Mark Henry

Henry was born in the small town of Silsbee in East Texas, 90 miles northeast of Houston. As a child, he was a big wrestling fan and André the Giant was his favorite wrestler. While attending a wrestling show in Beaumont, Texas, young Henry tried to touch André as he was walking down the aisle, but tripped over the barricade. André picked him up out of the crowd and put him back behind the barricade.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/202663-mark-henry-talking-wresting-smack-classic-qa-part-1|title=Mark Henry Talking Wresting Smack: Classic Q&A Part 1|last=Barnwell|first=Bill|date=November 1, 2006|work=REV Magazine (now defunct)|access-date=September 22, 2012|archive-date=January 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124032701/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/202663-mark-henry-talking-wresting-smack-classic-qa-part-1|url-status=live}} When Henry was 12 years old, his father, Ernest, died of complications from diabetes. When he was 14 years old, Henry was diagnosed with dyslexia.

Henry comes from a family in which almost all of the men are larger than average, especially his great uncle Chudd, who was 6 ft 7 in, weighed approximately {{cvt|500|lb}}, never had a pair of manufactured shoes, and was known as the strongest man in the Piney Woods of East Texas.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sportshof.org/hall-of-fame/mark-henry/|title=Mark Henry|access-date=February 15, 2012|publisher=International Sports Hall of Fame|archive-date=September 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930042621/http://www.sportshof.org/hall-of-fame/mark-henry/|url-status=live}}

Henry played football in high school until his senior year, when he strained ligaments in his wrist during the first game of the year and scored below 700 on the SAT.

File:Mark-Henry-pushing-Tank.jpg ]]

By the time Mark Henry was in the fourth grade, he was {{Height|ft=5|in=5}} and weighed {{cvt|225|lb}}. His mother bought a set of weights for him when he was ten years old. During Henry's freshman year at Silsbee High School, he was already able to squat {{cvt|600|lb}}, which was well over the school record. As an 18-year-old high school senior, Henry was called "the world's strongest teenager" by the Los Angeles Times, and made it into the headlines in early 1990 for winning the National High School Powerlifting Championships and setting teenage lifting world records in the squat {{cvt|832|lb}} and total {{cvt|2033|lb}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-04-23-sp-343-story.html|title=The Sidelines: Texas Teen Lifts Top Weights|date=April 23, 1990|access-date=September 25, 2012|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=March 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304040614/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-04-23/sports/sp-343_1_lifting-records|url-status=live}} By the time Henry finished high school, he was a three-time Texas state champion with state and national records in all four powerlifting categories—the squat at {{cvt|832|lb}}, bench press at {{cvt|525|lb}} and deadlift at {{cvt|815|lb}} as well as the total at {{cvt|2033|lb}}.{{cite magazine|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/07/15/heavy-duty-weightlifter-mark-henry-is-a-prodigious-prodigy/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102092621/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1139686/2/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |title=Heavy Duty; Weightlifter Mark Henry is a prodigious prodigy (page 2) |date=July 15, 1991 |last=Smith |first=Shelley |access-date=July 22, 2009 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

At the Texas High School Powerlifting Championships in April 1990, Terry Todd, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Texas at Austin and former weightlifter, spotted Henry and persuaded him to go to Austin after he graduated to train in the Olympic style of weightlifting. In July 1990 at the USPF Senior National Powerlifting Championships, 19-year-old Henry came second only to the legendary six-time World Powerlifting Champion Kirk Karwoski.{{cite web|url=http://en.allpowerlifting.com/results/WPF/USPF/1990/mens-uspf-senior-nationals/#r208747|title=Men's USPF Senior Nationals (results)|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=en.allpowerlifting.com|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116093108/http://en.allpowerlifting.com/results/WPF/USPF/1990/mens-uspf-senior-nationals/#r208747|url-status=live}} While powerlifting relies primarily on brute strength and power, which Henry obviously possessed, Olympic weightlifting is considered more sophisticated, involving more agility, timing, flexibility and technique.{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2000/09/28/mark-henry-two-time-olympian/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120055841/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2000/09/28/mark-henry-two-time-olympian/ |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |title=Mark Henry: Two Time Olympian |work=Slam Wrestling |first=Oliver |last=Greg |author-link=Greg Oliver |date=September 28, 2000 |access-date=March 20, 2009}} There have been few lifters in history who have been able to be successful in both lifting disciplines. Mastering the technique of weightlifting usually takes many years of practice, but Henry broke four national junior records in weightlifting after only eight months of training.{{cite magazine|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1991/07/15/heavy-duty-weightlifter-mark-henry-is-a-prodigious-prodigy/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102082026/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1139686/1/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |title=Heavy Duty; Weightlifter Mark Henry is a prodigious prodigy (page 1) |date=July 15, 1991 |last=Smith |first=Shelley |access-date=July 22, 2009 |magazine=Sports Illustrated }} In April 1991, he won the United States National Junior Championships; 20 days later he placed fourth at the U.S. Senior National Championships, and finished sixth at the Junior World Weightlifting Championships in Germany two months later. Only a few weeks afterwards, he became 1991's International Junior Champion in Powerlifiting as well. In Henry's first year in competitive weightlifting, he broke all three junior (20 and under) American records 12 times, and became the United States' top Superheavyweight, surpassing Mario Martinez.{{cite magazine|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1993/08/09/at-the-us-olympic-festival/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102061247/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1138385/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |title=At The U.s. Olympic Festival |date=August 9, 1993 |last=Murphy |first=Austin |access-date=July 22, 2009 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}

At the age of 19, Henry had already managed to qualify for the weightlifting competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics, where he finished tenth in the Super- Heavyweight class. Ten months before the 1992 Olympics, Henry had begun training with Dragomir Cioroslan, a bronze medalist at the 1984 Summer Olympics, who said that he had "never seen anyone with Mark's raw talent". After the Olympics, Henry became more determined to focus on weightlifting and began competing all over the world. In late 1992 he took the win at the USA Weightlifting American Open and further proved his dominance on American soil by winning not only the U.S. National Weightlifting Championships, but also the U.S. Olympic Festival Championships in 1993 and 1994. At the 1995 Pan American Games Henry won a gold, silver and bronze medal.

Henry won the ADFPA U.S. National Powerlifting Championships in 1995 with a {{cvt|2314.8|lb}} raw Powerlifting Total. Despite competing without supportive equipment in contrast to the other competitors, Henry managed to outclass the lifter in second place by {{cvt|286|lb}}, defeating not only five-time IPF World Powerlifting Champion and 12 time USAPL National Powerlifting Champion Brad Gillingham, but also America's Strongest Man of 1997 Mark Philippi. In the process he set all-time world records in the raw deadlift at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} and the squat without a squat suit at {{cvt|948.0|lb}} as well as the all-time drug tested raw total at {{cvt|2314.8|lb}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMPMRKOkmjE|title=video: Mark Henry Wins 1995 USAPL (ADFPA) Nationals and Deadlifts 903 lb|date=February 2, 2012 |publisher=YouTube.com|access-date=November 26, 2016|archive-date=February 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216133716/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMPMRKOkmjE|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQT9CJtq_l8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211031/SQT9CJtq_l8| archive-date=2021-10-31 | url-status=live|title=video: Mark Henry 903lb WR deadlift 1995| date=June 25, 2007|publisher=YouTube.com}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/900-pound-deadlift|title=900 Pound Deadlift Hall of Fame|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|access-date=September 22, 2012|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603124011/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/900-pound-deadlift|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/900-pound-raw-squat|title=900 Pound Unequipped Squat Hall of Fame – All-Time Historical World Powerlifting Records & Rankings|access-date=November 3, 2007|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|archive-date=November 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117124921/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/900-pound-raw-squat|url-status=live}} Later that same year in October, he competed in the drug-free Powerlifting World Championships and won again, even though he trained on the powerlifts only sparingly—due his main focus still being on the two Olympic lifts.{{cite web|url=http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0501/IGH0501d.pdf|title=Mark Henry's Dilemma – Reflections on Drugs at the Olympics|date=May 1, 1998|last=Todd|first=Terry|access-date=September 26, 2012|work=Iron Game History, Volume 5, Number 1|archive-date=September 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904023756/http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0501/IGH0501d.pdf|url-status=live}} He not only become World Champion by winning the competition but also bettered his previous all-time squat world record to {{cvt|953.5|lb}} and his all-time drug tested world record total to {{cvt|2336.9|lb}}.

In 1996 Henry became the North America, Central America, Caribbean Islands (NACAC) Champion. He earned the right to compete at the Olympics by winning the U.S. National Weightlifting Championships in the Spring of 1996 for a third time. During his victory Henry became Senior US American record holder (1993–1997) in the Snatch at {{cvt|396.83|lb}}, Clean and jerk at {{cvt|485|lb}}, and Total at {{cvt|881.8|lb}}, improving all of his three previous personal bests.{{Cite web|url=http://www.markhenry.tv/cms/press_documents/Austine.pdf |title=Austinite muscles his way into powerlifting history |last=Wangrin |first=Mark |date=February 1995 |access-date=September 25, 2012 |work=Austin American-Statesman |publisher=markhenry.tv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224101256/http://www.markhenry.tv/cms/press_documents/Austine.pdf |archive-date=December 24, 2013 }} No one in the history of the sports had ever lifted as much as him in the five competitive lifts—the snatch and the clean and jerk in weightlifting—the squat, bench press and deadlift in powerlifting.

In the months prior to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Henry received more attention and publicity than any lifter in recent United States history. He guested at Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and The Oprah Winfrey Show and was featured on HBO Inside Sports and The Today Show. He was also featured in dozens of magazines including U.S. News & World Report, People Vanity Fair, ESPN The Magazine and Life where he was photographed nude by famed artist Annie Lebowitz. During this period he connected with WWE owner Vince McMahon for the first time, which led to him signing a 10-year deal as professional wrestler.

Henry improved his lifts to {{cvt|407|lb}} in the snatch and {{cvt|507|lb}} in the clean-and-jerk during his final eight weeks of preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Henry at 6-foot-4-inches tall and {{cvt|414|lb}} bodyweight, became the largest athlete in Olympic history and was voted captain of the Olympic weightlifting team.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-30-ss-29610-story.html|title=He Might Not Be the Best, but Henry Is Definitely the Most|work=Los Angeles Times|last=Dufresne|first=Chris|date=July 30, 1996 |access-date=September 26, 2012|archive-date=May 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530104136/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-07-30/news/ss-29610_1_mark-henry|url-status=live}} He suffered a back injury during the competition and was unable to approach his normal performance level. Due to the injury he had to drop out after his first clean and jerk attempt and finished with a disappointing 14th place.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxPYkkw5Fks&| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211031/bxPYkkw5Fks| archive-date=2021-10-31 | url-status=live|title=video: 1996 olympics part 2| date=May 28, 2008|publisher=YouTube.com}}{{cbignore}} His appearance at the Olympics proved to be his last official competition in Olympic weightlifting, as he retired from weightlifting, vowing never to return unless the sport is "cleaned up" of anabolic steroid use.

Since his career start as a professional wrestler shortly after the Olympics, he broke his leg in the fall of 1996. But by the summer of the following year he had rehabilitated enough to be able to compete at the USAPL National Powerlifting Championships 1997, where he won the competition to become the U.S. National Powerlifting Champion in the Super Heavyweight class again. He had planned to continue heavy training in powerlifting, although his travel schedule as a professional wrestler with the WWF (now WWE) made sustained training difficult. Mark's WWF contract was unique in many ways, allowing him at least three months off each year from wrestling, so he could train for the national and world championships in weightlifting or powerlifting. Barring injury, Mark had originally hoped to return to the platform in late 1998, to lift for many more years, and to eventually squat at least {{cvt|1100|lb}} without a "squat suit" and to deadlift {{cvt|1000|lb}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0501/IGH0501d.pdf|title=Mark Henry's Dilemma – Reflections on Drugs at the Olympics (page 13)|date=May 1, 1998|last=Todd|first=Terry|access-date=September 26, 2012|work=Iron Game History, Volume 5, Number 1|archive-date=September 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904023756/http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0501/IGH0501d.pdf|url-status=live}}

Although in early 1998 he was still able to do five repetitions in the bench press with {{cvt|495|lb}}, three repetitions in the squat with {{cvt|855|lb}} (with no suit and no knee wraps), and three repetitions in the standing press with {{cvt|405|lb}} in training, while traveling with the World Wrestling Federation, he never returned to compete again in official championships in favor of his wrestling career. He weighed {{cvt|380|lb}} at that time, and his right upper arm was measured at 24" by Terry Todd.: When asked in September 2003, who the strongest man in the world was, Bill Kazmaier, considered by many to be the greatest strongman of all time, stated: "It would have to be Mark Henry. [...] I think he's one of the strongest men in the history of the world, without a doubt."

