WWE News: Mark Henry Books Independent Appearance, Is He Leaving WWE?

Mark Henry has been a WWE superstar for 20 years, making him the third-longest tenured member of the roster behind only Triple H and the Undertaker. But clearly, Henry, Kane, and the Big Show are the most active veterans the WWE has to offer. However, that activity has dwindled substantially over the last several years for The World’s Strongest Man.

Many fans have speculated that the end is near for Mark Henry, with recent news adding fuel to that fire. Henry was recently booked to appear at Harley Race’s WLW event, Night of Champions 2 on August 27 of this year. Because it’s extremely rare for WWE to allow its superstars to book appearances outside of the company, many were led to believe that Henry quietly walked away from the WWE, or would be soon since the event is in August.

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However, Pro Wrestling Sheet cleared the matter up, reporting that the WWE actually signed off on Mark Henry appearing. PWS confirmed that it was WWE-approved, and Harley Race actually posted the following on Facebook, stating that Henry would only be doing a meet-and-greet and not wrestling, which is likely largely a reason for the approval.

“Never once did I, or anyone from my office, say that people were getting the wrong idea. Many have asked, and I want to make it clear. The WWE is generous enough to send Mark Henry to the biggest event of my company’s year – Night Of Champions 2. He is NOT getting out of his contract with WWE, nor is he finishing up. He has been with WWE for quite a long time, and he wouldn’t have stayed there if he wasn’t capable enough. He will be attending this event only to meet the fans, and sign autographs. Not in a wrestling capacity.”

Henry will help increase the prestige of the event which will also feature Race himself, and former WWE superstar Shane “The Hurricane” Helms, with tickets becoming available soon.

Mark Henry’s recent work with WWE has produced little of significance, another sign that the former World Champion’s tenure is winding down. But this report makes it clear that he won’t be finishing up in the next two months at least. Night of Champions 2 will happen six days after SummerSlam, where it is unlikely that Henry will have anything noteworthy.

Henry has suffered several injuries dating back to 2012 that have resulted in him sitting out for extended periods. Injuries to his hamstring, arm and ribs have prevented the last few years from being the swan song that he has deserved. The 20-year vet has accomplished a lot in his career, but it’s interesting that he’s recently felt there was more to do in the business. He claimed there was still a hunger for a few more accolades in a 2015 interview with the Miami Herald.

“I definitely would like to be champion again. To be Intercontinental champion, to be WWE champion, those are the only two titles that I haven’t held. I’d like to get that done before I’m through.”

Those possibilities seem less likely by the day, even with the upcoming brand split about to introduce a second world title to the mix. In the same interview, he admitted that going out for one final match in his home state of Texas (at WrestleMania inside AT&T Stadium) would have been a fitting sendoff, but alas, he was, of course, relegated to the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal for a third straight year.

“I think a loser leaves town or retirement match is fitting. Something like that in Dallas. If I win in Dallas, then I keep going. If I don’t, it would be a good place to go out.”

[Image via WWE]