15 Awesome WWE Sagas To Binge-Watch On Netflix Over Christmas
12. Mark Henry’s Hall Of Pain
"That's what I do!".
Nobody was angrier than Mark Henry in 2011. That anger was a gift, because it fed neatly into the greatest run of the ex-'Sexual Chocolate's' entire WWE career. Henry had been signed in 1996 and the then-WWF had high hopes for him, but a quick look at his earliest bouts reveals that he wasn't anywhere close to ready for the prime time. Big Mark needed time in the oven.
It took a long time, but he was raring to go and finally live up to the billing by 2011. Henry launched full scale into a wonderful 'Hall Of Pain' run that saw him destroy everyone from Big Show to The Great Khali, win the World Heavyweight Title from Randy Orton at Night Of Champions, and run roughshod over everybody who stood in his path.
As a viewer, it was awe-inspiring to watch Mark work. He looked terrifying (that menacing scowl was unmatched), and his shouty promos set the scene for rampant violence during his matches. Between the ropes, he'd improved to the point that WWE couldn't be blamed for putting top gold on him. Everything had fallen into place, and it'd be a disservice to leave it off your Christmas watch lists.
If you're looking for some more from Mark, then take a gander at his 2013 retirement fake out with John Cena if you can find it. The salmon jacket, the tears, the talk of his family, then the World's Strongest Slam strike. Perfect execution from wrestling's prototypical late bloomer.
Top Recommendation: Henry winning the World Heavyweight Championship by beating Randy Orton at Night Of Champions 2011, or their follow up cage bout at Hell In A Cell.