10 Precise Moments Wrestlers Wanted To Jump Ship

2. Mark Henry

Dean Ambrose Gas Mask
WWE

Status In WWE:

Mark Henry had retired from in-ring competition and was signed to a Legend's deal, allowing for mutually beneficial exclusive merch deals and first refusal on special appearances and the like. Henry was essentially an ambassador for WWE, in addition to which he mentored the younger generation in the ways of not being an uppity little f*cker. In a trivia note, he also scouted Bianca Belair.

Why And When They Wanted To Leave:

"Well, it looks like there's been enough WWE. It's time to head to AEW!"

This is what Mark Henry said to himself following a moment of introspection. According to an appearance on Busted Open Radio, he felt he was being left to wither "in the shadows," and made the decision in the spring to negotiate with AEW, to which he jumped as a broadcaster, talent scout and coach.

Henry's last onscreen WWE appearance likely incited these thoughts; the World's Strongest Man was booked to like the World's Biggest Sad Sack F*ck on the January 4 RAW, during which he was bullied by Orton in a continuation of the night's theme: "Let's advertise beloved legends for a fun night of nostalgia, and simply make them all look really old, weak and pathetic!"

 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!