File:Mark-Henry-Fayetteville-armory.jpg

Powerlifting:

Done in official Powerlifting meets

• Squat – {{cvt|953.5|lb}} raw with knee wraps (done on October 29, 1995 WDFPF)

:→ current WDFPF world record squat in SHW class (+regardless of weight class and equipment) since 1995{{cite web|url=https://wdfpf.co.uk/Record_Files/8%20WDFPF%20Power%20EQ.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028170155/https://wdfpf.co.uk/Record_Files/8%20WDFPF%20Power%20EQ.pdf |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |title=WDFPF Powerlifting Records Equipped |work=World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation |access-date=March 5, 2023}}

:→ former all-time unequipped squat world record for over a decade in SHW class until 2010{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/11186|title=All-Time Raw Powerlifting Records Released|last=Vasquez|first=Johnny|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-date=November 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124193113/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/11186|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/14229|title=Robert Wilkerson Hits 2nd Biggest Raw Squat Ever|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603110822/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/14229|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.criticalbench.com/Mark-Henry.htm|title=Mark Henry – The Strongest Man That Ever Lived|publisher=Critical Bench|last=Tatar|first=Ben|access-date=July 26, 2009|archive-date=November 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112112703/http://www.criticalbench.com/Mark-Henry.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/15643|title=Robert Wilkerson Totals 2,200 Raw and Sets New WR|date=June 8, 2010|access-date=October 9, 2012|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603105157/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/15643|url-status=live}} (+regardless of weight class until 2007){{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/14546|title=Sergiy Karnaukhov Holds Biggest Raw SQ of All-Time|date=February 20, 2010|access-date=October 9, 2012|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603123603/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/14546|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/raw/world|title=Men's All-time Raw World Records|last=Vasquez|first=Johnny|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|access-date=September 22, 2012|archive-date=November 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120123711/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/raw/world|url-status=live}}

• Bench Press – {{cvt|518.1|lb}}{{Cite web |title=Mark Henry #1 |url=https://www.openpowerlifting.org/u/markhenry1 |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=www.openpowerlifting.org}}
• Deadlift – {{cvt|903.9|lb}} raw (done on July 16, 1995, ADFPA (USAPL))

:→ former all-time raw world record deadlift in SHW class until 2010 (+regardless of weight class until 2009){{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=bbbee678-16e9-4e25-b3e2-1849324b3a58|title=Men's American Records (Open Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=October 2, 2012|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606140402/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=bbbee678-16e9-4e25-b3e2-1849324b3a58|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=fa8688d1-891b-49d9-81a4-5ff2dabfceac|title=Men's National Championship Records (Open Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=October 7, 2012|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606133703/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=fa8688d1-891b-49d9-81a4-5ff2dabfceac|url-status=live}}

• Powerlifting Total – {{cvt|2336.9|lb}} ({{cvt|953.5 + 518.1 + 865.3|lb}}{{cite web|url=http://thedmilbournes.net/WDFPF/RESULTS/World%20Results/1995%20World%20PL%20Results.pdf |title=WDFPF Men's 1995 World Powerlifting Championship Results |access-date=October 2, 2012 |work=WDFPF |publisher=thedmilbournes.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128114037/http://thedmilbournes.net/WDFPF/RESULTS/World%20Results/1995%20World%20PL%20Results.pdf |archive-date=January 28, 2015 }} raw with wraps (done on October 29, 1995 WDFPF)

Weightlifting:

done in official competition

• Snatch: {{cvt|396.8|lb}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/96SrNats.htm|title=1996 US WF Senior Nationals (results)|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=LiftTilyaDie.Com|archive-date=September 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923143512/http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/96SrNats.htm|url-status=dead}} (done at 1996's U.S. Nationals)

:→ Senior US American snatch record 1993–1997 in SHW class (+regardless of weight class){{Cite web|url=http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/9397AMRecords.htm|title=1993 – 1997 US Records|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=LiftTilyaDie.Com|archive-date=September 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923053121/http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/9397AMRecords.htm|url-status=live}}

• Clean and jerk: {{cvt|485.0|lb}} (done at 1996's U.S. Nationals)

:→ Senior US American clean&jerk record 1993–1997 in SHW class

• Weightlifting Total: {{cvt|881.8|lb}} – snatch: {{cvt|396.8|lb}} / clean&jerk: {{cvt|485.0|lb}} (done at 1996's U.S. Nationals)

:→ Senior US American weightlifting total record 1993–1997 in SHW class (+regardless of weight class)

Strongman:

done in official competition and during exhibitions

• Apollon's wheels: {{cvt|366|lb}} x 3 reps (2002 Arnold Strongman Classic) (former world record){{Cite web|url=https://strongmanarchives.com/viewContest.php?id=224|title=2002 Arnold Strongman Challenge|website=strongmanarchives.com|access-date=30 August 2024}}

:→ Henry is either the fourth or the fifth verified man to clean and press the legendary implement after Louis 'Apollon' Uni himself in the 1890s (which is disputed), Charles Rigoulot in 1930, John Davis in 1949 and Norbert Schemansky in 1954. Unlike any of the predecessors, he cleaned it using double overhand grip and push pressed it without involving a jerk.
{{small|Despite this performance was eclipsed by Žydrūnas Savickas in 2003, and bettered each year by one more rep, all his cleans were continental cleans. It was not surpassed until 2006, when Vasyl Virastyuk and Mikhail Koklyaev performed 5 reps using the exact clean Henry used.}}

• Deadlift: {{cvt|884|lb}} x 2 reps oil filled plates (2002 Arnold Strongman Classic)
• Hummer push: {{cvt|7,154|lb}} for 12 meters (2002 Arnold Strongman Classic)
• Timber carry: {{cvt|816|lb}} for 11 meters on an inclined ramp (2002 Arnold Strongman Classic)
• Inch dumbbell: {{cvt|172|lb}} (2002 Association of Oldetime Barbell & Strongmen, Dinner event) (joint world record){{cite web |title=Mark Henry Cleans the "Unliftable" Inch Dumbbell With One Hand and Push Presses It at the 2002 AOBS Dinner|url=https://starkcenter.org/igh_article/igh0703k/ |access-date=August 30, 2024|work=H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports|date=July 7, 2002}}

:→ Henry is the first man in history to clean the legendary dumbbell. He also proceeded to push press it.{{cite web|url=https://strengthrecord.com/landmark-feats-and-other-records/ |title=STRENGTH RECORD, Landmark Feats and others Records |website=www.strengthrecord.com |access-date=16 April 2025}}

Combined official records:

• Combined official Supertotal (official weightlifting total + official powerlifting total):

: {{cvt|881.8|lb}} + {{cvt|2336.9|lb}} = {{cvt|3218.7|lb}}{{cite web|url=http://www.flexonline.com/general-news/strength-numbers|title=Mark Henry – Strength in Numbers|work=FLEX Online |date=May 17, 2008|access-date=September 25, 2012|publisher=Flex|archive-date=April 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419020819/http://www.flexonline.com/general-news/strength-numbers|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.flexonline.com/STRENGTH_IN_NUMBERS.pdf |title=Strength in Numbers |last=Perine |first=Shawn |date=May 1, 2008 |access-date=September 25, 2012 |publisher=Flex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010214343/http://www.flexonline.com/STRENGTH_IN_NUMBERS.pdf |archive-date=October 10, 2008 |df=mdy }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.markhenry.tv/cms/press_documents/muscle%20&%20fitness.pdf |title=The man who moves mountains – Strongestmarkhenry |date=September 1, 2003 |access-date=September 25, 2012 |work=Muscle & Fitness |publisher=markhenry.tv }}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

• Career aggregate Supertotal (Individual 5 lift PR weightlifting & powerlifting total):

: {{cvt|396.8|lb}} + {{cvt|485.0|lb}} + {{cvt|953.5|lb}} + {{cvt|518.1|lb}} + {{cvt|903.9|lb}} = {{cvt|3257.3|lb}}

Olympic Weightlifting

According to Dr. Terry Todd:

• Snatch: {{cvt|407|lb}}
• Clean and jerk: {{cvt|507|lb}}

Powerlifting:

According to Henry himself:{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TwYOHJHnCfs |title=Mark Henry Squatted 1006 lbs!! 💪 |language=en |access-date=2024-09-28 |via=www.youtube.com}}

• Squat: {{cvt|1006|lb}} raw with wraps {{small|(According to Henry himself. Dr. Terry Todd reported Henry was capable of a {{convert|1,000|lb|kg}} squat in summer 1996.)}}{{Cite journal |last=Todd |first=Terry |date=July 1996 |title=Mark Henry's Olympic Diary |url=https://starkcenter.org/igh/igh-v15/igh-v15-n1/igh1501p91.pdf |journal=Iron Game History |volume=15 |issue=1 |pages=95}}
• Bench press: {{cvt|601|lb}} raw
• Deadlift: {{cvt|924|lb}} raw {{small|In training, prior to his {{convert|903.9|lb|kg}} raw deadlift in competition, 1995.}}

In a two-week period in spring 1998, Henry squatted {{cvt|855|lb}} raw without knee wraps for 3 reps, bench pressed {{cvt|495|lb}} for 5 reps, and overhead pressed {{cvt|405|lb}} for 3 reps, all while travelling with the WWF.

Combined unofficial records:

• Career aggregate Supertotal (Individual 5 lift PR weightlifting & powerlifting total):

: {{cvt|407|lb}} + {{cvt|507|lb}} + {{cvt|1006|lb}} + {{cvt|601|lb}} + {{cvt|924|lb}} = {{cvt|3445|lb}}

At the age of 24, Henry made his first appearance on World Wrestling Federation (WWF) programming on the March 11, 1996 episode of Monday Night Raw, where he press slammed Jerry Lawler, who was ridiculing Henry while interviewing him in the ring. After Henry competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics, the WWF signed him to a ten-year contract. Trained by professional wrestler Leo Burke, his first feud in the WWF was with Lawler. At the pay-per-view event, SummerSlam in August 1996, Henry came to the aid of Jake Roberts who was suffering indignity at the hands of Lawler. Henry's debut wrestling match was against Lawler in a house show at the Baltimore Arena on September 21, 1996. The following day, Henry defeated Lawler in a rematch at In Your House 10: Mind Games. The feud continued at house shows during subsequent weeks.[http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/96.htm 1996 results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927114604/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/96.htm |date=September 27, 2011 }}. The History of WWE. Retrieved September 22, 2011. On the November 4 episode of Raw, Henry served as a cornerman for Barry Windham in a match against Goldust. He was set to team with Windham, Marc Mero and Rocky Maivia to take on the team of Lawler, Goldust, Hunter Hearst Helmsley and Crush at Survivor Series, but was replaced by Jake Roberts when he was forced to withdraw from the event due to injury. On the November 17 episode of WWF Superstars of Wrestling, Henry defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Crush, and Goldust in a tug of war contest. Henry also worked on several shows for United States Wrestling Association. Henry's career was then stalled as he took time off over the next year to heal injuries and engage in further training.

In November 1997, he returned to the ring, making his televised return the following month.[http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/97.htm 1997 results] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410082315/http://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/97.htm |date=April 10, 2016 }}. The History of WWE. Retrieved September 22, 2011. By the end of the year, he was a regular fixture on WWF programming, defeating the Brooklyn Brawler on the December 15 episode of Raw, and beating The Sultan on the December 27 episode of WWF Shotgun Saturday Night.

{{Main|Nation of Domination}}

Henry joined the Nation of Domination faction with Faarooq, The Rock, Kama Mustafa, and D'Lo Brown on January 12, 1998. After The Rock usurped Faarooq's position as leader, Henry switched loyalties to The Rock. He also competed at WrestleMania XIV on March 29 in a tag team Battle Royal with Brown as his partner, but they did not win.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/mar29_wrestlemania.html|title=Austin wins WWF World Title at WrestleMania|date=March 29, 1998|last=Powell|first=John|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143614/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/mar29_wrestlemania.html|url-status=usurped}} After short feuds against Ken Shamrock and Vader, Henry participated in his faction's enmity against D-Generation X (DX), which included a romantic storyline with DX member Chyna.September 14, 1998 Raw

When The Nation disbanded, he engaged in a short feud with The Rock, defeating him at Judgment Day: In Your House with help from Brown, and then forming a permanent team with Brown, gaining Ivory as a manager.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/oct19_judgmentday.html|title=Austin fired?!?!?|date=October 19, 1998|last=Powell|first=John|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143614/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/oct19_judgmentday.html|url-status=usurped}}

During the next year, Henry gave himself the nickname "Sexual Chocolate", adopting a ladies' man character. He first resumed his storyline with former enemy Chyna, but it ended with her betraying him in a controversial angle including a transvestite. During a match at the August 1999 SummerSlam pay-per-view between Brown and Jeff Jarrett for the WWF Intercontinental and WWF European Championships (both held at the time by Brown), Henry turned on Brown and helped Jarrett win the match and the titles.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1999/results/ |title=SummerSlam 1999 Results |date=August 22, 1999 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date=June 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620173807/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/1999/results/ |archive-date=June 20, 2007 |df=mdy }} The next night, Henry was awarded the European title by Jarrett in return for his help.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug23_fol.html|title=Foley new champ at SummerSlam|date=August 23, 1999|last=Powell|first=John|access-date=April 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143615/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/aug23_fol.html|url-status=usurped}} Henry lost the title one month later to Brown at the Unforgiven pay-per-view.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/sep27_unforgiven.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143614/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingArchive/sep27_unforgiven.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=HHH regains title at Unforgiven|date=September 27, 1999|last=Yang|first=Rich|access-date=April 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

The night after he tried to make up with BrownSeptember 27, 1999 Raw and later in the week claimed to be a sex addictSeptember 30, 1999 SmackDown resulting in him attending a sex therapy session a week later where he claimed that he lost his virginity at eight years old to his sister, and had just slept with her two days ago.{{cite web | title=Mark Henry sex addict | url=http://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/mark-henry-sex-addict/ | date=September 5, 2013|publisher=WrestleCrap}} He was part of a storyline about him overcoming sex addiction, which he accomplished thanks to The Godfather.

