Industry veteran Mark Henry has decided not to extend his tenure with AEW, yet he affirms his dedication to the wrestling world is unwavering.
During a recent episode of Busted Open, Henry broke the news to fans that he will not be renewing his contract with AEW, set to expire on May 28. However, he is not stepping away from the wrestling scene entirely.
“It’s been nothing but positive,” Henry commented regarding his time with Tony Khan and AEW. With a focus on the next phase involving TheMarkHenry.com and the ReMarkable brand, Henry believes it is time for him to pursue personal projects while maintaining availability for those he has mentored.
“I am not leaving pro wrestling,” Henry stated emphatically. His current plan is to take a break to focus on various projects before returning to wrestling with full commitment.
The news of his impending departure was initially reported by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful through their premium service, Fightful Select. During his time with AEW, which began at AEW Double or Nothing 2021, Henry has played the roles of commentator, on-air personality, and coach. Henry’s wrestling career spans over a quarter of a century, including a long tenure with WWE.
**Reflections on a Claustrophobic Encounter**
In a candid conversation with The Undertaker on the Six Feet Under podcast, Mark Henry opened up about his “traumatic” experience in a WrestleMania 22 casket match. Suffering from claustrophobia, Henry endured the match with The Undertaker, counting every second of the near 9 minutes he spent trapped in a casket. These memorable moments are part of Henry’s outstanding career, standing out even among his achievements as Olympic World Champion and World’s Strongest Man. A match that was not only significant for its profile but also for the personal challenges he had to overcome.
**FAQs About Mark Henry’s Departure from AEW**
**Why is Mark Henry leaving AEW?**
Mark Henry is leaving AEW because he wants to dedicate time to his own projects, specifically mentioning TheMarkHenry.com and the ReMarkable brand. He also believes it wouldn’t be fair to AEW if he’s unable to commit fully.
**Is Mark Henry retiring from pro wrestling?**
No, Mark Henry is not retiring from pro wrestling. He stated that he would be taking some time to work on some projects but plans to come back “full-force.”
**What was Mark Henry’s role in AEW?**
During his time with AEW, Mark Henry was a commentator, on-air personality, and coach.
**How long was Mark Henry with WWE before joining AEW?**
Mark Henry was with WWE for 25 years before he joined AEW.
**Conclusion**
In summary, Mark Henry’s journey with AEW is coming to a close, but his passion for wrestling persists. While he opts to prioritize other ventures momentarily, the wrestling community can anticipate his return with high expectations. Henry’s departure is amicable and mutual, leaving the door open for potential future involvement within the industry that he has greatly contributed to over the decades.
