In a recent episode of the Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker discussed Mark Henry’s retirement promo from 2013, praising it as one of the greatest in-ring promos in WWE history. The promo, which was part of a storyline where Henry faked his retirement to take out John Cena, received a lot of attention, drawing strong emotional responses from fans.
Mark Henry, known as the World’s Strongest Man, had an illustrious career, and this retirement promo is often highlighted as one of his greatest moments. Although he had just come off his Hall of Pain run as the World Heavyweight Champion, his injuries had started to take a toll, and he was dealing with physical limitations.
Despite the fans’ disappointment when Henry failed to win the WWE Championship from John Cena, it was Henry’s decision not to take on the demanding schedule that comes with being a main event talent and holding the title. The grueling routine of holding the title and performing at every show left Henry unable to handle the physical demands.
Henry was eventually inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018, celebrating a remarkable career that had many highs and lows. In the meantime, his iconic retirement angle remains a significant discussion point in professional wrestling circles.
The Undertaker’s praise for the promo further highlights the impact it left on the WWE universe. He recognized the emotionally-charged performance and appreciated that it ultimately caught the audience off guard, making it a memorable part of WWE history.
Mark Henry’s retirement promo in 2013 was a standout moment in his career and professional wrestling history. While the storyline didn’t result in Henry winning the WWE Championship, it illustrated the significance of thoughtfully executed storytelling, emotional performances, and the impact of memorable promos in capturing fans’ attention.