Joe Hendry’s First NXT Title Defense Announced After 3-On-1 Attack On WWE NXT

Joe Hendry’s time as NXT Champion has only just begun, and he is already being tested in a big way.

Just a week after winning the vacant NXT Championship in a seven-man Ladder Match on the February 3, 2026, episode of WWE NXT, Hendry was jumped in a three-on-one attack. On top of that, WWE has now confirmed his very first title defense.

Joe Hendry won the championship after Oba Femi gave up the title to move to WWE’s main roster. In the Ladder Match main event, Hendry outlasted Ricky Saints, Dion Lennox, Sean Legacy, Jackson Drake, Shiloh Hill, and Keanu Carver to pull down the championship and win his first title in WWE.

Attack Immediately Puts Pressure on New NXT Champion

Today’s episode of NXT opened with a recap of Hendry’s title win. When he came out, the crowd erupted, loudly chanting that they still believed in Joe Hendry. Standing in the ring, Hendry delivered his usual moment by saying his own name.

With “You deserve it” chants from the crowd, Hendry admitted he had moments of doubt during the Ladder Match. He said hearing the fans gave him the push he needed. The NXT Champion explained that every step of his career led him to this title, but he also made it clear that winning the championship is just the beginning. As champion, he promised to help take NXT to the next level.

But the celebration didn’t last long. The Vanity Project interrupted proceedings.

Evolve Champion Jackson Drake started taking shots at Hendry and joked that he should be a motivational speaker and start a podcast because he is “mid at best.” Drake claimed Hendry doesn’t belong in NXT and reminded him that The Vanity Project had already taken him out before.

Hendry clapped back, pointing out that they failed, which the crowd backed up with loud “shut the hell up” chants aimed at Drake. Hendry welcomed the fight, “I’m gonna be man enough to tell you that I’ve got no problem kicking your a** and defend the NXT championship,” Hendry said.

Things turned physical. Joe Hendry initially landed some shots on The Vanity Project, but the numbers caught up to him. He was taken down in a rough three-on-one beatdown, leaving The Vanity Project standing tall. Drake grabbed the NXT Championship and mocked Hendry’s signature pose.

Shortly after, it was made official that Joe Hendry will defend the NXT Championship against Jackson Drake tonight.