After this twist, Henry turned into a fan favorite, and was seen on television romancing WWF veteran wrestler Mae Young as part of the "Sexual Chocolate" character. He feuded with Viscera during this time, as part of a storyline where Viscera splashed Mae Young while she was carrying Henry's child.{{cite episode|title=Raw is War|series-link=WWE Raw|series=WWE Raw|network=USA Network|airdate=2000-02-21}}{{cite episode|title=WWF SmackDown!|series-link=WWE Friday Night SmackDown|series=WWE Friday Night SmackDown|network=UPN|airdate=2000-02-24|minutes=120}} Young later gave birth to a hand.

In 2000, Henry was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) to improve his conditioning and wrestling skills. In OVW, he teamed with Nick Dinsmore to compete in a tournament for the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship in mid-2001. He also worked a couple of matches for Heartland Wrestling Association. Later that year, Henry's mother died, causing him to go on hiatus from wrestling. He felt he had to compete in the "Super Bowl of weight lifting"—the Arnold Strongman Classic—in honor of his mother, who gave him his first weight set when he was a child.

Four months prior to the contest, Henry began lifting the heaviest of weights and trained for the first time since 1997 for a major lifting competition. He had never been a professional strongman before, but in the coming contest he was to face the very best of the best of professional strongmen, such as the #1 ranked strongman in the world, and defending World's Strongest Man competition winner of 2001 Svend Karlsen, World's Strongest Man winner of 2006 Phil Pfister, World Powerlifting Champion of 2001 and equipped deadlift world record holder Andy Bolton, World Muscle Power Champion, Olympic weightlifting Champion Raimonds Bergmanis, and reigning America's Strongest Man of 2001 Brian Schoonveld.{{Cite web|url=http://www.markhenry.tv/cms/press_documents/raw_1.pdf |title=Strong, Stronger...Strongest – Mark Henry lives up to his nickname |date=May 1, 2002 |last=Fazioli |first=Mike |access-date=September 25, 2012 |work=Raw Magazine |publisher=WWE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413131552/http://www.markhenry.tv/cms/press_documents/raw_1.pdf |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }}

On February 22, 2002, in Columbus, Ohio the competition, consisting of four events, designed to determine the lifter with the greatest overall body power, began. Henry surprised everybody when he won the first event, setting a world record in the process by lifting the Apollon's Axle three times overhead. Only three men in history had ever been able to press it at all.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o2STNF7a88|title=video: 2002 Arnold Strongman Classic (introduction+Apollon's Wheel+Inch dumbbell)|publisher=YouTube.com|access-date=November 26, 2016|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223182404/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o2STNF7a88|url-status=live}} By deadlifting {{cvt|885|lb}} for two repetitions in the second event and easily pushing a {{cvt|5000|lb}} or more Hummer with nearly flat tires in the third event, Henry kept his lead continuously throughout the competition and never gave it up again. In the final "Farmer's Walk"-event Henry quickly carried the roughly {{cvt|850|lb}} of railroad ties up an incline, winning the whole competition convincingly to capture the winning prize — a US$75,000 Hummer, a vacation cruise and $10,000 cash.

Since Henry had only trained for four months and defeated the crème-de-là-crème of worldwide strongmen, who had been practicing for years, his win was a shock for strongman experts worldwide, but remained basically unnoticed by the wrestling audience. Henry proved to be worthy of the title "World's Strongest Man" not only by winning the contest, but also by achieving it in record time. By doing so he was again seen as the legit "strongest man in the world" by many lifting experts for a second time since 1996.{{Cite web|url=http://www.strengthfighter.com/2011/10/strongest-men-ever.html|title=The Strongest Men Ever|date=October 18, 2011|access-date=September 25, 2012|work=Pygod|publisher=strengthfighter.com|archive-date=November 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127210509/http://www.strengthfighter.com/2011/10/strongest-men-ever.html|url-status=live}}

Henry returned to the WWF in April 2002 and was sent to the SmackDown! brand, where he developed an in-ring persona of performing "tests of strength" while other wrestlers took bets on the tests, but the gimmick met with little success.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mark-henry.html|title=Mark Henry Profile|access-date=April 13, 2008|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling|archive-date=January 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101091625/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/m/mark-henry.html|url-status=live}} During this time he competed against such superstars as Chris Jericho and Christian. After being used sporadically on WWE (formerly WWF) television during 2002, as he was training for a weightlifting contest, and suffering a knee injury, Henry was sent back to OVW for more training.

In August 2003, Henry returned to WWE television on the Raw roster as a heel where he found some success as a member of "Thuggin' And Buggin' Enterprises", a group of African Americans led by Theodore Long who worked a race angle in which they felt they were victims of racism and were being held down by the "white man". During that time, Henry was involved in a brief program with World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg when the former champion, Triple H, put a bounty on Goldberg. This was followed by a brief rivalry with Shawn Michaels, before he engaged in a rivalry with Booker T.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/28/239604.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143619/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/10/28/239604.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Raw: I.C. title lost and won|date=October 28, 2003|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/11/04/246635.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718064826/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/11/04/246635.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 18, 2012|title=Raw: Austin completes his team|date=November 4, 2003|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/11/18/261415.html|title=Raw: Kane burns Goldberg|date=November 18, 2003|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718080356/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/11/18/261415.html|url-status=usurped}} After defeating Booker T twice, once in a street fight and once in a six-man tag team match, he lost to Booker T at Armageddon on December 14.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/11/25/268034.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143618/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/11/25/268034.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Raw: Midgets, thongs and frying pans|date=November 25, 2003|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/12/09/281839.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143617/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/12/09/281839.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Raw: Rock shocks fans|date=December 9, 2003|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/12/15/288020.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629043112/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2003/12/15/288020.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=WWE Armageddon a flop|date=December 15, 2003|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|author2=Plummer, Dale|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At a practice session in OVW in February 2004, Henry tore his quadriceps muscle, and was out for over a year after undergoing surgery. Henry was then utilized by WWE as a public relations figure during his recovery, before returning to OVW to finish out 2005.

File:Markhenry.jpg

During the December 30, 2005 episode of SmackDown!, Henry made his return to television, as he interfered in a WWE Tag Team Championship match, joining with MNM (Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, and Melina), to help them defeat Rey Mysterio and Batista for the championship.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/12/30/1373410.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143618/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005/12/30/1373410.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Sexual accusations and Chocolate|date=December 30, 2005|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} A week later on the January 6, 2006 episode of SmackDown!, Henry got in a confrontation with the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista, and went on to interfere in a steel cage match between MNM and the team of Mysterio and Batista, helping MNM to retain their titles.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/06/1381706.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715220143/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/06/1381706.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Smackdown: Mark Henry tames the Animal|date=January 6, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Henry then had another match with Batista at a live event where Batista received a severely torn triceps that required surgery, forcing him to vacate his title. On the January 13 episode of SmackDown!, Henry was involved in a Battle Royal for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship. He was the last man eliminated by Kurt Angle, who won the title.{{cite news|first=Hicks|last=Brady|title=2006: The year in wrestling|work=2007 Wrestling Almanac and book of facts|publisher=Kappa Publications|id= 2007 Edition|page=16}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/13/1392348.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629043130/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/13/1392348.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Angle crowned new champ|date=January 13, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

File:The Undertaker applique son Old School.jpg at WrestleMania 22 and Unforgiven 2007]]

A week later, Henry received assistance from Daivari, who turned on Angle and announced that he was the manager of Henry.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/20/1403383.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713172428/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/01/20/1403383.html |archive-date=July 13, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Surprises and celebration|date=January 20, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} With Daivari at his side, Henry faced Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 29, losing when Angle hit him with a chair (without the referee seeing) and pinned him with a roll-up.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/01/30/1418142.html|title=Mysterio claims Rumble; Cena reigns again|date=January 30, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=April 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143618/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/01/30/1418142.html|url-status=usurped}}

On the March 3 episode of SmackDown!, Henry interfered in a World Heavyweight Championship match between Angle and The Undertaker, attacking The Undertaker when he was seconds from possibly winning the title. Henry then performed a diving splash on The Undertaker, driving him through the announcer's table. Henry was then challenged to a casket match by The Undertaker at WrestleMania 22 on April 2.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/03/10/1481542.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715193106/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/03/10/1481542.html |archive-date=July 15, 2012 |title=Smackdown: The bell tolls for Henry|date=March 10, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Henry vowed to defeat The Undertaker and end his undefeated streak at WrestleMania, but The Undertaker defeated him.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/04/03/1517785.html|title=WrestleMania delivers big time on PPV|date=April 3, 2006|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=April 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143620/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/04/03/1517785.html|url-status=usurped}} There were talks about Henry ending the streak backstage, but did not succeed. In an interview on Heavy, Henry stated that the decision was close and that if they did ask him about it he would have refused, stating he did not want to carry that weight.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Brandon 'Scoop B' |date=2020-04-04 |title=Lakers Icon Kobe Bryant Compared To WWE's Undertaker by Hall of Famer |url=https://heavy.com/sports/2020/04/kobe-bryant-the-undertaker/ |access-date=2023-07-13 |website=Heavy.com |language=en-US}} Henry had a rematch against The Undertaker on the April 7 episode of SmackDown!. It ended in a no-contest when Daivari introduced his debuting client, The Great Khali. Khali went to the ring and attacked The Undertaker, starting a new feud and ending Henry's.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/07/1524534.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143619/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/07/1524534.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Undertaker faces a giant problem|date=April 7, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

During the rest of April and May, Henry gained a pinfall victory over the World Heavyweight Champion, Rey Mysterio in a non-title match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/05/1565725.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143619/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/05/1565725.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: Bradshaw outsmarts Mysterio|date=May 5, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Henry entered the King of the Ring Tournament, and lost to Bobby Lashley in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/28/1555122.html|title=Smackdown: Angle-Mysterio do it again|date=April 18, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143619/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/04/28/1555122.html|url-status=usurped}} He later cost Kurt Angle his World Heavyweight Championship opportunity against Mysterio on the April 28 episode of SmackDown!, when he jumped off the top rope and crushed Angle through a table. Henry was then challenged by Angle to face off at Judgment Day on May 21. Henry then sent a "message" to Angle by defeating Paul Burchill on the May 12 episode of SmackDown!.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/12/1575807.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143620/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/12/1575807.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Mysterio annihilated|date=May 12, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At Judgment Day, Henry defeated Angle by countout.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/05/22/1592085.html|title=Rey wins, MNM splits at Judgment Day|date=May 22, 2006|last=Elliott|first=Brian|access-date=April 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630063926/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/05/22/1592085.html|url-status=usurped}} Although winning, Angle got his revenge after the match by hitting Henry with a chair and putting him through a table.

