WWE News: Mark Henry explains his retirement
What’s the story?
Per PWInsider Mark Henry revealed his retirement to the news outlet back in October of last year.
Apparently, Henry asserted that he would like fans to remember him for his work in his prime rather than watching him perform in his old age. Nevertheless, Henry alluded that should someone engage in trash talk against him, he could come out of retirement to shut them up.
In case you didn’t know…
Mark Henry is a former Olympic weightlifter, power-lifter and professional strongman whose accomplishments are known the world over.
Henry had competed in the WWE since the mid-1990s and his last match in the WWE came at Wrestlemania 33 in April 2017, when he participated in the ‘Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal’.
The heart of the matter
Prior to the premiere of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on Ric Flair which took place last year, Mark Henry opened up on being retired as an in-ring competitor. Below are a few excerpts from his statements regarding the same—
"I'm retired man, I'm an old guy. I want people to remember my best. I don't want them to see me in my old age taking five segment bumps (*laughing*)...you know, different stuff; we'll enjoy the retirement, fade away gracefully."
Furthermore, Henry emphasized that he could probably return to the ring, if someone runs their mouth, so he could put said person in their place. Henry continued that he’s like Ric Flair, and is going to retire about 7 or 8 times.
What’s next?
Mark Henry presently works with the WWE as a producer, and has left the door open to a potential in-ring comeback.
It’s believed that Henry may not have an on-screen retirement in the WWE, unlike a few other veteran Superstars who got a retirement ceremony segment on WWE’s main roster television programming.
Author’s take
If this is the end of the road for Mark Henry as a professional wrestler, there’s no shame in hanging up the boots.
Henry has had a legendary career and is probably WWE Hall of Fame-bound. In addition to his mighty list of accomplishments—both inside and outside the WWE—Henry’s expertise in the pro-wrestling business could truly help hone up-and-coming talent in the WWE in the years to come.