The wrestling world is buzzing with the news of WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry joining AEW. The ‘World’s Strongest Man’ is yet another addition to All Elite Wrestling from retired WWE wrestlers.

It is another blow to WWE’s status as more and more young as well as established wrestlers are leaving WWE for AEW. But Mark Henry has an interesting story behind his newfound allegiance to AEW.

In a recent episode of Busted Open, Henry revealed to his co-hosts why he took the job at AEW. He stated that his deal with WWE was up and it wasn’t something recent.

He remembers talking to Vince McMahon about a position in the WWE office. Henry wanted to do more and felt if he couldn’t get an opportunity in WWE, he has to look for it somewhere else. He said,

“My deal was up. It’s not something that was recent. I can go back five or six months and I wanted a position in the [WWE] office. I talked to Vince himself and he said, ‘write it up. You’re somebody I’ll listen to.’

“I was told that there was a lot of cleaning house and cuts that were happening and there were a lot to come. I had seen hundreds in the company go. I felt valuable enough that I wasn’t going anywhere.

“When your deal comes up and the rights come up as to where you’re gonna go next, I wanted to do more. I always want to do more. If I can’t get that opportunity, I have to look for that opportunity somewhere else”

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Vince’s feeling about parting ways with Mark Henry

When asked about his conversation with Vince, Henry assured that it wasn’t negative. According to him, he shares an immense amount of love with Vince, and more than love, respect.

Henry stated that Vince said, “You know everything you need to know. If you feel like you need to go, I don’t necessarily want it, but if you need to go then go. I know you’ll be successful.”

That’s what anybody would want to hear. Nobody will say Mark Henry is unfaithful. He reported that there were times he was offered more money but didn’t leave.

Everything wasn’t perfect, but what family is perfect? Henry had a wonderful experience and learned a lot. Now it’s time for the ‘World’s Strongest Man’ to lift the quality of AEW’s talent.

If you use any of the quotes above, please credit Busted Open with a H/t and link back to EssentiallySports for the transcription.

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