Henry later went on what was referred to as a "path of destruction", causing injuries to numerous superstars. Henry "took out" Chris Benoit and Paul Burchill on this path of destruction, and attacked Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/26/1599097.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143620/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/05/26/1599097.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: Is JBL gone for good?|date=May 26, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/01/1610510.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143620/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/01/1610510.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: All hail King Booker|date=June 1, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/30/1661507.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143621/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/06/30/1661507.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: Lashley escapes the cage|date=June 30, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} These events led up to a feud with the returning Batista, whom Henry had put out of action with a legitimate injury several months beforehand. When Batista returned he and Henry were scheduled to face one another at The Great American Bash on July 23.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/14/1684780.html|title=Smackdown: Mysterio invades the King's Court|date=July 14, 2006|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143622/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/14/1684780.html|url-status=usurped}} Weeks before that event, however, on the July 15 episode of Saturday Night's Main Event, Henry was involved in a six-man tag team match with King Booker and Finlay against Batista, Rey Mysterio, and Bobby Lashley.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/16/1687439.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143622/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/16/1687439.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=SNME: Hogan-Orton key on stacked show|date=July 16, 2006|last=Lawson|first=Amy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} During the match, Henry was injured, canceling the scheduled match at The Great American Bash, as Henry needed surgery. Doctors later found that Henry completely tore his patella tendon off the bone and split his patella completely in two.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/superstars/mark_henry/0724henrysurgery |title=Mark Henry's surgery highlights |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment |access-date=July 26, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602174411/http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/superstars/mark_henry/0724henrysurgery |archive-date=June 2, 2009 }}

Henry returned on the May 11, 2007 episode of SmackDown!, after weeks of vignettes hyping his return.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05042007/|title=Destructive behavior|date=April 5, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=June 22, 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=July 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711183209/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05042007/|url-status=live}} He attacked The Undertaker after a World Heavyweight Championship steel cage match with Batista, allowing Edge to take advantage of the situation and use his Money in the Bank contract.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/12/4174912.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143624/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/05/12/4174912.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: The title's on the line...|date=May 12, 2007|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Henry then began a short feud with Kane, defeating him in a Lumberjack Match at One Night Stand on June 3.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/03/4231367.html|title=One Night Stand a PPV gong show|date=June 3, 2007|last=Mackinder|first=Matt|access-date=April 28, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143624/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/06/03/4231367.html|url-status=usurped}} Shortly after, Henry made an open challenge to the SmackDown! locker room, which nobody ever accepted. In the coming weeks he faced various jobbers and quickly defeated them all.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/04/4393904.html|title=Smackdown: Evolution reunion|date=August 4, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143625/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/04/4393904.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/10/4409479.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143625/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/10/4409479.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Smackdown: On the highway to hell?|date=August 10, 2007|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the August 3 episode of SmackDown!, he claimed that nobody accepted the open challenge to step into the ring with him because of what he had done to The Undertaker, presenting footage of his assault on The Undertaker.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/04/4393904.html|title=Smackdown: Evolution reunion|date=August 4, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143625/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/04/4393904.html|url-status=usurped}} The Undertaker responded over the following weeks, playing various mind games with Henry.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/18/4428059.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143624/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/18/4428059.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: Khali claws his way to victory|date=August 18, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/27/4450237.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143624/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/08/27/4450237.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: Batista bloodies Khali|date=August 27, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Henry finally faced The Undertaker again at Unforgiven on September 16, losing to him after being given a Last Ride.{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2007/09/17/undertakers-return-highlight-of-underwhelming-unforgiven/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818235018/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2007/09/17/undertakers-return-highlight-of-underwhelming-unforgiven/ |archive-date=August 18, 2022 |title=Undertaker's return highlight of underwhelming Unforgiven |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Sokol |first=Chris |date=September 17, 2007 |access-date=June 22, 2009}} Two weeks later, Henry lost a rematch to The Undertaker after The Undertaker performed a chokeslam on Henry.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/09/29/4536557.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143626/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/09/29/4536557.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Smackdown: The Dead Man returns|date=September 29, 2007|last=McNamara|first=Andy|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

File:Mark Henry and Tony Atlas.jpg]]

After a short hiatus, Henry returned to WWE programming on the October 23 episode of ECW, attacking Kane, along with The Great Khali and Big Daddy V.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/24/4601443.html|title=ECW: More SmackDown presence|date=October 24, 2007|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143627/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/10/24/4601443.html|url-status=usurped}} Henry then began teaming with Big Daddy V against Kane and CM Punk, and was briefly managed by Big Daddy V's manager, Matt Striker. At Armageddon, Henry and Big Daddy V defeated Kane and Punk.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/17/4728476.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130101100734/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2007/12/17/4728476.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 1, 2013|title=Edge brings in the clones to win at Armageddon|date=December 17, 2007|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Before WrestleMania XXIV aired, Henry participated in a 24-man battle royal to determine the number one contender for the ECW Championship, but failed to win.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2008/matches/6625174/results/|title=Big Red challenger|date=March 30, 2008|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=June 22, 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=June 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601210654/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/2008/matches/6625174/results/|url-status=live}}

As part of the 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft, Henry was drafted to the ECW brand.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|title=Official 2008 WWE Supplemental Draft Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330032338/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/wwedraft2008/7505418/|url-status=live}} At Night of Champions, Henry defeated Kane and Big Show in a triple threat match to capture the ECW Championship in his debut match as an ECW superstar. This was his first world championship in WWE, which also made him the fourth African-American world champion in WWE history.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_26077.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Night Of The Champions PPV Report 6/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of event|date=September 29, 2008|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|access-date=September 28, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165702/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_26077.shtml|url-status=live}} Upon winning the title, it was made exclusive to the ECW brand once again. Henry's title win came nearly a full decade after he was awarded the European Championship, which was back in 1999 and the only title he held in WWE. A few weeks later, Hall of Famer Tony Atlas returned to WWE to act as Henry's manager. Shortly after, ECW General Manager, Theodore Long, unveiled a new, entirely platinum ECW Championship belt design.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/07222008/|date=July 22, 2008|last=Medalis|first=Kara A.|title=Going for gold|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=July 26, 2009|archive-date=August 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818164602/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/07222008/|url-status=live}} In August, Henry defended the title against Matt Hardy at SummerSlam after getting himself disqualified; however championships cannot change hands via disqualification, meaning that Henry retained the title.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|title=SummerSlam comes close to 'blockbuster' status|date=August 17, 2008|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=February 27, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730124909/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/08/17/6484406.html|url-status=usurped}} Henry later lost the title to Hardy at September's Unforgiven in the Championship Scramble match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/08/6704516.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143628/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/09/08/6704516.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Scramble matches make for wild Unforgiven|date=September 8, 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=April 29, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Henry attempted to regain the championship throughout the end of 2008, and had a match against Hardy at No Mercy, but failed as he was unsuccessful.{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2008/10/06/dual-main-events-rescue-no-mercy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220144323/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2008/10/06/dual-main-events-rescue-no-mercy/ |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |title=Dual main events rescue No Mercy |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Sokol |first=Chris |date=October 6, 2008 |access-date=June 22, 2009}} Henry and Atlas then engaged in a feud against Finlay and Hornswoggle, which included Henry losing a Belfast Brawl to Finlay at Armageddon.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/09/7690301.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143628/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/12/09/7690301.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=ECW: The great protector|date=December 14, 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/12/14/7749336.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143628/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2008/12/14/7749336.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Armageddon: Hardy finally breaks through|date=December 14, 2008|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At the start of 2009, Henry qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 25, and was involved in a series of matches with the other competitors on Raw, SmackDown, and ECW.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03032009/|title=Served with a Swagger and a smile|date=March 3, 2009|last=Burdick|first=Mike|access-date=June 22, 2009|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=June 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602052309/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/archive/03032009/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/17/8778661.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143631/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/17/8778661.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Raw: A Texas-sized love triangle and a steel cage showdown|date=March 17, 2009|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/28/8919266.html|title=Smackdown: Don't fear the reaper|date=March 28, 2009|last=Waldman|first=Jon|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143630/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/03/28/8919266.html|url-status=usurped}} He was unsuccessful at WrestleMania, however, as CM Punk won the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania25/2009/04/06/9019621.html|title=Wrestlemania 25: HBK-Undertaker steals the show|date=April 6, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143629/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania25/2009/04/06/9019621.html|url-status=usurped}} In May, Henry began a rivalry with Evan Bourne, which began after Bourne defeated Henry by countout on the May 26 episode of ECW.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/27/9580721.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143630/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/05/27/9580721.html |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=ECW: Sorting out ECW Championship mess|date=May 27, 2009|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 22, 2009|work=SLAM! Wrestling |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Image:Big Man.jpg]]

On June 29, Henry was traded to the Raw brand and redebuted for the brand that night as the third opponent in a three-on-one gauntlet match against WWE Champion Randy Orton, which he won, turning Henry into a face in the process.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/30/9977216.html|title=Raw: Dubious guest host makes Orton run "The Gauntlet"|date=June 30, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 30, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143631/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/06/30/9977216.html|url-status=usurped}} In August 2009, Henry formed a tag team with Montel Vontavious Porter and the two challenged the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and The Big Show) for the title at Breaking Point, but were unsuccessful.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/24/10593861.html|title=Raw: This show is Money|date=August 24, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=September 14, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143637/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/08/24/10593861.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/09/14/10886081.html|title=Montreal fans 'screwed' again in Breaking Point sham|date=September 14, 2009|last=Elliott|first=Brian|access-date=September 14, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143630/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/09/14/10886081.html|url-status=usurped}} They stopped teaming afterwards, becoming involved in separate storylines, until the February 15, 2010 episode of Raw in which they defeated the Unified WWE Tag Team Champions The Big Show and The Miz in a non-title match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/15/12892096.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721234016/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/15/12892096.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 21, 2012|title=Raw: Springing into the Elimination Chamber|date=February 15, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} The next week they challenged The Big Show and The Miz in a title match but were unsuccessful.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12990596.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714173124/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12990596.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Raw: Finding a Jewel on the Road to Wrestlemania|date=February 22, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At Extreme Rules, Henry and MVP fought for a chance to become number one contenders to the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship, but were the second team eliminated in a gauntlet match by The Big Show and The Miz. Ultimately, The Hart Dynasty (Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith) won the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/25/13720306.html|title=WWE Extreme Rules features strong Mania rematches|date=April 25, 2010|last=Kapur|first=Bob|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714201725/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/04/25/13720306.html|url-status=usurped}}

Henry mentored Lucky Cannon in the second season of NXT.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629045655/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/01/14222371.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=WWE NXT: Barrett wins show's first season|date=June 1, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=June 2, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml|title=WWE News: NXT Results – Season Two announced, Pro & Rookie pairings revealed|date=June 1, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=June 1, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=June 3, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603042018/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_41691.shtml|url-status=live}} Cannon was eliminated on the August 10 episode of NXT.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14984646.html|title=WWE NXT: Eliminations coming fast and furious|date=August 10, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=August 16, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143631/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/10/14984646.html|url-status=usurped}} In September, Henry began teaming with Evan Bourne, starting at the Night of Champions pay-per-view, where they entered a Tag Team Turmoil for the WWE Tag Team Championship. They made it to the final two before being defeated by Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions|date=September 20, 2010|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 16, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716063558/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|url-status=usurped}} The team came to an end in October when Bourne suffered an injury and was taken out of action. Henry then formed a team with Yoshi Tatsu on the November 29 episode of Raw, defeating WWE Tag Team Champions Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater, after a distraction by John Cena.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|title=Raw: King of the Ring crowned|date=November 29, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630092759/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/29/16367731.html|url-status=usurped}} They received a shot at the championship the next week, in a fatal four-way elimination tag team match, which also included The Usos and Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov. Henry and Tatsu were the first team eliminated in the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/07/16454056.html|title=Raw: Cena pushes Nexus, Barrett to the breaking point|date=December 7, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630183145/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/07/16454056.html|url-status=usurped}}

On the April 25, 2011 episode of Raw, Henry was drafted to the SmackDown brand as part of the 2011 WWE draft. In the main event of the night, Henry attacked his teammates John Cena and Christian, turning heel in the process.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/25/18064541.html|title=Raw: Draft tries to shock WWE Universe|date=April 25, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=May 8, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-date=July 14, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714143120/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/04/25/18064541.html|url-status=usurped}} On the May 27 episode of SmackDown, Henry participated in a Triple Threat match against Sheamus and Christian to decide the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, which was won by Sheamus.{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 5/27/11|date=May 27, 2011|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/23829-smackdown-results-52711|publisher=Wrestleview|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231062108/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/23829-smackdown-results-52711|url-status=live}} On the June 17 episode of SmackDown, Henry was scheduled to face an angry and emotionally unstable Big Show, who warned Henry not to get into the ring; Henry ignored the warning and Big Show assaulted him before the match could begin.{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 6/17/11|date=June 17, 2011|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/24311-smackdown-results-61711|publisher=Wrestleview|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219184702/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/24311-smackdown-results-61711|url-status=live}} This act ignited a feud between the two; Henry attacked Big Show both backstage and during matches{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Capitol Punishment PPV Results 6/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Truth, Orton vs. Christian, Miz vs. Riley|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_50889.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=June 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622122836/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_50889.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Tedesco |first=Mike |title=Smackdown Results – 6/24/11 |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1308973701 |work=Wrestleview |access-date=September 16, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009041429/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1308973701 |archive-date=October 9, 2012 }} while on the July 1 episode of SmackDown, Big Show's music played during Henry's match against Randy Orton, causing Henry to be counted out and costing him a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Henry reacted by destroying the audio equipment and attacking a technician.{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 7/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Randy Orton vs. Mark Henry|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_51183.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012|last=Parks|first=Greg|archive-date=July 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704183752/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_51183.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry faced Big Show in a singles match at Money in the Bank and won. After the match, Henry crushed Big Show's leg with a chair, (kayfabe) injuring him, an act Henry later referenced as an induction into the "Hall of Pain".{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Money in the Bank PPV Results 7/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Punk, MITB ladder matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_51476.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063031/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_51476.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry did the same to Kane on the next episode of SmackDown,{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 7/22/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25335-smackdown-results-72211|work=Wrestleview|date=July 23, 2011|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235947/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25335-smackdown-results-72211|url-status=live}} and in the months ahead, Vladimir Kozlov and The Great Khali suffered the same fate.{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 8/5/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25695-smackdown-results-8511|work=Wrestleview|date=August 6, 2011|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=December 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231061211/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25695-smackdown-results-8511|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 9/30: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Randy Orton vs. Christian in the main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_53843.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=October 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003124417/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_53843.shtml|url-status=live}}

