Mark Henry’s journey to the top of WWE wasn’t a straight path—it was filled with setbacks, pain, and resilience.

Henry joined WWE on a ten-year contract after the 1996 Olympics, but broke his leg in his first year. Through the 2000s, he became a dominant force, capturing the ECW Championship in 2008 at Night of Champions by defeating Kane and Big Show, making him the fourth African-American world champion in WWE history.

However, plans for him to win the more-prestigious WWE World Heavyweight championship were sadly derailed due to another injury.

Speaking with Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the former World Heavyweight Champion revealed that he was originally slated to win the World Heavyweight title three years before his 2011 reign, but an untimely injury derailed those plans.

“I was supposed to be Champion three years earlier, but I got injured… It was good that I was still relevant and talented enough to get another opportunity.”

Despite the delay, Henry’s Hall of Pain persona became one of the most dominant and memorable runs in WWE history, proving that persistence pays off.

Henry also discussed one of the most physically punishing moments of his career—the infamous 2011 ring collapse during his match against The Big Show at Vengeance.

“The weight of both of us made it faster for whatever reason, and when it hit, it was just really explosive… My teeth clattered together, it felt like lightning struck me.”

Moments like these remind fans just how brutal professional wrestling can be, even for powerhouses like Henry. His story is a testament to perseverance and the physical toll that comes with the pursuit of greatness.

Today, Mark Henry’s legacy continues to grow through his son Jacob, who recently signed with WWE’s NIL program. Jacob will compete as a heavyweight for the University of Oklahoma’s prestigious wrestling team while pursuing his WWE dreams.

The father-son duo recently appeared together on RAW in Austin, Texas, marking Mark’s return to WWE programming after a three-year absence.

With Jacob’s impressive high school wrestling record and his aspirations to main event WrestleMania, the Henry family’s impact on professional wrestling is poised to continue for another generation.

For all the battles Mark Henry endured in his legendary career, none shook him quite like his WrestleMania 22 casket match against The Undertaker. Henry, who suffers from claustrophobia, describes the experience as overwhelming and terrifying.

Speaking with Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz at the For The Love of Wrestling 2025 convention, the “World’s Strongest Man” gave a terrifying glimpse into what it’s like to get sealed into a casket by WWE’s legendary Phenom:

“It was like people putting tape over your mouth and nose. You can’t breathe.”

Henry even compared the sensation to the infamous buried-alive scene from Kill Bill, starring Uma Thurman.

“That’s the same way I felt when I was in that coffin… It made me feel the same identical way. I had to walk out of the movie when I saw it.”

Despite the fear, Henry delivered a hard-hitting performance against The Undertaker on the grandest stage of them all. But the mental battle he fought inside that casket remains one of the most intense challenges of his career.

This revelation sheds new light on the psychological toll that wrestlers endure beyond the physical pain—showing that even the toughest competitors have their breaking points.

More on the Undertaker vs Mark Henry Casket Match at WrestleMania 22

The Undertaker and Mark Henry spoke extensively about their Casket Match at WrestleMania 22 during a recent episode of Taker’s Six Feet Under podcast. Henry called it a defining moment in his career, revealing that their clash was the culmination of a two-year learning experience, during which he wrestled The Undertaker at house shows and international tours.

“I had wrestled already eight years and I still was learning,” Henry admitted. “I can wrestle anybody now after being there with him.”

One of the key lessons The Undertaker imparted was the importance of pacing and creating space. “Let me sell what you’ve done to me already,” The Undertaker explained. “You are watching me helpless, and now it’s just a matter of time before you go in for that final bite.”

The Undertaker also revealed that he personally chose Henry as his WrestleMania opponent, explaining that finding credible challengers for his near-mythical character was difficult.

“Trying to find legitimate opponents… well, why not the World’s Strongest Man?” he said.

Their match made history as the only casket match ever held at WrestleMania, further cementing The Undertaker’s legacy. “To be a part of that… that’s kind of a cool thing,” Henry said, before jokingly adding, “And to get a WrestleMania Main Event paycheck? Nice.”

The Nation of Domination were a force to be reckoned with during the Attitude Era and reunited this past weekend in Manchester, England. The quartet of D’Lo Brown, Mark Henry, The Godfather, and Ron Simmons were all guests at For The Love of Wrestling. On X, the convention’s organizers shared a clip of the group’s entrance.

The group didn’t just make a star-studded entrance, but also fielded questions from fans during a Q&A event. Fans were also able to get autographs and photos from the faction’s individual members, as well as as a group photo alongside the four legendary wrestlers.

As their name suggests, the Nation of Domination dominated during the late 90s, with multiple titles to their name. These include D’Lo holding the European Championship on two occasions while The Rock (who would replace Simmons as the faction’s leader in 1998) would hold the Intercontinental Championship.

The Nation were just some of the legends at For the Love of Wrestling, the largest wrestling fan convention in Europe. Attitude Era fans were also given the chance to meet legends including Sting, Mick Foley, and Lex Luger. For fans of more modern-day talents, Tyler Breeze, JDC (fka Fandango), Ash By Elegance (fka Dana Brooke), Heath Slater, and Raj Dhesi were on hand to sign autographs, take photos, and answer questions.

Social media star IShowSpeed made waves at the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble earlier this month, where he made his in-ring debut in the annual 30-man battle royal match. Naturally, his appearance produced a viral video clip – Speed getting nearly speared out of his boots by Bron Breakker, followed by a bone-crunching announce table slam from Otis.

Following the event, IShowSpeed made bold backstage comments, promising a return at the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He also called out several WWE superstars, including Roman Reigns, Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio—and Hall of Famer Mark Henry.

Mark Henry Threatens IShowSpeed

Henry, who last competed in WWE at the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018, responded to IShowSpeed’s challenge on Busted Open Radio. In a clip shared on his Twitter account, the former World Heavyweight Champion issued a warning:

“Speed, you might want to be careful mentioning my name. You better ask your friends about me. I ain’t the one.”

