WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry empathizes with newly-crowned AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland as he navigates the emotional aftermath of his victory at AEW Dynasty, where he defeated Samoa Joe to become AEW’s first Black World Champion.
Speaking on “Busted Open Radio,” Henry congratulated Strickland and welcomed him to the world champion’s elite.
“Welcome to the championship club. To be a world champion in pro wrestling and have a company believe in you enough that you’re gonna get the job done is big,” Henry remarked.
“You are the guy that’s carrying the torch, and just like the light was on [Jon] Moxley and the light was on [Bryan] Danielson and the light was on Joe, now the light is gonna be on Swerve.”
Henry drew parallels between Strickland’s win and Cody Rhodes’ title victory at WrestleMania 40, contemplating what lies ahead for the new champion.
“How do you keep it hot? What are you gonna do that’s gonna cement your legacy and your reign as a champion?”
Henry pondered, expressing his pride in Strickland.
“Being number one means something in this world, and Swerve is number one in AEW. I hope he’s gonna have a moment today where he and Nana go somewhere and just reflect,”
Henry advised, noting that Strickland and Nana should savor the moment because it is fleeting.
“It’s a short walk.”