File:Mark-Henry-WHC.jpg]]

On the July 29 episode of SmackDown, Henry was informed that he could no longer compete as no one dared to fight him, but Sheamus interrupted, saying that he wasn't afraid of Henry before slapping him.{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 7/29/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25510-smackdown-results-72911|work=Wrestleview|date=July 30, 2011|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128113455/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/25510-smackdown-results-72911|url-status=live}} At SummerSlam, Henry defeated Sheamus by count-out after slamming him through a ring barricade.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Summerslam PPV Results 8/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Punk title unification|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_52111.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028092351/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_52111.shtml|url-status=live}} On the August 19 episode of SmackDown, Henry won a 20-man Battle Royal to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship to face Randy Orton at Night of Champions,{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Hillhouse|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/20/18579311.html|title=Smackdown: Turning the page|access-date=September 18, 2011|date=August 20, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=July 28, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728204343/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/20/18579311.html|url-status=usurped}} and throughout weeks on SmackDown and Raw, Henry regularly attacked Orton, getting an advantage over him.{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Bishop|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/31/18623396.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714184712/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/31/18623396.html |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |title=Super Smackdown: Orton left laying after title defense|access-date=September 19, 2011|date=August 31, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=SLAM! Wrestling}}{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Hillhouse|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/10/18665546.html|title=Smackdown: Friday night in Toledo, Ohio|access-date=September 19, 2011|date=September 10, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=July 13, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713143329/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/10/18665546.html|url-status=usurped}}{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Waldman|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/12/18676481.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716235009/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/12/18676481.html |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |title=Raw: More strong mics from Phil and Paul|access-date=September 19, 2011|date=September 12, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=SLAM! Wrestling}}{{cite web|first=Dave|last=Hillhouse|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/17/18699011.html|title=Smackdown: Rated "R" for "Retirement"|access-date=September 19, 2011|date=September 17, 2011|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630141622/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/09/17/18699011.html|url-status=usurped}} At Night of Champions, Henry defeated Orton to win the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Night of Champions PPV Results 9/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Triple H vs. C.M. Punk|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_53416.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201229/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_53416.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry successfully defended the title against Orton at Hell in a Cell in a Hell in a Cell match.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Results 10/2: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_53872.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=October 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005065322/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_53872.shtml|url-status=live}}

On the October 7 episode of SmackDown, Big Show returned and chokeslammed Henry through the announce table, thus earning a title shot against Henry at Vengeance.{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 10/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Big Show's return and follow-up to Raw walk-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_54056.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|first=Greg|last=Parks|archive-date=April 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429032711/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_54056.shtml|url-status=live}} During the match, Henry superplexed Big Show from the top rope, causing the ring to collapse from the impact and the match to be ruled a no contest.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Vengeance PPV Results 10/23: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Triple H & Punk, Cena vs. Del Rio, Henry vs. Show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_54494.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=October 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027170221/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_54494.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry began a feud with the Money in the Bank briefcase holder Daniel Bryan on the November 4 episode of SmackDown, challenging Bryan to a non-title match to prove that Bryan could not become champion. During the match, Big Show knocked out Henry, making him win by disqualification. Big Show then urged Bryan to cash in his contract, but Henry recovered and attacked both Bryan and Big Show before the match could start.{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Gregs|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_54868.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 4, 2011|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=December 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208035532/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_54868.shtml|url-status=live}} At Survivor Series, Henry retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Big Show after a low blow that disqualified Henry. Angered by Henry's cowardice, Big Show crushed Henry's ankle with a steel chair.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_55339.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Survivor Series PPV Results 11/20: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – The Rock returns, Punk vs. Del Rio, Henry vs. Show|first=James|last=Caldwell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 20, 2011|access-date=November 21, 2011|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303180409/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_55339.shtml|url-status=live}} On the November 25 episode of SmackDown, Henry was knocked out again by Big Show, at which point Bryan cashed in his briefcase for a title match and quickly pinned Henry. However, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long revealed that Henry was not medically cleared to compete and voided the match, so Henry remained champion and the briefcase was returned to Bryan.{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Mike|title=Cupach's WWE SmackDown report 11/25: Alt. perspective of Survivor Series fall-out, live Smackdown set-up, Mike's Reax|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55507.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 25, 2011|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=November 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128195511/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55507.shtml|url-status=live}} Later that night, Bryan won a fatal-four-way match to face Henry for the World Heavyweight Championship in a steel cage.{{cite web|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|title=Smackdown: Give and take|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/26/19023496.html|work=Slam! Wrestling|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-date=June 30, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630150054/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/26/19023496.html|url-status=usurped}} On the November 29 episode of SmackDown, Henry defeated Bryan in a steel cage match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the live Tuesday night special, including Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry for the World Title in a Steel Cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55591.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 29, 2011|access-date=November 30, 2011|archive-date=December 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203030010/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55591.shtml|url-status=live}}

Then at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Henry lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Big Show in a chairs match. After the match, Henry knocked Big Show out, resulting in Daniel Bryan cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to win his first World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE TLC PPV Report 12/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – TLC, Table, Ladder, Chair matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_56118.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002939/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_56118.shtml|url-status=live}} On the January 20 episode of SmackDown, Bryan retained the championship against Henry in a lumberjack match after Bryan provoked the lumberjacks to come in and attack them to cause a no contest.{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE Smakdown Report 1/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry for the World Title|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_57213.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502200910/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_57213.shtml|url-status=live}} At the 2012 Royal Rumble event, Henry faced Bryan and Big Show in a triple threat steel cage match for the World Heavyweight Championship; Bryan escaped the cage to retain the title.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 30, 2012|archive-date=November 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171119162205/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|url-status=live}} On the February 3 episode of SmackDown, Henry was suspended indefinitely (in storyline) by SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long, after Henry physically accosted Long as he demanded a one-on-one rematch that night with Bryan.{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=Cupach's WWE Smackdown Report 2/3: Alt. perspective review of No DQ main event, Rumble fall-out & Chamber hype, Mike's Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_57765.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502074209/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_57765.shtml|url-status=live}} In reality, Henry had hyper-extended his knee the previous week.{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=Mark Henry Injured Again|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/65342/mark-henry-injured-again.html?p=1|publisher=PWInsider|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=December 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231065913/http://www.pwinsider.com/article/65342/mark-henry-injured-again.html?p=1|url-status=live}} Henry returned to in-ring action on the February 20 episode of Raw SuperShow, losing to Sheamus.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Chamber PPV fall-out, Taker returns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_58345.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 8, 2013|archive-date=October 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002001829/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_58345.shtml|url-status=live}} On the April 2 and 9 episodes of Raw SuperShow, Henry faced CM Punk for the WWE Championship which he won by count-out and disqualification; as a result, Punk retained his title.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/2: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM28 fall-out, how will Cena respond to Rock loss?, two big title matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 6, 2013|first=James|last=Caldwell|archive-date=October 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018055321/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_59908.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/9: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Lesnar officially returns & Cena responds, Stooges|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60192.shtml|access-date=April 11, 2012|archive-date=October 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023438/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60192.shtml|url-status=live}} On the April 16 episode of Raw SuperShow, Punk defeated Henry in a no-disqualification, no count-out match to retain the WWE Championship.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/16: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of Raw from London – WWE Title match, Extreme Rules hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60454.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 6, 2013|first=James|last=Caldwell|archive-date=March 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325005338/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60454.shtml|url-status=live}} On May 14, Henry announced he was going under a career-threatening surgery for an injury.{{cite web|title=Henry surgery; career in jeopardy?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_61418.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=January 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101152828/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_61418.shtml|url-status=live}}

File:WWE Smackdown IMG 0759 (23743230074).jpg in January 2015]]

After a nine-month absence, Henry made his return on the February 4, 2013 episode of Raw, brutally attacking Daniel Bryan, Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 2/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE explains many things, Punk-Jericho main event, Bruno HOF Video|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 6, 2013|archive-date=October 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018055321/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|url-status=live}} Four days later on SmackDown, Henry defeated Randy Orton to earn a spot in the number one contenders' Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at Elimination Chamber.{{cite web|title=Parks's WWE Smackdown Report 2/8: Complete "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Kane vs. Big Show (updated w/Box Score)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_68520.shtml|access-date=March 3, 2013|archive-date=March 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315030800/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_68520.shtml|url-status=live}} At the pay-per-view on February 17, Henry eliminated Daniel Bryan and Kane before being eliminated by Randy Orton. After his elimination, Henry attacked the three remaining participants before being escorted out by WWE officials.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: Chamber PPV results & notes – WM29 main event set, World Title match set, Shield big win, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68728.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 18, 2013|archive-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623100250/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_68728.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry then began a feud with Ryback after several non-verbal confrontations.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live "Old-School Raw" – Taker returns, Rock-Cena in-ring confrontation, WM29 hype, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69088.shtml|access-date=March 23, 2013|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016212345/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69088.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 3/8: Not-quite-live, ongoing coverage of Friday show, including Ziggler vs. Del Rio|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69214.shtml|access-date=March 23, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116093144/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69214.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 3/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE recognizes Bearer by incorporating him into Taker-Punk, Lesnar challenges Hunter, no Cena, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml|access-date=March 23, 2013|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306044739/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml|url-status=live}} On the March 15 episode of SmackDown, Henry was defeated by Ryback via disqualification, following interference from The Shield. Afterward, Henry delivered the World's Strongest Slam to Ryback three times in a row.{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 3/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Henry vs. Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69333.shtml|access-date=March 23, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116092650/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69333.shtml|url-status=live}} On April 7 at WrestleMania 29, Henry defeated Ryback in a singles match.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Wrestlemania 29 PPV Results: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium – Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|access-date=April 8, 2013|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403010032/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|url-status=live}} Later that month, Henry reignited a feud with Sheamus by repeatedly attacking Sheamus backstage.{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Dolph Ziggler's first Smackdown as champion and Triple H addresses Lesnar match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69993.shtml|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116092543/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69993.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/15: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Punk returning, WM29 fallout, new U.S. champion, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70029.shtml|access-date=May 14, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116093554/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70029.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry and Sheamus then challenged each other in tests of strength, but with Sheamus unable to best Henry, he resorted to attacking Henry with Brogue Kicks.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/29 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Shield's message, Champ vs. Champ, Tug of War sponsored by Dominos|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70288.shtml|access-date=May 22, 2013|archive-date=May 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531152333/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70288.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE Smackdown Report 5/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Dean Ambrose|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70373.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 27, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200953/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70373.shtml|url-status=live}} After Sheamus (during his match) Brogue Kicked Henry (who was on commentary), Henry snapped and brutally whipped Sheamus with a belt.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 5/6 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Ryback vs. Kane main event, Henry whips Sheamus, how did Raw go off the air?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70423.shtml|access-date=May 22, 2013|archive-date=July 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707085821/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70423.shtml|url-status=live}} This led to a strap match on May 19 at Extreme Rules, where Sheamus emerged victorious.{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2013/05/19/lesnar-finishes-off-triple-h-at-extreme-rules/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929182914/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2013/05/19/lesnar-finishes-off-triple-h-at-extreme-rules/ |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |title=Lesnar finishes off Triple H at Extreme Rules |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=May 19, 2013 |access-date=May 26, 2013}} With the loss to Sheamus, Henry declared that he was "going home".{{cite web|title=Extreme Rules News: Lesnar beats Hunter in the cage, Shield captures titles, Orton wins in his hometown, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_70719.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612060258/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_70719.shtml|url-status=live}}