The interaction adds intrigue to IShowSpeed’s potential WWE future, as reports indicate he was well-received backstage, with WWE officials reportedly open to further collaborations.

DJ Mark Henry

Meanwhile, Mark Henry is set to visit the UK from March 21-29, where he will be DJing at the Sweet Chin Disco events in cities including Manchester, Belfast, Nottingham, Glasgow, London, and Birmingham.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event once again had a nostalgic flair, with several legends of the ring appearing at the event. During the show, Ted DiBiase, Dory Funk Jr. and ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan were spotlighted in the crowd.

Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura was part of the show after making his return to WWE with last month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event special. The WWE Hall of Famer and former Minnesota governor was excited to see Bron Breakker and Sheamus go to war for the Intercontinental Championship.

Alundra Blayze was also in the crowd, with the WWF Women’s Championship. Blayze infamously dropped the title in the trash after she moved to WCW in 1995.

The Brainbusters Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard were shown following Jacob Fatu’s assault of Braun Strowman. The pair had previously been a part of AEW.

Mark Henry, another AEW alum, was also in the crowd at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Henry’s son Jacob recently signed with WWE, leaving fans excited to see what’s to come for the young powerhouse.

The appearance of these legends, alongside the in-ring action of the modern-day roster, provided an exciting night for the WWE Universe. With four Saturday Night’s Main Events planned per years, fans can expect many more nostalgic moments featuring legends of the past on WWE programming in the future.

Hulk Hogan was resoundingly booed during this week’s Raw, the show’s debut episode on Netflix. Many attribute the negative response to lingering backlash over racist comments Hogan made, which Mark Henry believes the Hulkster has not adequately addressed.

Speaking to TMZ, Henry, who received a far warmer reception during his recent return to WWE, shared his thoughts on the fan reaction to Hogan.

“With the social climate and the things [Hulk’s] said and done and his lack of effort to try and fix it, people are gonna come down on it.”

Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 after a leaked video revealed him making racist comments. In the footage, Hogan expressed disgust at the idea of his daughter dating a Black man, repeatedly used the n-word, and admitted to being “a racist, to a point.”

According to Henry, Hogan made little effort to genuinely reflect or grow from the incident, instead seemingly hoping the controversy would fade over time.

“He never wanted to go forward and fix it. That’s what happens when you think everything is gonna go away. It’s not gonna go away.”

WWE reinstated Hogan in 2018, though fan reactions have been mixed since his return. Upon rejoining the company, Hogan held a backstage meeting where he apologized for his comments and for damaging WWE’s image. However, his apology also included a cautionary message to others about being recorded without their consent.

Hulk Hogan Booed On RAW: Hulkster Reacts & Future Plans

Hogan has been featured in promotional material for this month’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, though questions remain as to whether he’ll appear in person. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest updates on the controversial Hall of Famer, whose actions outside the ring continue to shape his legacy among fans.

As the world’s largest wrestling promotion, WWE has been home to countless legends, many of whom still make sporadic appearances. Mark Henry posted a video on X to share a thoughtful gesture from WWE. He revealed receiving a New Year’s card addressed to the “legends that paved the way.”

Moved by the sentiment, Henry remarked, “Sometimes, a pat on the back is all you need.”

This gesture signals progress in WWE’s relationship with its legendary talents, which drummed up controversy not too long ago. In 2021, Mickie James received her personal belongings in a trash bag following her release, a move that drew widespread outrage. The incident prompted an apology from WWE and the dismissal of Mark Carrano, the former Senior Director of Talent Relations.

WWE currently has several names from wrestling’s past on ‘Legends Contracts,’ demonstrating the company’s respect for those who have paved the way. In 2024 alone, several major names, including Ken Shamrock, Mick Foley, Rob Van Dam, and ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page all confirmed that they are under Legends Contracts.

Jesse Ventura Shares Details Of Newly-Signed WWE Legends Deal

As for Henry, he exited AEW in May of this year and has since found himself back on WWE TV, appearing on Raw in August alongside his son Jacob. It’s unclear when Henry will next appear for WWE, but the gesture shared with him this week demonstrates that WWE is always ready to recognize the work of its legends.

Bret Hart may go by ‘The Excellence of Execution’ but ‘Hitman’ himself may give that designation to the late great Leo Burke.

Burke, a pro wrestling legend out of Canada, sadly passed away on July 24, 2024 and Hart shared a beautiful tribute on his social media, noting of the legacy Leo left on the industry and on himself.

Less than a week ago, I got to speak with Bret Hart in detail about Burke’s influence on not just him, but other wrestlers who have left an impact on the business

How Bret Hart Learned From Leo Burke

Burke made a pro wrestling name for himself wrestling for the likes of Stu Hart, The Funks, Jim Crockett and so many other names across the globe. Hart was familiar with Burke when Leo first got his start in 1966. Bret was just a kid at the time, but remembered Burke came into Calgary with a ‘Batman’ gimmick, and while the memory stuck with Bret, the gimmick didn’t for Burke, who became a big star for Stu Hart and a good in-ring rival for Bret while in Stampede. Bret noted what a master of ring psychology Burke was. He credited both Leo and the late Dynamite Kid for helping him become in-ring legend he is today.

“Like I learned so much from both Dynamite and Leo, that when I think of like my style and my career, and how I maybe blossomed as a wrestler in WWF, it was all because of both those guys.”

Hart added that it was Burke who originally came up with the famous finish at SummerSlam 1992 when Hart took on Davey Boy Smith for the Intercontinental Championship. He also credited Burke for his own psychology during the notorious submission match between he and Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13.

“”I picked up the ring bell and I’ m gonna take it over the apron and take it in the ring and I’m gonna brain Steve Austin with the bell, and I walk over and I set it on the apron and then I change my mind and then I go over and get a chair, I pick up one chair and I go, ‘Ah this one’s not good enough, it’s got padding on it,’ or something. I pick up a metal chair and go, ‘This is perfect,’ and I forget all about the bell, slide under the bottom rope and I’m going to the ring and I’ m working Steve over with a chair.

