Throughout his illustrious wrestling career, Mark Henry has been part of numerous memorable storylines. Yet, few can match the sheer absurdity and hilarity of his on-screen relationship with 77-year-old Mae Young in 2000. This storyline, which has since become legendary in WWE history, provided moments of unintentional comedy that even seasoned professionals struggled to manage. During an appearance on “Six Feet Under with Mark Calaway,” Henry reflected on this storyline, revealing a particularly amusing incident involving WWE producer Bruce Prichard.
The Valentine’s Day Segment: A Hilarious Challenge
The segment in question took place on Valentine’s Day and featured Mark Henry in a pair of red silk boxers adorned with hearts. Mae Young, known for her fearless and often outrageous antics, added an element of unpredictability to the scene.
“Bruce Prichard almost died doing the Valentine’s Day deal,” Henry recounted, laughing at the memory. “I had these red silk boxers on with hearts on them and stuff, and [Young] kept trying to open the fly. ‘Come on, let me see it!’ I’m like, ‘Stop, Mae! Stop!’ And Bruce cannot hold it together. I’m like, ‘Hey, man. Be professional. You’re supposed to be working!’ And he’s crying laughing, and had to sit down on the floor and let other people produce his segment.”
This situation behind the scenes showed how difficult it could be to stay calm during WWE’s most extravagant moments. Prichard’s constant laughter highlights the unpredictable nature of live wrestling and the comedic chemistry between Henry and Young.
Mark Henry’s retirement speech. Such a perfectly done segment. pic.twitter.com/sJqvC7iijA
— Wrestling News (@WrestlingNewsCo) June 1, 2024
The Infamous Hand Birth Segment
The narrative involving Henry and Young eventually resulted in one of the most notorious moments in WWE’s past: the creation of a fake hand. This strange moment, shown live on TV, has been permanently recorded in wrestling history.
“It was so bad that it’s great,” Henry remarked. “That’s another thing that’s gonna outlive me, is the birth of the hand.”
The portion, designed to surprise and entertain, definitely met its objective. It still stands out as one of the most discussed events in WWE history, frequently mentioned as a demonstration of the company’s readiness to push the limits of storytelling.
Working with Mae Young
Despite the often controversial and comedic nature of their storyline, Mark Henry remembers working with Mae Young fondly. Young, a pioneer in women’s wrestling, brought a level of dedication and fearlessness that made her a perfect partner for Henry in these outlandish segments.
In 2008, Mae Young, who died at 90 in 2014, was honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. She made significant contributions to both the company and women’s wrestling, and her legacy is still honored by fans and wrestlers.
Bruce Prichard’s position within WWE
Bruce Prichard, a WWE producer and on-screen personality for many years, has played a key role in making some of WWE’s most unforgettable moments. His struggle to keep calm during the Valentine’s Day part with Mark Henry and Mae Young offers a unique look at the difficulties of creating live wrestling television behind the scenes.
Throughout several decades, Prichard has played a key role in influencing the creative direction of WWE. Famous for his character Brother Love, Prichard has played a significant role in WWE’s achievements by being involved in both the in-ring performances and behind-the-scenes activities.
The Legacy of the Mark Henry-Mae Young Storyline
The storyline between Mark Henry and Mae Young is remembered as one of WWE’s most daring and humorous ventures. It exemplifies the company’s willingness to blend comedy with drama, creating moments that resonate with audiences long after they air.
Henry’s contemplations on these portions, especially the Valentine’s Day encounter involving Bruce Prichard, give viewers a glimpse of the spontaneity and comedy that characterize the world of professional wrestling. The enduring impact of these moments, similar to the creation of the hand, will undoubtedly last longer than the performers themselves, captivating and intriguing future generations of wrestling enthusiasts.
Mark Henry’s retelling of Bruce Prichard’s response to the Valentine’s Day segment offers a funny and honest look into the professional wrestling industry. It highlights the distinct obstacles and surprising moments of humor that can occur within WWE’s extravagant storytelling, solidifying this narrative’s importance in the history of wrestling.