After being absent from television due to injuries,{{cite web|title=WWE News: Mark Henry says that he is not retiring, when will he return to WWE TV?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71177.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615010048/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71177.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry used social media to tease his retirement.{{cite web|title=WWE News: Henry not doing retirement teaser on Raw?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71336.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621201257/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71336.shtml|url-status=live}} On the June 17 episode of Raw, Henry returned, interrupting WWE Champion John Cena and delivering an emotional retirement speech, which was revealed as a ruse when Henry gave Cena a World's Strongest Slam after concluding his speech.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/17 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Henry delivers fake retirement speech for the ages, Punk vs. Del Rio, Lesnar is back|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71353.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621232025/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71353.shtml|url-status=live}} The segment was highly praised by fans and critics.{{cite web|last=Ocal|first=Arda|title=Mark Henry's swerve highlights spectacular WWE Raw|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2013/06/18/mark-henrys-swerve-highlights-spectacular-wwe-raw/|work=Baltimore Sun|date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629013221/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-06-18/sports/bal-mark-henry-swerve-highlights-spectacular-wwe-raw-20130618_1_cm-punk-dolph-ziggler-team-rhodes-scholars|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Tucker|first=Benjamin|title=Tucker on Raw 6/17: DVR Guide & Instant Reaction – "For the second night in a row, WWE hit a home run"|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_71362.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=August 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818144705/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_71362.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Raw Reax #1: "The Mark Henry angle was absolutely incredible," but are the McMahons in the way of the show?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Feedback_17/article_71363.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622070313/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Feedback_17/article_71363.shtml|url-status=live}} With Henry stating his intent to challenge for the "only title he's never held", he was granted a WWE Championship match against Cena at Money in the Bank. On July 14 at the pay-per-view, Henry failed in his title challenge against Cena after submitting to the STF.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV Results 7/14 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Henry, MITB All-Stars|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71944.shtml|access-date=July 15, 2013|archive-date=November 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106070404/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71944.shtml|url-status=live}} The following night on Raw, Henry cut a promo to congratulate Cena on his win and asked for a rematch for SummerSlam, but was ultimately attacked by The Shield, turning face in the process for the first time since 2011.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/15 (Hour 1): Immediate MITB fall-out, Ziggler vs. Del Rio re-match, Orton vs. Fandango|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71982.shtml|access-date=July 19, 2013|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728130333/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71982.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry continued his face turn the following week, by confronting The Shield and teaming together with The Usos to fend them off.{{cite web |title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/22 (Hour 2): Mark Henry battles The Shield, Miz TV, Ziggler, Rhodes, more |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72160.shtml |access-date=July 23, 2013 |archive-date=July 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726181717/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72160.shtml |url-status=live }} Henry and the Usos went on to lose to The Shield in two six-man tag team matches, the first on the July 29 episode of Raw, and the second on the August 7 episode of Main Event.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 7/29 (Hour 1): McMahon talks Spontaneous Combustion with D-Bryan, Mark Henry vs. The Shield, RVD vs. Fandango, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72344.shtml|access-date=August 18, 2013|archive-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011130611/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72344.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Cupach's WWE Main Event Results 8/7: Shield vs. Team Henry in big six-man tag, The Miz a Paul Heyman Guy?, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_72557.shtml|access-date=August 18, 2013|archive-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011130652/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_72557.shtml|url-status=live}} On the August 12 episode of Raw, Henry competed in a Battle Royal to determine the number one contender for the United States Championship, but was the last man eliminated by Rob Van Dam. After the match, Henry and Van Dam were confronted by The Shield, before the returning Big Show came to their aid.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 8/12 (Hour 3): Miz TV with Cena & Bryan final Summerslam sales pitch, #1 contender Battle Royal, Punk vs. Heyman show-closer|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72655.shtml|access-date=August 18, 2013|archive-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817184459/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72655.shtml|url-status=live}} Four days later on SmackDown, Henry, Show, and Van Dam defeated The Shield in a six-man tag team match.{{cite web|title=Parks's WWE Smackdown Report 8/16: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Van Dam & Henry & Big Show vs. The Shield|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72746.shtml|access-date=August 18, 2013|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116093445/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72746.shtml|url-status=live}} After a suspected hamstring injury on August 31 at the TD Garden in Boston Massachusetts, Henry was cleared to compete.{{cite web|url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/277789-report-update-on-mark-henry-injury-how-a-when-it-occurred|title=Report: Update On Mark Henry Injury, How & When It Occurred|date=September 5, 2013|website=Wrestlezone|access-date=May 27, 2019|archive-date=May 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190527120042/https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/277789-report-update-on-mark-henry-injury-how-a-when-it-occurred|url-status=live}} Henry, however, took time off and during his time off, he dropped down to {{cvt|405|lb}} and shaved his head bald.

Henry returned to in-ring action on November 24, 2013, at Survivor Series, answering Ryback's open challenge and defeating him.{{cite web|title=WWE S. Series PPV Results 11/24 (Hour 2): Cena vs. Del Rio World Title match, Mark Henry returns, Divas Survivor Series match, Laurinaitis, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74737.shtml|access-date=April 19, 2014|archive-date=November 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128175955/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74737.shtml|url-status=live}} On the January 6, 2014 episode of Raw, Henry tried to confront Brock Lesnar during separate encounters after Lesnar's return, resulting in Henry receiving an F-5 the first time and then Lesnar injured Henry's arm after getting it in a kimura lock hold, causing Henry to wail in pain and be absent.{{cite web|url=https://www.themix.net/category/wrestlenewz/|title=Wrestle Newz|website=TheMix.net|access-date=May 27, 2019}} He returned on February 10 episode of Raw, and answered Dean Ambrose's open challenge for the United States Championship, but was unable to win the title due to interference by the rest of The Shield. In March, Henry suffered another attack from Lesnar, this time resulting in Henry receiving an F-5 through the announcing table.

On the August 4 episode of Raw, Henry defeated Damien Sandow after a few months absence.{{cite web|last=Nemer|first=Paul|title=WWE Raw Results – 8/4/14 (More hype for SummerSlam)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/49976-wwe-raw-results-8-4-14-live-results-from-austin/|work=Wrestleview|date=August 5, 2014|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920014025/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/49976-wwe-raw-results-8-4-14-live-results-from-austin/|url-status=live}} That same week on SmackDown, Henry formed a tag team with Big Show to defeat RybAxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel).{{cite web|last=Nemer|first=Paul|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 8/8/14 (Orton vs. Ambrose)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/50067-wwe-smackdown-results-8-8-14-orton-vs-ambrose/|work=Wrestleview|date=August 9, 2014|access-date=August 8, 2016|archive-date=September 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920015050/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/50067-wwe-smackdown-results-8-8-14-orton-vs-ambrose/|url-status=live}} On the August 18 episode of Raw, Henry entered a feud with Rusev by attacking him.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 8/18/14 (Fallout from SummerSlam)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/50264-wwe-raw-results-8-18-14-live-results-from-las-vegas|work=Wrestleview|date=August 19, 2014|access-date=September 3, 2014|archive-date=September 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916161219/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/50264-wwe-raw-results-8-18-14-live-results-from-las-vegas/|url-status=live}} This set up a match between Henry and Rusev at Night of Champions, which he lost by submission.{{cite web|title=Caldwell's WWE NoC PPV Report 9/21|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|author=Caldwell, James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 21, 2014|date=September 21, 2014|archive-date=July 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728124248/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_80844.shtml|url-status=live}} The following night on Raw, he lost to Rusev again by knockout via submission.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results - 9/22/14 (John Cena vs. Randy Orton)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/50864-wwe-raw-results-9-22-14-live-results-from-memphis|work=Wrestleview|date=September 23, 2014|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215527/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/50864-wwe-raw-results-9-22-14-live-results-from-memphis|url-status=live}} On the October 27 episode of Raw, Henry attacked Big Show during their tag team match against Gold and Stardust, and turning heel in the process.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 10/27/14 (John Cena vs. Seth Rollins)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51368-wwe-raw-results-10-27-14-live-results-from-san-antonio|website=wrestleview.com|date=October 28, 2014|access-date=October 28, 2014|archive-date=October 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018025200/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51368-wwe-raw-results-10-27-14-live-results-from-san-antonio|url-status=live}} On the November 3 episode of Raw, Henry lost to Big Show via disqualification and slammed Big Show onto the steel steps.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results - 11/3/14 (Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51473-wwe-raw-results-11-3-14-live-results-from-buffalo|work=Wrestleview|date=November 4, 2014|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-date=November 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114092124/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51473-wwe-raw-results-11-3-14-live-results-from-buffalo|url-status=live}} On the November 10 Raw, he joined The Authority's team to face John Cena's team at Survivor Series.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results - 11/10/14 (John Cena vs. Ryback)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51593-wwe-raw-results-11-10-14-coverage-from-liverpool|website=wrestleview.com|date=November 11, 2014|access-date=11 November 2014|archive-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717011453/http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/51593-wwe-raw-results-11-10-14-coverage-from-liverpool/|url-status=live}} On November 23 at Survivor Series, Henry was the first to be eliminated from Team Authority 50 seconds into the match after being knocked out by Big Show.{{cite web|last1=Murphy|first1=Ryan|title=Team Cena def. Team Authority|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2014/team-cena-team-authority-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match-26758255|website=wwe.com|publisher=WWE|access-date=November 23, 2014|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905215130/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2014/team-cena-team-authority-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match-26758255|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_81932.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE S. Series PPV results 11/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Team Cena vs. Team Authority, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=November 23, 2014|access-date=November 23, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=November 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126142750/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_81932.shtml|url-status=live}} Henry then took another hiatus due to an unspecified injury.

Henry returned on the March 12, 2015 episode of SmackDown, confronting Roman Reigns for having a lack of identity and for not being respected, resulting in Reigns attacking Henry. The attack caused Henry to become a believer in Reigns, and turning face in the process.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41310|title=3/12 WWE Smackdown on SyFy Live Review|website=prowrestling.net|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|access-date=13 March 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402123846/http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41310|url-status=live}} Henry was unsuccessful in the Elimination Chamber match for the vacant Intercontinental Championship at Elimination Chamber, replacing Rusev who was injured, but was eliminated by Sheamus{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE E. Chamber PPV Report 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more|author=Caldwell, James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 31, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114514/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml|url-status=live}} At Royal Rumble pre-show on January 24, 2016, Henry teamed with Jack Swagger to win a Fatal 4-Way tag team match to earn their spots in the Royal Rumble match.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=1/24 WWE Royal Rumble PPV Results – Caldwell's Complete Live PPV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/24/caldwell2016rumblereport/|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=24 January 2016|archive-date=July 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731131808/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/24/caldwell2016rumblereport/|url-status=live}} Despite this victory, Henry entered the Rumble match at #22 and lasted only 47 seconds when he was quickly eliminated by The Wyatt Family. At WrestleMania 32, Henry entered his third André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, where he made it to the final six competitors until being eliminated by Kane and Darren Young.{{cite web|last1=Passero|first1=Mitch|title=Baron Corbin won the 3rd annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/andre-giant-memorial-battle-royal-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 3, 2016|archive-date=August 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805182647/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/andre-giant-memorial-battle-royal-results|url-status=live}}

On July 19, at the 2016 WWE draft, Henry was drafted to Raw.{{cite web|title=2016 WWE Draft results: WWE officially ushers in New Era|url=http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-date=July 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720044640/http://www.wwe.com/2016-wwe-draft-results|url-status=live}} On the August 1 episode of Raw, Henry claimed he still "had a lot left in him" when he spoke of reviving the Hall of Pain and his participation in the Olympics. Raw General Manager Mick Foley gave Henry a United States Championship match, but Henry would lose by submission to Rusev.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=8/1 WWE Raw Results – Caldwell's Complete Live TV Report|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/01/aug1rawresultsfinal/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=July 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713113509/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/01/aug1rawresultsfinal/|url-status=live}} In October, Henry allied himself with R-Truth and Goldust in a feud against Titus O'Neil and The Shining Stars (Primo and Epico), in which Henry's team came out victorious.{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-10-24 |title=Mark Henry aligns with Golden Truth |date=27 October 2016 |website=WWE.com |access-date=27 October 2016 |archive-date=October 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027201509/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2016-10-24 |url-status=live }} Henry returned at the Royal Rumble on January 29, 2017, as entrant number 6, only to be eliminated by Braun Strowman.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=1/29 Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns in a No DQ match for the WWE Universal Championship with Chris Jericho in a shark cage|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/01/29/129-powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2017-live-review-aj-styles-vs-john-cena-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-no-dq-match-wwe-universal-championship-chris-jeri/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=January 29, 2017|archive-date=February 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204054955/http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/01/29/129-powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2017-live-review-aj-styles-vs-john-cena-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-vs-roman-reigns-no-dq-match-wwe-universal-championship-chris-jeri/|url-status=live}} He unsuccessfully competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WrestleMania 33 Kickoff Show live review: Neville vs. Austin Aries for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-kickoff-show-live-review-neville-vs-austin-aries-wwe-cruiserweight-championship-andre-giant-memorial-battle-royal/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330045726/https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/04/02/powells-wrestlemania-33-kickoff-show-live-review-neville-vs-austin-aries-wwe-cruiserweight-championship-andre-giant-memorial-battle-royal/|url-status=live}}