“I mean everyone forgets about the the bell then, and the bell is the key right sitting on the apron for the whole thing … that’ s a real Burke type of [move]. You know he would tell you, ‘They’ll forget all about the bell.’

“those are the kind of things that Leo taught me like to think ahead and how to think, imagine things. He WAS SUCH A MASTER CLASS.”

The ‘Master Class’ Of Leo Burke With Adam Copeland

Bret mentioned how historic names like Harley Race and Terry Funk would revere Burke’s talent in god-like fashion and Burke eventually got to instill that knowledge into major names of the late 1990s. Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, Ken Shamrock and Mark Henry all learned under Leo Burke up in Calgary while Bret worked in WWE.

“Leo would train them, and Leo got paid the same every day, he got a certain check every week, and he would just have classes. He would tell everyone what time to come, and Test was another one that was there.

“He was one of those guys I met him in Toronto; he was a bouncer at a club, and I remember the next day he was sitting in my living room.

“And Leo was training all these guys, and I remember I would come home from being on the road, and then Leo would say, ‘ Could you just work with one guy?'”

That one guy was Copeland.

“I did it with Edge, I remember wrestling Edge, I did it with a couple of guys, I remember, it might have been Mark Henry, and I remember, I’ m like, ‘I am so beat up.’

“I’ ve been on the road for six weeks or something, and I come home and Leo’ s like, ‘Can you just come in for a couple of weeks? Just a couple.’ I didn’ t even care, you know? I was the one that would do it, I’ d be so sore I’ d spend the afternoon in there taking arm drags and stuff, like that, working stuff out.”

Hart commented on how much he garnered from working with and being around Leo, who had a great sense of humor and was a big factor at making life on the road fun, pulling light-hearted, yet memorable ribs on his brothers and other workers. However, if there was one thing Hitman would want wrestlers today to take note of by studying Burke, it would be the best thing he was known for.

“I would you think if there’s a big aspect you want them to take away from him, I would say Leo was most famous for his psychology.”

You can catch the interview in full below.

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry made his return to programming on this week’s RAW alongside his Next-In-Line athlete son Jacob. The father/son duo were highlighted in the crowd during this week’s show that took place in Austin, Texas.

As mentioned by Pat McAfee and Michael Cole, Jacob Henry recently signed with the NIL program. The younger Henry will be paid by WWE while he continues his studies and will compete at a heavyweight for the University of Oklahoma wrestling team. Jacob also intends to try out for the University’s football team, a highly successful team that includes ex-wrestler Dr. Death Steve Williams among its alum.

For Mark Henry, this week’s Raw marked his return to WWE programming after a three-year absence. Henry’s previous appearance on RAW was as part of the Legends Night special of the red brand in January 2021. In May of that year, he debuted for All Elite Wrestling where he served as a commentator and coach. His time with Tony Khan’s first promotion ended in May of this year.

Jacob Henry in WWE

Expectations are high for Jacob Henry and his potential future in WWE could see more appearances by his legendary father. As for Mark, he recently shared that he has become a booker and ‘director’ for the All Caribbean Wrestling promotion. The promotion is set to work with Major League Wrestling soon, Henry told TMZ Sports last month.

Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Mark and Jacob Henry and their potential futures with WWE.

More has come to light about the WWE status of Jacob Henry following his signing with the promotion in recent weeks. Henry is on an NIL deal, Dave Meltzer reports, meaning he’ll be paid by WWE while he goes to college. Henry, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, will compete as a heavyweight for the University of Oklahoma, which Meltzer called “one of the best programs in the country. In February 2024, Jacob committed to wrestling for the University of Oklahoma.

The younger Henry will reportedly also try out for the University’s football team in the spring. If successful, Henry won’t be the first WWE name to play for the University of Oklahoma team as ‘Dr. Death’ Steve Williams played for the team before entering the squared circle.

Expectations are high for Henry who has already seen success in the world of amateur wrestling. Last month, Mark Henry said that his son plans to headline WrestleMania one day, a feat the World’s Strongest Man did not accomplish in WWE. Jacob also aspires to be an Olympic champion, his father also told TMZ, so it may be some time before we see him in a WWE ring.

WWE has seen several multi-generational Superstars reach or even eclipse their parents, with Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair, The Rock, and Roman Reigns all seeing massive success. Time will tell if Jacob Henry will join that list, but the young athlete has plenty of tools to make a name in the world of professional wrestling.

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry recently revealed that his son, Jacob Henry is eager to not only enter pro wrestling but headline WrestleMania in the future.

Mark Henry told TMZ Sports that his son’s true passion is pro wrestling and he has already set some daunting goals. The former World Champion revealed that Jacob, who has been an amateur wrestler is not looking for a career in Olympic wrestling. Jacob is aiming to main-event WrestleMania as well as become a champion in Japan. ‘The World Strongest Man’ admitted that these are “hefty goals” but he outlined the importance of setting scary goals. He said:

“His true passion is pro wrestling. He’s not trying to be an Olympic champion in wrestling. He said, ‘I don’t want to go to the Pro Bowl or win a Super Bowl. I want to main event WrestleMania and go to Japan and be a champion.’ I’m like, ‘Bro, those are hefty goals.’ But I tell you what, if your goals don’t scare you, then you’re playing it safe. You’re not going to make it unless you have high, high dreams.”

Jacob Henry’s career

Jacob Henry has attended Lake Travis and participated in wrestling, football as well as track and field. In his junior year, he achieved notable shot put throws of 50-7 and 50-6 which helped him earn a top-four finish in the Texas 6A 285-pound weight class. Meanwhile, in his sophomore and freshman years, he displayed an impressive feat of strength with shot put throws that ranged from 48-10.5 to 49-8.

Speaking about his football career, Jacob Henry dominated the 2022 football season at Lake Travis. He finished the junior season with outstanding stats of 46 tackles, 4 tackles for loss (TFL), 2 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries. In his sophomore year, he scored 28 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 QB hurries. 

