WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry Reveals Emotional Conversation With Vince McMahon Before AEW Debut

Mark Henry shocked the wrestling world as he made his surprising debut appearance for AEW at Double or Nothing. The WWE Hall of Famer was not linked to AEW prior to the appearance, and no one expected him to show up. However, the company revealed that he was signed as an analyst on the night itself, much to the fans’ delight. 

This left a lot of questions concerning his departure from WWE. Undoubtedly one of the biggest ones out there- How exactly did he tell Vince McMahon of the move? 

Although many would assume it would be an awkward conversation, Mark Henry revealed it was a respectful and understanding conversation and that the WWE Chairman understood him completely. 

“Everybody knows me and Vince got love for each other, and more than love, respect,” Henry said, speaking on Busted Open. “Me calling him and saying what needed to be said came from a place that was like a brother telling his older brother, ‘Man I’m tired of being in the shadows. Like, I feel like somebody beneath you is holding me back, and if somebody is holding me back, I gotta go… I feel like I’m being held back, I’m not getting what I want and I want to be successful. I want to be able to earn more and get those pelts on the wall.’”

Vince McMahon understood Mark Henry and gave him the go-ahead

Rather than object to the matter, Vince McMahon was supportive and understood that it was what Henry wanted.

“It was like the coolest thing,” Henry said. “He was like, ‘You know everything you need to know. If you feel like you have 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.’”

Mark Henry has not competed in the ring ever since the Greatest Royal Rumble in Jeddah. Despite his knee problems, he has expressed the desire to return to action for a final run. 

A lot of veterans that have fallen down the pecking order in WWE want that last run in the spotlight as the perfect end to their careers. While WWE cannot offer that to them, AEW provides that opportunity. The promotion has given the opportunity to men like Sting, Christian Cage, Paul Wight, and Mark Henry.

Although we don’t know to what extent Mark Henry will perform in the ring, we hope to see him have that last showdown. With Paul Wight right there next to him, we know there’s an opportunity for something big. 

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