Following WrestleMania 33, Henry retired and transitioned into a backstage producers role. He later made his return in a backstage cameo at the Raw 25 Years event in January 2018.{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Brian|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-25-results-recap-new-champion-austin-stuns-mcmahon-taker-too-sweet/|title=WWE Raw results, recap: New champion, Austin stuns McMahon, Taker, 'Too Sweet'|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=June 20, 2018|work=CBS Sports|archive-date=January 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124195540/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-25-results-recap-new-champion-austin-stuns-mcmahon-taker-too-sweet/|url-status=live}} On March 19, 2018, it was announced that Henry would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by Big Show, who was one of his closest friends in WWE. On April 27, at the Greatest Royal Rumble, Henry participated in the event's Royal Rumble match, scoring 3 eliminations, but was himself eliminated by Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/cruiserweight-title-match-greatest-royal-rumble-match-names-added?sf187734056=1|title=Rey Mysterio's return & major title match announced for Greatest Royal Rumble|work=WWE|access-date=2018-04-25|language=en|archive-date=April 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183235/http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/cruiserweight-title-match-greatest-royal-rumble-match-names-added?sf187734056=1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwmania.com/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-results-april-27-2018|title=WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Results - April 27, 2018|last=Andrew Ravens|work=PWMania - Wrestling News - WWE News, Elimination Chamber, Spoilers, Results, Rumors, AEW |date=April 27, 2018|access-date=April 28, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428181438/http://www.pwmania.com/wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-results-april-27-2018|url-status=live}} In early 2019, Henry took on a backstage mentoring role helping talent work on their off-air attitude, including cleanliness and respect in the locker room.{{Citation|last=notsam|title=Mark Henry - Notsam Wrestling 224 w/State of Wrestling|date=2019-02-07|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_-jndqiths| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211031/5_-jndqiths| archive-date=2021-10-31 | url-status=live|access-date=2019-02-15}}{{cbignore}}

Henry appeared on the January 4, 2021 episode of Raw, on its Raw Legends Night special, where in he appeared riding on a scooter due to an injured leg. He was verbally confronted by Randy Orton in what was his final appearance in WWE.

Henry made his debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on May 30, 2021, at Double or Nothing where it was announced that he will be a part of the commentary team for its new show AEW Rampage, as well as a coach.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of Kenny Omega vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Pac for the AEW Championship, Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker for the AEW Women's Title, Miro vs. Lance Archer for the TNT Title, The Young Bucks vs. Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston for the AEW Tag Titles, The Pinnacle vs. The Inner Circle in a Stadium Stampede match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/30/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-orange-cassidy-vs-pac-for-the-aew-championship-hikaru-shida-vs-britt-baker-for-the-aew-womens-title-miro-vs-lance-archer/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 30, 2021|access-date=May 30, 2021|archive-date=May 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530233917/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/05/30/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-orange-cassidy-vs-pac-for-the-aew-championship-hikaru-shida-vs-britt-baker-for-the-aew-womens-title-miro-vs-lance-archer/|url-status=live}} On May 27, 2024, Henry announced that he would not be renewing his contract with AEW and would be leaving the company upon its expiration the following day on May 28, 2024.{{Cite web |website=411MANIA |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/mark-henry-addresses-status-aew-contract-expires/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |title=Mark Henry Addresses His Status in AEW, Says His Contract Expires Tomorrow |language=en-US}}

On March 22, 2025, it was reported Henry had re-signed with WWE under a Legends deal.

Henry has an older brother named Pat. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Jana, son Jacob,{{cite journal|first=Ray|last=Kelly|title=WWE wages war in Springfield|journal=The Republican (Springfield)|page=H01|date=July 13, 2008}} and daughter Joanna. He also has a two-foot ferret named Pipe.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/after-seemingly-retiring-mark-henry-surprises-john-cena-with-a-worlds-strongest|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620184704/http://www.wwe.com/videos/after-seemingly-retiring-mark-henry-surprises-john-cena-with-a-worlds-strongest-26124344|url-status=live|title=After seemingly retiring, Mark Henry surprises John Cena with a World's Strongest Slam: Raw, June 17, 2013|archivedate=June 20, 2013|via=www.wwe.com}} He drives a Hummer that he won in the 2002 Arnold Strongman Classic.{{cite news|url=http://www.statesman.com/search/content/sports/stories/other/07/14/0714henry.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911031424/http://www.statesman.com/search/content/sports/stories/other/07/14/0714henry.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 11, 2012|title=Pro wrestler Mark Henry (with his wife, Jana Perry-Henry, and their son Jacob, 21 years)|access-date=June 22, 2009|date=July 14, 2007|work=Austin American-Statesman}} On September 10, 2012, Henry served as one of the pallbearers for actor Michael Clarke Duncan's funeral.{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/michael-clarke-duncan-life-celebrated-images-song-speeches-article-1.1156400|title=Michael Clarke Duncan funeral: Tom Hanks, Jay Leno among stars celebrating actor's life in teary memorial service|author=Associated Press|work=New York Daily News|publisher=Tronc, Inc.|location=New York City|date=September 11, 2012|access-date=January 15, 2018|archive-date=January 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116135536/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/michael-clarke-duncan-life-celebrated-images-song-speeches-article-1.1156400|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, Henry pledged to donate his brain to CTE research once he dies.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/03/07/mark-henry-wwe-donating-brain-cte-research|title=Mark Henry Vows to Donate His Brain for CTE Research|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Khadrice|last=Rollins|date=March 9, 2019|access-date=March 25, 2019|archive-date=March 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325125404/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/03/07/mark-henry-wwe-donating-brain-cte-research|url-status=live}}

Henry appears in the following licensed wrestling video games:

• Championships Participation – High School Level
• Two times 1st place in Texas State High School Powerlifting TEAM Championships (in Division I under Silsbee High School){{Cite web |url=http://www.thspa.us/Documents/Team%20Champions.xls |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 22, 2014 |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202182246/http://www.thspa.us/Documents/Team%20Champions.xls |url-status=live }}
• 1st place in Texas State High School Powerlifting Championships 1988 in SHW division{{Cite web |url=http://www.thspa.us/Documents/MultiYear%20Champions.xls |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 22, 2014 |archive-date=February 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202175649/http://www.thspa.us/Documents/MultiYear%20Champions.xls |url-status=live }}
• 1st place in Texas State High School Powerlifting Championships 1989 in SHW division
• 1st place in Texas State High School Powerlifting Championships 1990 in SHW division
• 1st place in National High School Powerlifting Championships 1990 in SHW division at age 18
• results: Powerlifting Total – {{cvt|2033|lb}} ({{cvt|832 + 501 + 700|lb}}+
• Championships Participation – Junior&Senior Level
• 1st place in International Junior (20–23) Powerlifting Championships 1991 in SHW division at age 20
• 2nd place in Men's USPF Senior National Championships 1990 in SHW division at age 19
• results: Powerlifting Total – {{cvt|2006.2|lb}} ({{cvt|365.0 + 212.5 + 332.5|lb}}
• 1st place in ADFPA (USAPL) National Powerlifting Championships 1995 in SHW division at age 24
• results: Powerlifting Total – {{cvt|2314.8|lb}} ({{cvt|948.0 + 462.9 + 903.9|lb}} raw with wraps
• 1st place in WDFPF World Powerlifting Championships 1995 in SHW division at age 24
• results: Powerlifting Total – {{cvt|2336.9|lb}} ({{cvt|953.5 + 518.1 + 865.3|lb}} raw with wraps
• 1st place in USAPL National Powerlifting Championships 1997 in SHW division at age 26
• results: Powerlifting Total – {{cvt|2248.7|lb}} ({{cvt|903.9 + 496.0 + 848.8|lb}} raw with wraps
• Records*

{{update|date=September 2024}}

• Teen III (18–19 years) Level
• Teen-age World Records in the squat at {{cvt|832|lb}} and total at {{cvt|2033|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) set in April 1990 at The National High School Powerlifting Championships at age 18
• Teen-age US American Records in the squat at {{cvt|832|lb}}, bench press {{cvt|501|lb}}, dead lift {{cvt|700|lb}} and total at {{cvt|2033|lb}} set in April 1990 at The National High School Powerlifting Championships at age 18
• Texas state and US American Teen-age record holder in all four powerlifting categories – the squat at {{cvt|832|lb}}, bench press at {{cvt|525|lb}} and deadlift at {{cvt|815|lb}} as well as the total at {{cvt|2033|lb}} at age 19.
• Current Texas state and US American Teen-age record holder in the squat at {{cvt|936.75|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) since 1991{{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=a427c34a-064c-457d-a436-38b7475add59|title=Texas State Records (Teen III (18–19) Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=October 7, 2012|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606133115/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=a427c34a-064c-457d-a436-38b7475add59|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=6515dd3c-0269-4dd7-ba97-022dfa8dbaa2|title=Men's American Records (Teen III (18–19) Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=October 7, 2012|archive-date=December 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228092407/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=6515dd3c-0269-4dd7-ba97-022dfa8dbaa2|url-status=live}}
• Collegiate Level
• Current Texas State Collegiate Record holder in the squat at {{cvt|936.75|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) since 1991{{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=b3216a0f-d404-4aaf-a63c-904006da32e9|title=Texas State Records (Collegiate Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-date=December 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228213443/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=b3216a0f-d404-4aaf-a63c-904006da32e9|url-status=live}} (best in America as well but not registered as such){{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=60496d8b-f034-43bc-991d-1dbb4a7e76f2|title=Men's American Records (Collegiate Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=October 7, 2012|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606133637/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=60496d8b-f034-43bc-991d-1dbb4a7e76f2|url-status=live}}
• Junior Level (20–23 years)
• Current Texas State Junior Record holder in the deadlift at {{cvt|850|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) since 1995{{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=e7594145-354a-4976-a3d1-941d367ac08d|title=Texas State Records (Junior (20–23) Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128114418/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=e7594145-354a-4976-a3d1-941d367ac08d|url-status=live}} (best in America as well but not registered as such){{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=7b5f044c-de8e-48d1-a5b0-42f4082ded8c|title=Men's American Records (Junior (20–23) Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=October 7, 2012|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606123131/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=7b5f044c-de8e-48d1-a5b0-42f4082ded8c|url-status=live}}
• Senior Level (24+ years)
• Current Texas State Record holder in the squat at {{cvt|954|lb}}, the deadlift at {{cvt|950|lb}} and the total at {{cvt|2337|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) since 1995{{cite web|url=http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=d318abf7-c38c-4487-8590-9e8dc5015cda|title=Texas State Records (Open Men Powerlifting)|publisher=goheavy.net|access-date=September 28, 2012|archive-date=December 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228223211/http://www.goheavy.net/records/viewrecordset.aspx?recordsetguid=d318abf7-c38c-4487-8590-9e8dc5015cda|url-status=live}}
• Former All-time raw (unequipped) squat World Record holder at {{cvt|948|lb}} (drug-tested as well as non drug-tested) in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) from July 16, 1995, to October 29, 1995
• Former All-time raw (unequipped) squat World Record holder at {{cvt|953.5|lb}} (drug-tested as well as non drug-tested) in SHW class from October 29, 1995, to June 7, 2010** (+regardless of weight class until November 4, 2007***)
• Former All-time raw (unequipped) deadlift World Record holder at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} (drug-tested as well as non drug-tested) in SHW class from July 16, 1995, to May 23, 2010****{{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/15495|title=Bolton Still Reigns Supreme; Sets All Time Raw Deadlift Record|date=March 24, 2010|access-date=October 9, 2012|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603104935/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/15495|url-status=live}} (+regardless of weight class until July 4, 2009*****){{cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/11830|title=Konstantin Konstantinovs Pulls 939 lb Raw|date=July 4, 2009|access-date=October 9, 2012|publisher=powerliftingwatch.com|archive-date=July 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701030121/https://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/11830|url-status=live}}
• Current All-time drug-tested raw (unequipped) squat World Record holder at {{cvt|953.5|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) since October 29, 1995
• Current All-time drug-tested raw (unequipped) deadlift World Record holder at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} in SHW class only since July 16, 1995
• Current All-time drug-tested raw (unequipped) Powerlifting Total World Record holder at {{cvt|2336.9|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) since October 29, 1995
• Current All-time American Record holder in the raw deadlift at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} (drug-tested as well as non drug-tested) in SHW class (+regardless of weight class) since July 16, 1995{{cite web|url=http://www.usaplnationals.com/2007mensNationals/usapl-top-25-powerlifters.shtml|title=The USA Powerlifting Silver Anniversary Top 25 All-Mens Nationals Team|work=USA Powerlifting|publisher=usaplnationals.com|access-date=September 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516035559/http://www.usaplnationals.com/2007mensNationals/usapl-top-25-powerlifters.shtml|archive-date=May 16, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.usaplnationals.com/2008mensNationals/powerlifting-nationals7.shtml|title=A look back: Some of the greatest moments of the USA Powerlifting Mens Nationals!|work=USA Powerlifting|publisher=usaplnationals.com|access-date=September 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218145741/http://www.usaplnationals.com/2008mensNationals/powerlifting-nationals7.shtml|archive-date=December 18, 2013|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Current American Record holder in the deadlift at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} (drug-tested as well as non drug-tested) in SHW class (+regardless of weight class and equipment) since July 16, 1995
• Current All-time US National Championship Record holder in the deadlift at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} (drug-tested as well as non drug-tested) in SHW class (+regardless of weight class and equipment) since July 16, 1995
• Federation Records
• World Drug-Free Powerlifting Federation (WDFPF) World Records
• Current WDFPF World Record holder in the squat at {{cvt|953.5|lb}}, the deadlift at {{cvt|865.3|lb}} and the total at {{cvt|2336.9|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class and equipment) since October 29, 1995 (categorized as "open equipped", despite performed in singlet&knee sleeves only/without suit)
• U.S.A. Powerlifting (USAPL) US American Records
• Current USAPL US American Record holder in the deadlift at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class and equipment) since July 16, 1995
• Current US National Championship Record holder in the deadlift at {{cvt|903.9|lb}} in SHW class (+regardless of weight class and equipment) since July 16, 1995
• Special Powerlifting Honors
• "The World's Strongest Teen-ager" by the Los Angeles Times in April 1990.
• Mark Henry was voted in the All-time Top 25 All-Mens US Powerlifting Nationals Team in 2007.
• Mark Henry's {{cvt|948|lb}} raw squat and {{cvt|903.9|lb}} deadlift, done on July 16, 1995, is the joint-seventeenth highest raw "squat-pull-2-lift-total" (squat+deadlift={{cvt|1851.9|lb}}) ever lifted in a competition.{{Cite web|url=http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/files/Records-08-26-12.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603124709/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/files/Records-08-26-12.pdf|url-status=dead|title=All Time Historical Men and Women's Powerlifting World Records|archivedate=June 3, 2013}}
• Mark also holds the fourth heaviest drug-tested raw (unequipped) Powerlifting Total in history at {{cvt|2336.9|lb}},