Jacob Henry also recently announced that he was committed to wrestling for the University of Oklahoma. He revealed that he won his 100th match in amateur wrestling.

With his athletic skills and impressive resume, he is a massive prospect for pro wrestling. He could end up joining NXT, WWE’s developmental brand where several second-generation talents have stepped foot.

• Mark Henry Congratulates Son After Incredible Wrestling Milestone

Mark Henry worked closely with former WWE boss Vince McMahon throughout his Hall of Fame career spanning Ning 1996-2021

McMahon resigned from WWE following accusations from former employee Janel Grant of abuse and trafficking her to other male employees. Henry weighed in on his former boss’s departure, telling veteran wrestling journalist Bill Apter that people in this industry come and go in various ways:

“I believe that there’s seasons for everything and eventually we’re all gonna be away from the business one way or the other. I mean, either by passing away or just the fact you retire or you get fired or you amicably separate or whatever it is, there’s always gonna be an exodus, and I think it was time for there to be that exodus.”

– Mark Henry on WrestleBinge

Mark Henry On How He Got Into Professional Wrestling

Mark Henry Recalls Hanging Up On Vince McMahon During Their First Conversation

Henry spent a long time in WWE under McMahon’s leadership. He retired following WrestleMania 33 and transitioned into a backstage producer role. Henry then debuted for AEW in May 2021, serving as a coach and a commentator for AEW Rampage. He left AEW in May 2024, stating he couldn’t dedicate 100% of himself to the company. McMahon was supportive of Henry’s decision to leave for AEW, stating, “You know everything you need to know. You go and if you feel like you need to go, (I) don’t necessarily want it, but if you feel like you need to go, then go. I know you’re going to be successful,” as Henry recalled.

McMahon stepped down from his roles in June 2022 after hush money agreements for affairs with former WWE employees came to light. He returned the following year as executive chairman of the newly formed TKO Group Holdings, following the merger of WWE with UFC by Endeavor Group Holdings. But McMahon parted ways with WWE again in January 2024 due to Janel Grant’s lawsuit alleging abuse and trafficking.

McMahon is also facing a federal investigation apart from the Grant lawsuit.

Team McMahon Responds As DOJ Launch Probe Into Ex-WWE Chairman

Another star voiced their opinion on Vince McMahon: Ronda Rousey. Speaking to CBS Sports, Rousey said, “Anyone’s better than Vince McMahon” when it comes to running the wrestling promotion.

MLW Battle Riot VI featured a surprise appearance by wrestling legends Mark Henry and Teddy Long.

The two WWE Hall of Famers surprised fans as they oversaw the Ritual Combat match between Alex Kane and AJ Francis, seated beside the victor’s throne. Their appearances were not promoted for the show, but there are also a few surprises for MLW fans on the show.

Teddy Long and Mark Henry just showed up in MLW tonight! #BattleRiot #MLW pic.twitter.com/0QaSk3MYs3

— ?????? (@WrestlingCovers) June 2, 2024

Recently, Long appeared on WWE television during the 2024 draft as he took part in announcing a round of picks for the SmackDown brand. Mark Henry’s contract with AEW expired in May.

Other Possible MLW Surprises

Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select reported that WWE Superstar Xavier Woods and former TNA producer David Sahadi were backstage.

The Battle Riot match included notable names like Paul Walter Hauser, Violent J, and Chris Danger. Additional surprises were anticipated during the show, so keep checking back for more updates.

MLW Changing Pay-Per-View System

During Battle Riot, Major League Wrestling announced that its pay-per-view events will move to YouTube for MLW Members. This change marks the end of MLW’s partnership with Triller TV, which began airing MLW events in May 2023.

Upcoming MLW pay-per-views include:

• MLW Blood And Thunder on July 29 in Tampa, FL
• MLW Summer of the Beasts on August 29 in New York City, NY
• MLW Fightland on September 14 in Atlanta, GA

You can find our full results for the MLW Battle Riot event here. There was certainly a lot to unpack when the show was over. 

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has showered praise on AJ Styles for his fake retirement segment on SmackDown.

Style’s segment was similar to Mark Henry’s iconic ‘Retirement’ segment. Back in 2013, ‘The World’s Strongest Man,’ wearing a salmon pink suit, teased his retirement. He even gave a passionate speech and tearfully bid adieu to the fans. He pretended that he had his last battle. 

However, then-WWE Champion John Cena approached to hug him but Henry laid him out with the World’s Strongest Slam, creating one of the most iconic moments in Henry’s career. AJ Styles pulled off the same trick and it worked wonders for him. 

Taking to his X account, Mark Henry praised AJ Styles for taking a page out of his book. He wrote:

”…..well done AJ @BustedOpenRadio @WWE”

…..well done AJ ??????@BustedOpenRadio @WWE

— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) June 1, 2024

AJ Styles has his sights set on Cody Rhodes

AJ Styles was denied a second title shot against Cody Rhodes and he decided to take things in his hands. On last night’s SmackDown, ‘The Phenomenal One’ teased his retirement and addressed the fans. He called out Cody Rhodes to the ring and they shared an emotional moment. However, fans were stunned when Styles launched a brutal attack on ‘The American Nightmare.’ The former WWE Champion proceeded to hit Styles Clash on Rhodes from ring steps to the floor to end the show. 

WHAT THE?!@AJStylesOrg lured @CodyRhodes here to attack him! ?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/58cxwXlr7Y

— WWE (@WWE) June 1, 2024

‘The Phenomenal One’ had been attempting to claim the Undisputed WWE Champion for a long time. He failed to capture the title when Roman Reigns was the champ. He had another shot at the title when he challenged Cody Rhodes at last month’s Backlash: France. However, he once again endured a defeat. That match marked the first time they battled. It seems that AJ Styles is not yet backing down from getting another title shot. 

Cody Rhodes needs a new challenger for the Undisputed World Title, and AJ Styles figured out a great way to jump the line.

