Mark Henry Reflects on Emotional AJ Styles Tribute: “It Almost Brought a Tear to My Eye”
In an emotional revelation that resonates deeply with wrestling fanatics and insiders alike, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has shared his heartfelt reactions to the tribute paid to him by using AJ Styles at some stage in the May thirty first episode of SmackDown. The episode, which noticed AJ Styles apparently on the point of retirement before turning on Cody Rhodes, stirred effective recollections of Henry’s personal storied career, in particular his iconic fake retirement in 2013.
The phase, a clear nod to Henry’s unforgettable 2013 angle in which he faked his retirement simplest to ambush John Cena, turned into a poignant homage that left Henry profoundly moved. Styles’ dramatic portrayal wasn’t simply a tribute; it was a resonant echo of Henry’s beyond, a considerate reminder of the legacies and influences that shape the world of expert wrestling.
The Emotional Impact of the Tribute
Mark Henry, during an interview on The Ringer Wrestling Show, opened up about his feelings upon witnessing the tribute. Henry acknowledged that although Styles did not reach out to him before the SmackDown episode aired, the gesture was deeply felt and appreciated once it was broadcast. “No. I loved it though. I loved it,” Henry expressed. “You talk about paying homage to somebody. Like man. Him and Cody both.”
The tribute was marked by Styles’ attire, which Henry recognized as a deliberate nod to his own memorable moments. “It took a couple of days and then AJ texted me and said, ‘I hope I made you proud,’” Henry recounted. “It almost brought a tear to my eye because for somebody to respect you so much to wanna do good by you and they wanna shine the light on somebody that influenced them, come on man it don’t get much better than that.”
Henry’s emotional response highlights the deep respect and camaraderie that underpin the wrestling world. The gesture was not just an homage but a heartfelt tribute that resonated with Henry on a personal level. “I felt very honored that he did that,” Henry said. “He didn’t have to text me. I knew it was intentional when I saw the jacket I was like (laughs), is this dude wearing pastel? Oh my, let me see how this is gonna go. He did everything but bring the boots out and put the boots down. It was awesome. Frame for frame. You can tell he watched it over a couple times…it was awesome man, I loved it.”
Henry’s Current Status and Reflection
Currently, Mark Henry is a unfastened agent following the expiration of his AEW settlement. Reflecting on his departure, Henry expressed regret over no longer being capable of contribute extra to AEW and its founder, Tony Khan. Despite this, Henry’s impact at the wrestling industry stays indelible, with tributes just like the one from AJ Styles serving as a testament to his enduring have an impact on.
Henry’s legacy in wrestling is marked now not just by means of his in-ring achievements but also by means of the respect and admiration he commands from friends and lovers alike. The emotional response from Henry underscores the deep connections and mutual respect which might be frequently woven into the fabric of professional wrestling, making moments like those all of the greater sizeable.
H/t to WrestlingNews.Co