in the ring, the momentum shifted repeatedly. Saints taunted Hendry by mimicking his signature pose, a move that backfired, allowing the champion to unleash a series of powerful attacks, including an Attitude Adjustment and an avalanche fallaway slam. Despite the onslaught, Saints kicked out, refusing to stay down. The match continued to build in intensity, with Saints hitting a powerbomb and attempting a guillotine choke, only for Hendry to power out with a slam.

The turning point arrived with the unexpected involvement of Ethan Page, who appeared at ringside and secured the NXT title. This distraction proved crucial, as Page inadvertently tossed the championship belt to Hendry while Saints was attempting a spear. Saints, frustrated, discarded the title and went for a low blow, but Hendry countered with one of his own while the referee was distracted. Capitalizing on the chaos, Hendry finished the match with his Standing Ovation chokeslam, securing the win.

The finish was particularly contentious, with Saints tossing Hendry into the referee before the champion’s decisive low blow. The referee was not knocked down, allowing the illegal tactic to go unnoticed in the immediate aftermath. The victory ensures Hendry’s continued reign as NXT Champion, but the circumstances surrounding the win are sure to fuel further animosity between the two competitors.

The match was a compelling display of athleticism and determination from both wrestlers. Saints proved to be a formidable opponent, pushing Hendry to his limits and exploiting every opportunity. However, the interference of Ethan Page and the controversial finish ultimately overshadowed Saints’ efforts.

The events at Vengeance Day raise questions about Page’s motives and his potential role in future NXT Championship contests. His actions clearly influenced the outcome of the match, and his presence at ringside suggests a larger strategy at play. Whether Page intends to challenge Hendry for the title himself or simply sow discord remains to be seen.

The NXT Vengeance Day event also featured other notable matches, including Izzi Dame vs. Tatum Paxley for the NXT Women’s North American Championship and an Underground match between Lola Vice and Kelani Jordan. However, the NXT Championship match between Hendry and Saints undoubtedly stole the show, delivering a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion to the evening.

The victory extends Hendry’s championship reign and solidifies his position as a dominant force in NXT. However, the controversy surrounding the finish leaves a lingering sense of dissatisfaction for some fans and sets the stage for a potential rematch between Hendry and Saints. The NXT landscape remains dynamic and unpredictable, and the coming weeks are sure to bring further developments in the ongoing championship saga.

The match also sparked discussion online, with some questioning the execution of certain moves by Saints. One Twitter user, @Graannt, posted, “Has Ricky Saints ever made this move look good?” accompanied by a video clip from the match. Other fans celebrated Hendry’s victory, with @WrestlingCovers tweeting, “ALL JOE HENDRY!” accompanied by a celebratory image. Further clips of the match were shared by @ShootOrWork, highlighting key moments and the chaotic finish.

The NXT Vengeance Day event, streamed live on Peacock (and Netflix internationally), delivered a night of compelling wrestling action. While the main event’s controversial finish may be debated for days to come, it undoubtedly added to the drama and intrigue surrounding the NXT Championship. The event showcased the talent and athleticism of the NXT roster and left fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the ongoing storylines.