AJ Styles is at an important moment in his career. He wanted another shot at the World Title, but SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis told Styles that he’s at the back of the line. Styles has made it clear that he doesn’t have the patience for this setback.

In the closing segment of SmackDown this week, AJ Styles addressed the WWE Universe. While he was accompanied by Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, Styles explained his reasons for considering a step back from the business. Styles mentioned it might be time for him to focus on being a father instead.

Styles then invited Cody to the ring, stating that SmackDown is the house he built, and he was now handing the keys to The American Nightmare. What started as a touching moment took a dramatic turn as Cody was raising Styles’ hand in front of the fans.

Styles turned on Cody, launching a brutal attack on the Undisputed WWE World Champion. The assault concluded with a Styles Clash onto the floor from the ring steps. SmackDown ended with Styles looking very pleased with himself, and Cody was selling the attack.

WHAT THE?!@AJStylesOrg lured @CodyRhodes here to attack him! 🤯#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/58cxwXlr7Y

— WWE (@WWE) June 1, 2024

Legendary WWE Call-Back

This segment was very reminesant of another classic angle, one that fans might remember as Mark Henry’s most memorable segment that didn’t involve Mae Young giving birth to a hand.

In 2013, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry faked a retirement speech to get one over on John Cena. While wearing a now-legendary orange suit, The World’s Strongest Man acted like he had wrestled his last match, only to change his mind by attacking Cena. This time it was AJ Styles playing the same trick on Cody Rhodes.

Mark Henry surprised a lot of fans in 2021 when he showed up in AEW. Now, he has bid the company farewell.

During today’s edition of Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry announced that his time in AEW is over. Henry stated that his contract with AEW is set to expire tomorrow, and he wanted to address the matter. Henry mentioned that Tony Khan expressed his happiness and pride in what they achieved together, a sentiment Henry shares. Henry appreciated his time at AEW but felt it was time to focus on TheMarkHenry.com and the ReMarkable brand, so he decided not to renew his contract.

The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion explained that the decision was mutual and based on the understanding that he could not dedicate 100% of himself to AEW. He emphasized the positive experiences he had and his efforts to help as many people as possible. Henry mentioned that he is not leaving pro wrestling entirely but needs time to work on some projects before returning full force.

The WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion signed with AEW in 2021, debuting at that year’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Since joining, Henry has served as an analyst, coach, scout, and mentor, with most of his on-screen work being as an interviewer and personality on AEW Rampage.

Neither Henry nor AEW President Tony Khan have publicly discussed Henry’s future. When not appearing for AEW, Henry hosts the Busted Open Radio podcast with fellow WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray and other industry names.

Mark Henry’s Future

Triple H has brought back several names since he took control of the company’s creative direction. It is not hard to imagine that Henry will find his way home in WWE eventually.

Henry has not competed since WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble 2018 Premium Live Event, where he participated in the titular match won by Braun Strowman. His most recent singles match was on the February 13, 2017, edition of Monday Night Raw, where he was also defeated by Strowman. While Henry has teased a return to the ring for one last match, he has said he is unsure what it would take to make that happen.

Although Mark Henry never won a title in AEW, he held the World Heavyweight Championship for 91 days in 2011 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

On the home front, Mark’s son, Jacob Henry, is making his own waves. The massively talented athlete just signed to wrestle for the University of Oklahoma. 

The Nation of Domination was a controversial stable when it first appeared on WWE television in the 90s, and it would likely be just as provocative today. WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, a former member of the original group, has now shared his picks for rebuilding the faction in modern-day WWE.

The group responsible in launching The Rock’s career hasn’t seen a new version, although other groups like The Hurt Business and The Pride have come close. There hasn’t been a new Nation of Domination yet, but the World’s Strongest Man has his eye on a few possible members.

Speaking to K & S WrestleFest, Henry discussed his picks for a new Nation of Domination stable and made a surprising choice by picking Velveteen Dream over Trick Williams. While he praised Trick Williams, he felt Williams was too well-liked for the group’s dynamic. Instead, Henry chose Velveteen Dream, also known as Patrick Clark, as his wildcard pick, believing it’s time for Clark to have a second chance in wrestling.

A New Nation of Domination

Henry acknowledged the significance of cancel culture and its role in accountability but stressed the importance of grace and forgiveness.

“Number one draft pick, (Powerhouse) Hobbs, and then number two, Omos, and then I would go Carmelo Hayes and as much as I love Trick Williams, I think that Trick is — he’s too liked. I want people that people don’t like. I want Bobby Lashley. I want people that you just don’t like ‘em. And there’s a lot of young guys that I think could hold up.”

“But, my wildcard would probably be Velveteen Dream, would be Patrick (Clark). I think it’s time for his second chance. A lot of people in the world of wrestling love the talent. We’re in a cancel culture that is justified as so. We need a cancel culture. But, at some point, you gotta have grace and forgiveness and you gotta see if that person is gonna bury themselves again because habitual line steppers, that’s exactly who they are. Once they get that second chance and they’re out, I ain’t cosigning for you no more. But, everybody needs their second chance.”

Mark Henry’s AEW contract is reportedly up very soon. It will be interesting to see what he does next in his pro wrestling career. Henry made his AEW debut on May 30, 2021, at Double or Nothing, where it was announced that he would join the commentary team for the new show AEW Rampage and also serve as a coach.

Patrick Clark’s Controversies

In April 2020, Patrick Clark faced allegations of sending indecent images to underage boys, which he denied. During the Speaking Out movement in June 2020, further accusations emerged that he had inappropriate communications with underage individuals. WWE investigated but found no evidence of wrongdoing. He couldn’t appear on NXT television without #FireVelveteenDream trending. Velveteen Dream was subsequently released from his WWE contract on May 20, 2021, after five months of inactivity.

Clark’s legal issues persisted in August 2022, with two arrests in Florida: one for first-degree battery and trespassing, and another for possessing drug paraphernalia, though these charges were later dropped. After more than three years out of the wrestling spotlight, he made a return on February 18, 2024, at The Dynasty promotion, debuting under the new ring name Velveteen Man. He is working to rehabilitate his image, but he obviously has a long road to redemption ahead of him.