• Olympic Games
• Olympic Games team member representing USA at the Olympics 1992 in Barcelona, Spain, finishing 10th place in SHW division at age 21
• Team Captain of the Olympic Weightlifting team representing USA at the Olympics 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia, finishing 14th in SHW division due to back injury at age 25
• Pan American Games
• Silver Medalist in the Olympic weightlifting Total in SHW (+108) division at the Pan American Games 1995 in Mar del Plata, Argentina at age 23
• result: total – 804 pounds
• Gold Medalist in the Snatch in SHW (+108) division at the Pan American Games 1995 in Mar del Plata, Argentina at age 23
• result: snatch – 391 1/4 pounds, setting an American record
• Bronze Medalist in Clean and jerk in SHW (+108) division at the Pan American Games 1995 in Mar del Plata, Argentina at age 23
• result: clean and jerk – snatch 412 3/4 pounds
• North America, Central America, Caribbean Islands (NACAC) Championships
• 1st place in North America, Central America, Caribbean Islands Championships 1996 in SHW (+108 kg) division
• U.S. National Weightlifting Championships
• 1st place in U.S. National Junior Weightlifting Championships 1991 in SHW (+110 kg) division at age 19
• results: total: 326.0 kg – snatch: 156.0 kg / clean&jerk: 170.0 kg
• 4th place in U.S. Senior National Weightlifting Championships 1991 in SHW (+110 kg) division at age 19{{Cite web|url=http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/91SrNats.htm|title=1991 USWF Senior Nationals (results)|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=LiftTilyaDie.Com|archive-date=September 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923055357/http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/91SrNats.htm|url-status=dead}}
• results: total: 325.0 kg – snatch: 150.0 kg / clean&jerk: 175.0 kg
• 3rd place in U.S. Senior National Weightlifting Championships 1992 in SHW (+110 kg) division at age 20{{Cite web|url=http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/92SrNats.htm|title=1992 Senior Nationals (results)|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=LiftTilyaDie.Com|archive-date=July 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730112426/http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/92SrNats.htm|url-status=dead}}
• results: total: 365.0 kg – snatch: 165.0 kg / clean&jerk: 200.0 kg
• 1st place in U.S. Senior National Weightlifting Championships 1993 in SHW (+108 kg) division at age 21{{Cite web|url=http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/93SrNats.htm|title=1993 USWF Senior Nationalsfall (results)|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=LiftTilyaDie.Com|archive-date=September 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923055551/http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/93SrNats.htm|url-status=dead}}
• results: total: 385.0 kg – snatch: 175.0 kg / clean&jerk: 210.0 kg
• 1st place in U.S. Senior National Weightlifting Championships 1994 in SHW (+108 kg) division at age 22{{Cite web|url=http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/94SrNats.htm|title=1994 Senior Nationals (results)|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=LiftTilyaDie.Com|archive-date=September 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923143507/http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/94SrNats.htm|url-status=dead}}
• results: total: 387.5 kg – snatch: 172.5 kg / clean&jerk: 215.0 kg
• 1st place in U.S. Senior National Weightlifting Championships 1996 in SHW (+108 kg) division at age 24
• results: total: 400.0 kg – snatch: 180.0 kg / clean&jerk: 220.0 kg
• Mark Henry was voted as the #1 outstanding lifter of the championships
• U.S. Olympic Festival Championships
• 1st place in U.S. Olympic Festival Championships 1993 in SHW (+108 kg) division at age 22
• 1st place in U.S. Olympic Festival Championships 1994 in SHW (+108 kg) division at age 23
• USA Weightlifting American Open Championships
• 2nd place in the American Open Weightlifting Championships 1991 in SHW (+110 kg) division at age 20
• 1st place in the American Open Weightlifting Championships 1992 in SHW (+110 kg) division at age 21
• RECORDS
• Junior US American record holder (+110 kg) in the Snatch at 162.5 kg, Clean and jerk at 202.5 kg, and Total at 362.5 kg (1986–1992){{Cite web|url=http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/1992AMRecords.htm|title=1896 – 1992 US Records|access-date=October 1, 2012|publisher=LiftTilyaDie.Com|archive-date=September 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923055458/http://www.lifttilyadie.com/Results/1992AMRecords.htm|url-status=dead}}
• Senior US American record holder (+108 kg) in the Snatch at 180.0 kg, Clean and jerk at 220.0 kg, and Total at 400.0 kg (1993–1997)

• Arnold Classic
• Arnold Strongman Classic – Winner 2002
• First man in history to one-hand clean and push press the "unliftable" Thomas Inch dumbbell ({{cvt|172|lb}}; {{convert|2+3/8|in|cm}} diameter handle){{Cite web|url=http://www.la84foundation.org/SportsLibrary/IGH/IGH0703/IGH0703k.pdf|title=Mark Henry cleans the unliftable Inch Dumbbell with one Hand & Push Presses it at the 2002AOBS Dinner|date=July 1, 2002|work=Iron Game history|publisher=La84Foundation.org}}{{Dead link|date=February 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0lvfvxckxU|title=video: Mark Henry lifting Thomas Inch Dumbbell at the 2002 AOBS Dinner|date=January 9, 2006 |publisher=Youtube.com|access-date=November 26, 2016|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116093123/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0lvfvxckxU|url-status=live}}
• The Second Strongest Man That Ever Lived according to Flex Magazine

File:WHCmarkHenry.jpg]]

• International Sports Hall of Fame
• International Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2012){{Cite web|url=http://www.sportshof.org/hall-of-fame/|title=International Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012|access-date=February 15, 2012|publisher=International Sports Hall of Fame|archive-date=February 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218061033/http://www.sportshof.org/hall-of-fame/|url-status=live}}

File:Mark Henry HOF 2018 crop.jpg in April 2018]]

• Cauliflower Alley Club
• Iron Mike Mazurki Award (2019){{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CACReunion/status/1063439165101146113|title="The World's Strongest Man" @TheMarkHenry, to receive the 2019 Iron Mike Mazurki Award at the 54th annual @CACReunion ! Congratulations on, yet another, prestigious accomplishment Mark. The CAC Reunion takes place April 29th - May 1 at the @goldcoastcasino in #LasVegas , NV.pic.twitter.com/EWJVIRhS7t|last=CauliflowerAlleyClub|date=November 16, 2018|access-date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107093945/https://twitter.com/CACReunion/status/1063439165101146113|url-status=live}}
• George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
• Frank Gotch Award (2021){{cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/pro-wrestling-hall-of-fame-finalizes-2021-class-mark-henry-trish-stratus-more/|title=Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Finalizes 2021 Class: Mark Henry, Trish Stratus, More|last=Lee|first=Joseph|work=411Mania|access-date=March 17, 2021|date=December 31, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127101653/https://411mania.com/wrestling/pro-wrestling-hall-of-fame-finalizes-2021-class-mark-henry-trish-stratus-more/|url-status=live}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2011){{cite journal|year=2012|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|title=The PIW Awards|issue=3|pages=68–69}}
• Ranked No. 9 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2012{{cite journal|year=2012|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|volume=33|issue=7|title=The PWI Awards|issn= 1043-7576|pages=26}}
• Ranked No. 472 of the top 500 greatest wrestlers in the "PWI Years" in 2003{{Cite web|url=http://www.willywrestlefest.fr/Ressources/PWI/PWI500_PWI_Years_2003.htm|title=PWI 500 of the PWI Years|access-date=January 16, 2019|archive-date=April 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401195630/http://willywrestlefest.fr/Ressources/PWI/PWI500_PWI_Years_2003.htm|url-status=live}}
• World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE
• World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/25034572|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111225181527/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/25034572|title=Mark Henry's first reign|archive-date=2011-12-25|access-date=2011-09-18|publisher=WWE}}
• ECW Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/20080629henry|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325225448/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/history/ecwchampionship/20080629henry|title=History of the ECW Championship – Mark Henry|archive-date=March 25, 2009|access-date=July 3, 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}
• WWF European Championship (1 time)
• WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2018)
• Brisbane Cup (2006){{Cite web|url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwelive/_2006/|title=WWE Live Events - 2006|date=September 21, 2023}}
• Slammy Award (3 times)
• "Holy $#!+ Move of the Year" (2011) {{small|Big Show and Mark Henry implode the ring after Henry superplexed him at Vengeance}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-12-12/exclusive-slammy-awards-2011|title=WWE.com Exclusive Slammy Awards 2011|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=WWE|archive-date=March 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328003324/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-12-12/exclusive-slammy-awards-2011|url-status=live}}
• Feat of Strength of the Year (2013) {{small|Pulling two trucks with his bare hands}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-12-09/full-slammy-award-winners-2013|title=2013 Slammy Award winners|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=WWE|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116034149/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-12-09/full-slammy-award-winners-2013|url-status=live}}
• Match of the Year (2014) – {{small|Team Cena vs. Team Authority at Survivor Series}}{{cite web|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-12-08/2014-slammy-award-winners|title=2014 Slammy Award winners|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=April 28, 2018|publisher=WWE|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305202909/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-12-08/2014-slammy-award-winners|url-status=live}}

• List of strongmen
• List of powerlifters

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{WWE superstar|markhenry|Mark Henry}}
• {{IMDb name}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
• {{Olympedia|56984}}
• {{Olympics.com|mark-j-henry|Mark J. Henry|oc_archive=20201204024351}}
• [http://www.criticalbench.com/Mark-Henry.htm Mark Henry – The Strongest Man That Ever Lived (article by Ben Tatar)]
• [http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/mark-henry-strongman-achievements Mark Henry's impressive achievements over the ropes by Katie Raymonds on WWE.com]
• [http://www.sportshof.org/hall-of-fame/mark-henry/ International Sports Hall of Fame: Mark Henry featured in pictures and Acceptance Speech video clips]
• [http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/ Powerliftingwatch of all-time powerlifting records, including Mark Henry's] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124000934/http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/records/ |date=January 24, 2021 }}
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o2STNF7a88 Video: Mark Henry at the Arnold Strongman Classic 2002 (introduction+Apollon's Wheel+Inch dumbbell)]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0lvfvxckxU Video: Mark Henry lifting the "unliftable" Thomas Inch Dumbbell as the first man in history]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMPMRKOkmjE Video: Mark Henry wins the 1995 USAPL (ADFPA) National Powerlifting Championships and deadlifts 903 lb]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Henry, Mark}}

Category:1971 births

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