Mark Henry's Insights on AEW and WWE Locker Room Antics

Mark Henry, the legendary wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, has recently shared his thoughts on the creative dynamics in AEW and amusing anecdotes from his time in the WWE locker room. Through his candid remarks, he highlights the need for constructive criticism in wrestling creativity and regales us with mischievous locker room pranks.

AEW Creative Dynamics: A Need for Disagreement

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Henry addressed the current state of AEW’s creative process, emphasizing the importance of healthy arguments and disagreements. He stated:

“Creative is supposed to be an argument. It’s supposed to be a shake-up to figure out what the f*** to do next. But everybody wants to circle jerk over [in AEW]. And you can't do that.”

Henry asserts that productive disagreements are essential to ensure that wrestling matches and shows meet the highest standards. He mentioned his experience working with Bully Ray, explaining that their disagreements were aimed at achieving the greater good for their matches. This perspective underscores a vital aspect of creative collaboration, where different viewpoints can lead to a more dynamic and engaging product.

The Importance of Leadership in Wrestling

Henry further elaborated on the lack of authority within AEW, referencing respected figures in sports and wrestling, such as NFL coach Bill Belichick and wrestling legends Dusty Rhodes and Pat Patterson. He stated:

“There’s a reason that [NFL coach Bill] Belichick is Belichick… Bow down to their greatness and let them lead you.”

This sentiment suggests that successful creative processes require strong leadership to guide direction and maintain quality.

WWE Locker Room Memories

In addition to his commentary on AEW, Mark Henry also shared some humorous and frustrating experiences from his days in WWE. He reminisced about locker room pranks that left him in tough situations, such as the time his size 16 shower shoes were superglued to the floor. He recounted:

“One of them ba**ards, I don’t know who, superglued my damn shower shoes to the floor.”

The size of his shoes made it quite challenging to replace them, which only exacerbated the prank’s impact. Eventually, staff members had to resort to using a razor to cut the shoes away rather than risk damage to the building.

Another memorable incident occurred when Henry, relying on crutches due to a leg cast, found himself in a precarious situation when his crutches were hidden by fellow wrestlers. He humorously recalled:

“I remember my crutches getting hid. How do you think my headspace was when my crutches went missing?”

Being stranded while needing to use the restroom led him to contemplate extreme measures, demonstrating the camaraderie (and rivalries) that characterize the locker room atmosphere.

Lexis King: Rising Star in WWE

While discussing talents within WWE, Henry praised upcoming superstar Lexis King, also known as Brian Pillman Jr. He noted that King possesses great energy as a performer and has the ability to portray a believable heel. However, he pointed out that King’s one challenge is getting the rest of WWE to recognize and accept his talent. According to Henry, King embodies the it factor, a crucial trait for any wrestling star looking to make an impact.

Conclusion

Mark Henry's insights shed light on the complexities of the professional wrestling industry, from the creative struggles in AEW to the amusing yet challenging locker room antics of WWE. His reflections reveal a need for open dialogue and strong leadership to achieve success in wrestling while highlighting the importance of humor and resilience in navigating its hurdles.

As wrestling continues to evolve, the stories and perspectives from veterans like Henry serve as valuable lessons for both current and future generations in the industry.