Mark Henry’s time with All Elite Wrestling could be over within a matter of days unless a new contract between the two parties is reached. 

Henry’s contract with AEW is set to expire this month, Fightful Select reports. The WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion signed with AEW in 2021 and made his debut as part of that year’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Since joining, Henry has worked as an analyst, coach, scout, and mentor for AEW. On-screen, the bulk of Henry’s work has been as an interview/personality as part of AEW Rampage. 

Neither Henry nor AEW President Tony Khan have openly discussed what the future holds for Henry at this time. When not appearing for AEW, Henry can be found hosting the Busted Open Radio podcast alongside fellow WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray and a cast of other names from the industry.

• Powerhouse Hobbs Names Mark Henry As His ‘Wrestling Dad’

One More Match?

Henry hasn’t competed since WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble 2018 Premium Live Event where he was part of the titular match won by Braun Strowman. His most recent singles match came on the February 13, 2017, edition of Monday Night Raw, where he was also defeated by Strowman. While the World’s Strongest Man has teased a return to the ring for one last match, he has said he doesn’t know what it’d take to make such a match a reality. 

As a veteran of the industry, Henry brings plenty to AEW even if he never has this proposed final match. It remains to be seen if the World’s Strongest Man will remain All-Elite or if his three-year tenure with AEW will end later this month. 

Swerve Strickland became the eighth man and first African American man to hold the AEW World Championship at Sunday’s AEW Dynasty pay-per-view. Mark Henry discussed the significance of the win the following morning on Busted Open Radio. He says AEW believes in Swerve and even though ‘representation matters,’ his success was earned and he’s got the talent to be in this new position.

As a multi-time World Champion himself, Henry speaks from experience. He knows firsthand what the win says about the company’s faith in Strickland the responsibilities that come with being the new face of a major wrestling promotion. 

“To be a World Champion in pro wrestling and have a company backing you and believe you enough that you’re going to get the job done is big. I mean, you are the guy that’s carrying the torch, and just like the light was on Moxley and the light was on Danielson and the light was on Joe, now the light is going to be shined on Swerve.”

On #bustedopen247, @TheMarkHenry shares beautiful thoughts w/ @davidlagreca1 on @swerveconfident becoming #AEW World champion:👇👇 pic.twitter.com/jLNtQWOfPa

— SiriusXM Busted Open (@BustedOpenRadio) April 22, 2024

Earned on Merit

The ‘World’s Strongest Man’ said AEW is confident Strickland he can carry the company like Kenny Omega, Hangman Page and MJF did before him. While it’s important for young fans to see people who share their culture achieving success in the ring, Swerve’s success has been earned through his talents and hard work. 

“They didn’t pass up on an opportunity to do the right thing. It’s earned. It wasn’t because he was an African American. It was because he was talented and I feel like that’s a beautiful thing and representation matters and it means everything.”

Representation in Wrestling

Here are some more recent articles about wrestlers talking about the topics of representation and diversity in entertainment:

Welcome the Daily Drop, your daily roundup of wrestling news and rumors for Tuesday, April 9. Last night was the RAW after WrestleMania 40, and Jey Uso is the new #1 contender for Damian Priest’s World Heavyweight Title.

Before we get going, there was a very ominous glitch during the RAW after WrestleMania. The live crowd also heard a strange clip from a song that they didn’t know, as the lights were cut out for a bit. Something is certainly brewing, and you can get all the info we have so far in our report.

You can find what happened after RAW this week here, as the company wrapped up WrestleMania week. Check out our complete WrestleMania 40 Saturday coverage by visiting our WrestleMania 40 hub.

Now, let’s get into today’s Daily Drop!

WWE:

– Damien Priest’s Cash-In: I asked around about Priest’s cash-in at WrestleMania 40. This was not a last-minute booking, because the company has been planning this for six months. 

I can confirm that Priest’s cash-in was not a last minute booking. WWE planned Damian Priest’s MITB cash-in at Mania for six months.

— Aaron (@AaronVarble) April 9, 2024

– Time Off: Seth Rollins is expected to take some time off. His knee needs to heal up a bit.

– WWE Draft Confirmed: During the RAW after WrestleMania, it was confirmed that the next WWE Draft is going down this month. The WWE Draft will be taking place on April 26th for SmackDown and April 29th for RAW.

–Cody and Bray Connection: It turns out that the mask Cody Rhodes wore at WrestleMania 40 has a connection to Bray Wyatt, because he used the same man, Jason Baker, to construct his mask.

–Mick Foley Cancels: Foley has officially called off his last match, so he will never wrestle again at this point.

–Samantha Irvin: WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin received some huge props from legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer after her WrestleMania performance.

– John Cena Returns: Cena returned for a spot during the RAW after WrestleMania 40. He helped Awesome Truth beat Judgment Day, but Cena isn’t expected to be back for any longer run at this time. He did express a desire for Hollywood to “pump the brakes” so he can make a WWE return for one more run.

– TKO Buying Vince’s Shares: TKO is buying a ton of stock from Vince McMahon. He will still have millions in the company, but his ownership percentage is down to under 5% now.

WWE NXT Card (4/9):

• NXT Tag Team Championship Match: The Wolfdogs vs. Nathan Frazer & Axiom
• Appearance by Je’Von Evans
• Appearance by Natalya

AEW:

– MJF Gets Flowers: Cody Rhodes said he’s proud of MJF, as he praised him in a big way.

– Mark Henry Controversy: The World’s Strongest Man caused a bit of controversy when he said that Kairi Sane showed disrespect for the business at WrestleMania 40.

