Mark Henry: An Appreciation

The 2013 Hall Of Pain Tour has just begun

 

Heading into the Royal Rumble last month, there were very few returns I was anticipating as much as that of Mark Henry.  The WWE's top monster did not make his triumphant return that night and it almost ruined the entire rumble experience for me.  That got me thinking...just what is it that Mark Henry has done to personify the term BEAST MODE to such an extent that his absence left a void that not even his finest impersonators (here's looking at you Big Show) could encompass?

 

A few years ago he was just an oversized underachiever with little to no real main event success outside of a few skirmishes with The Undertaker and a forgettable stint as ECW Champion.  Come 2011, he had re-invented himself the ultimate destroyer and set about the greatest WWE World title reign of that year.  Here at G9ZWrestling, he was just as dominant in our 2011 awards season as he was recognized as the year's top Wrestler, Champion and Heel of the year due to the fact that no one could touch him.  He then kicked off his 2012 with a less impressive win streak, even though he turned in a pair of fine performances against then WWE Champion CM Punk.  Soon after, Henry would be put on injury reserve and he would leave a 412lb hole in the company.

Sure we had Sheamus, Ryback, Kane and Big Show all doing their best to step into his intimidating shoes, but viewers should take Mark Henry's performances since his return as a message to those men and us fans alike.  His violent outbursts were meant as reminders that absolutely no one does it better.  And now, in just one week, Henry has made the loudest statement of any superstar in 2013 thus far.  His formula is simple.  Arrive.  Split Wigs.  Leave.  It's just what he do.  It's scary how resonant such a small statement has been.  But perhaps no other catchphrase (even those tossed around by crowd pleasers like The Rock) is quite as accurate.  Such is the brilliance of Mark Henry.  Use very few words & A LOT of aggression.  That way, when he speaks, you listen.  Henry has a thunderous voice, but if actions truly do speak louder than words, then let all of Smackdown be on notice.  I can only imagine he wants his belt back.  Technically, he never really lost it.  As a result, Alberto Del Rio is carrying stolen property.  And I'd hate to be anyone who crosses the path between him and the gold.