AEW Dynamite Card This Week (4/10):

• TNT Championship: Adam Copeland (c) vs. Penta El Zero Miedo
• AEW World Championship Eliminator Match: Samoa Joe (c) vs. Dustin Rhodes
• Mariah May vs. Anna Jay
• Chris Jericho, HOOK, & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Shane Taylor Promotions (Anthony Ogogo, Shane Taylor, & Lee Moriarty)
• Matthew & Nicholas Jackson will reveal backstage footage from AEW All In at Wembley Stadium
• Toni Storm to toast Thunder Rosa

Upcoming Major Pro Wrestling Pay-Per-View Events:

• AEW is coming to St. Louis, MO with AEW: Dynasty LIVE on PPV on Sunday, April 21st at Chaifetz Arena
• Backlash France is scheduled for May 4th at LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, France.
• WWE NXT Battleground is booked for May 26th at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, exclusively available on the WWE Network and Peacock.
• WWE Money in the Bank will be held on July 6th at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, followed by WWE NXT Heatwave on July 7th at the same venue.
• WWE Bash In Berlin is marked for August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, Germany.

Dakota Kai has shared her support for her Damage CTRL ally Kairi Sane following criticism by WWE Hall of Famer & AEW correspondent Mark Henry. 

At WWE WrestleMania 40, Sane, Kai, and Asuka lost to Bianca Belair, Naomi, and Jade Cargill. During the entrance for the faces, Sane remained in the ring a few seconds longer than Asuka and Kai. You can check out hew delayed exit from the ring in the video clip below. 

On Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry shared that he was livid watching WrestleMania 40 when he saw Sane taking slightly too long to exit the ring for his liking. The World’s Strongest Man even went as far as to say the Pirate Princess had shown a level of disrespect to the wrestling business. 

“She should have got out the f*cking ring. I was so mad. You got to respect the business first. And she didn’t, but she would if I would have been in the ring.”

In a tweet, Dakota Kai didn’t address Henry’s comments directly but made it clear that she supports Sane who has a deep respect for the wrestling business. The former WWE NXT Women’s Champion responded by she loves and respects Kai and was thankful for everything her Damage CTRL ally has done for her.

I love and respect you too?
Thank you for everything.

— Kairi Sane (@KAIRI_official) April 8, 2024

In a follow-up tweet, Kai added that she wanted to focus on positivity moving forward. She again did not mention Henry by name. 

Anyway, here’s to positivity only.

Happy mania week ? pic.twitter.com/N0yc2RdMGP

— ??????????? ? (@ImKingKota) April 8, 2024

Ultimately, Sane would not have intended to have come across as disrespectful and it appears only Henry felt her actions at WrestleMania were out of line. In the comments, many supported Sane and some pointed out times that Henry has remained in the ring during the entrance of opponents. 

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry had pulled off one of the biggest swerves in the company’s history with his fake retirement speech back in 2013. It seems that not only the fans but his son Jacob as well, was ‘fooled’ by the stunning segment. 

Jacob Henry admitted that his father’s fake retirement segment was as shocking for him as the fans. In a recent Tweet, Jacob Henry agreed to a user on Twitter/X joking that Mark Henry had done irreversible damage to retirement speeches. He replied:

“I 100% agree. As his son I can say that I was just as much fooled as anyone else.”

I 100% agree. As his son I can say that I was just as much fooled as anyone else 🤦🏿‍♂️

— Jacob Henry (@TheJacobHenry_) March 27, 2024

Mark Henry’s retirement segment

The June 17, 2013 edition of Monday Night Raw featured Henry’s retirement segment. While the fans believed that Henry was legitimately putting an end to his illustrious career, ‘The World Strongest Man’ scripted one of the most shocking moments in the history of wrestling.

Henry, who was dressed in a salmon suit gave an emotional address to the fans. The then-WWE Champion John Cena also got involved to assist the fans in giving Henry a fitting farewell. However, Henry deceived everybody and assaulted Cena, indicating that he had a lot left in the tank.

Mark Henry has had a storied career and has been a former World Champion. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. Following his run with WWE, the 52-year-old went on to sign with AEW and has been a part of the promotion since then. 

Earlier this year, Henry announced that the A&E Network would air a brand new documentary on his life.

It was also recently revealed that Mark Henry will be in attendance at the inaugural Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup to honor the late WWE star. 

The tournament is set to take place on April 20 in Jacksonville, FL. Eight participants who will compete in the tournament have been revealed, including Gaspard’s Cryme Tyme tag partner JTG. 

The wrestling world will forever mourn the loss of Shad Gaspard, but Da Pope Elijah Burke has put something very special together to commemorate his late colleague.

The inaugural Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup will take place on April 20 in Jacksonville, FL with eight men competiting in the tournament which includes Gaspard’s Cryme Tyme tag partner JTG. Also competiting in the tournament are the following names:

• KC Navarro
• Kenny King
• Jay Rios
• T.I.M.
• Thom Latimer
• General Obazo
• 3Prince Agballah

AEW star and WWE Hall of Fame Mark Henry will be in attendance to honor Gaspard.

“We Loved Shad. I loved Shad. I’m there.” 

“We Loved Shad. I loved Shad. I’m there.” -Mark Henry

On 4-20-24 we honor a Dad, Son, Brother, Friend, Mentor & Hero. This night 8 men will enter beast mode as we honor WWE Hall of Famer Shad “Beast” Gaspard.

1 Night

1 Cup

8 Men

Who will be The One?https://t.co/Zmg0wJayny pic.twitter.com/1POKIK8oso

— Love-Alive Charity (@lovealiveinc) March 20, 2024

All proceeds from the event will go towards Burke’s Love-Alive charity, whose mission is to “improve the quality of life to less-advantaged individuals, families and communities through humanitarian effort and charitable donations in Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding areas.” You can donate or purchase tickets at the Love-Alive Charity website.

Shad Gaspard Died A Hero

Gaspard will forever be known to put his son Areyah ahead of himself. On Sunday May 17, 2020, Gaspard and Areyah went to Venice Beach and both were caught in a rip current. When a rescue team came to pull them to safety, Gaspard made certain that Areyah went first telling, rescuers to “take my son.” However, Gaspard got pulled by the current and tragically drowned, with his body being found days later. Gaspard would still wrestle from time to time, but really took a focus on a career in Hollywood, even writing a wrestling television pilot “PinFall” that was getting a lot of eyes on it. He called it a series a tribute that all his fellow wrestlers had gone through.

#PINFALL
Series Synopsis
Professional wrestlers battle their personal demons while the new female CEO of their organization struggles to rebuild the business. It's high stakes in a world where nothing is real, everything hurts, and you can't trust anyone. #WWE #AEW #ROH #NJPW pic.twitter.com/c3ciQ8Kwum

— Shad Gaspard (@Shadbeast) June 11, 2019

Shad Gaspard was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2022 being the recepient of the Warrior Award.

WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry’s son Jacob is following his father’s footsteps to greatness. He is on the rise and has a lot of potential. He’s already making his father proud with his performances in high school wrestling.

Mark Henry, often regarded as ‘The World Strongest Man’ has had a storied career. He had been considered to be one of the most formidable opponents back in the day. Mark is a former World Champion in WWE and was inducted into WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

Outside WWE, he is a two-time Olympian and also had a very successful Strongman career. He was WDFPF World Champion (1995) and a two-time U.S. National Champion (1995 and 1997) and once held an American record in the deadlift.’

Jacob Henry, son of Mark Henry recently announced his desire to wrestle for the University of Oklahoma. He has an impressive high school athletic background. He recently revealed that he has won his 100th match in amateur wrestling.

100 total career wins. I’m very grateful that I was able to reach this accomplishment while winning my Regional/Sectional Championship. State is 4 days away. I have to finish the story ⏳🤞🏿 pic.twitter.com/8TxQDMSYMP

— Jacob Henry (@TheJacobHenry_) February 11, 2024

Mark Henry cheers his son

Mark Henry recently took to his Instagram account and proudly announced that his son won his 100th match in amateur wrestling in high school. The former World Champion posted a throwback photo of his son in his childhood and another photo was recently captured and depicts that he has come a long way. 

”Incredible job, Jacob! Congratulations on going over 100 wins in high school. This is something that can never be taken away from you. I can’t believe the little boy on the left is now the young man on the right. Never be satisfied!”

Jacob Henry attended Austin (Texas) Lake Travis and participated in wrestling, football as well as track and field. In his junior year, he attained notable shot put throws of 50-7 and 50-6 which earned him a top-four finish in the Texas 6A 285-pound weight class.

In his sophomore and freshman years, he showcased a feat of strength with shot put throws ranging from 48-10.5 to 49-8.

On the football field, Jacob Henry showcased his domination in the 2022 football season at Lake Travis. He concluded the junior season with impressive stats, tallying 46 tackles, 4 tackles for loss (TFL), 2 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries. In his sophomore year, he racked 28 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 QB hurries. 

Mark Henry is a WWE Hall of Famer, and he’s very proud of his body of work in the ring. Now, it is his son’s turn to get the spotlight, but he’s doing so under the bright lights in Boomer Sooner Country.

Jacob Henry Is A Boomer Sooner

Jacob Henry, son of Mark Henry, has announced his commitment to wrestle for the University of Oklahoma. He boasts an impressive high school athletic background. Prior to his senior season.

Jacob Henry’s High School Career

Jacob Henry attended Austin (Texas) Lake Travis, participating in wrestling, football as well as track and field. During his junior year, he achieved notable shot put throws of 50-7 and 50-6, securing a top-four finish in the Texas 6A 285-pound weight class. In his sophomore and freshman years, he consistently demonstrated strength with shot put throws ranging from 48-10.5 to 49-8.

On the gridiron, Jacob Henry showcased his domination in the 2022 football season at Lake Travis. He concluded the junior season with impressive stats, tallying 46 tackles, 4 tackles for loss (TFL), 2 sacks, and 6 quarterback hurries. In his sophomore year, he recorded 28 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 QB hurries. This solid performance reflects his skill and impact on the wrestling mat.

Jacob Henry has a wrestling record of 50 wins and 6 losses, with 36 pins, 3 tech falls, and 1 major decision. His rank value is 1.04 as of January 31, 2024, and these stats cover the period since February 4, 2023.

AGTG 🙏🏿 There’s Only One ☝🏿 #Boomer #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/J3mOKZNLJF

— Jacob Henry (@TheJacobHenry_) February 4, 2024

Jacob Henry’s connections extend to his father, Mark Henry, a former professional weightlifter and one-time World’s Strongest Man. Mark Henry is still employed with AEW, and he has a gig on Busted Open Radio.

Naturally, this gives Jacob Henry an edge over many. Obviously, Jacob Henry is destined for great things, and he’s doing it in Oklahoma. Jim Ross must be very happy about this announcement.

Response Over the Jacob Henry News

Mark Henry reacted on Twitter/X to say: “I am beyond proud of you Jacob. I know that nobody will work harder than you. Now you can add the University of Oklahoma fanbase as family. First honor God, then the Henry name, now the school that you represent. Hookem! and Go Boomer Sooner!”

He then proceeded to flood his timeline with an Instagram link to his son’s big announcement, replying to a variety of random tweets for the next hour or so. Obviously, the World’s Strongest Man is incredibly proud.

I am beyond proud of you Jacob. I know that nobody will work harder than you. Now you can add the University of Oklahoma fanbase as family. First honor God, then the Henry name, now the school that you represent. Hookem! and Go Boomer Sooner! https://t.co/G2Cll9nXxl

— TheMarkHenry (@TheMarkHenry) February 4, 2024

Big E replied to this announcement to say, “Maaaaaan. Thrilled for you, Jacob! Been so beautiful to watch your ascent.” Jacob has a cheering section that is certain to grow by leaps and bounds very soon.

Maaaaaan. Thrilled for you, Jacob! Been so beautiful to watch your ascent.

— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) February 4, 2024

Swerve Strickland also commented to remark, “Let’s go,” as Matt Cardona also sent his congratulations to Mark Henry’s son over this big announcement.

LET’S GO

— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) February 4, 2024