Mark Henry Comments On Frustrating AEW Experience As a Creative

WWE Hall of Famer and former World Champion Mark Henry has opened up about his frustrations while working as a creative coach in AEW(the rival wrestling promotion of WWE). In a conversation with “HUGE POP”, the “World's Strongest Man” shared his opinion about the creative boundaries that are set in AEW, and how it was frustrating for him to deliver the best.

Mark Henry joined AEW back in 2021 and after almost 3 years of service, it was rumored that his contract was going to expire in May 2024. Then in the last week of May, Mark himself confirmed that his contract with AEW would be up on 28th of May and he is not willing to extend that. Recently in an interview, Henry has opened up about not getting the creative freedom that he would have liked to have, while working as a mentor and creative in AEW. On the other hand, he did understand that it was Tony Khan's company and he wanted the total control for it as any owner of a corporation would desire.

“Tightening the screws requires you to be able to break your toolkit out” Said Mark. Then, on being asked whether AEW gave him the freedom, Mark stated “No. So there was a point where I realized that I wasn't there to tighten the screws, I was there for Name recognition and visibility and that's a horrible place to feel, if you are a creative and there's people that do a good job that I like, they are thinking and their thought process. But even them, they don't get to do all the things they want to do, because it's not their Action figures being played with. So you have to do what you are told. If I own a company, you best believe you better do what I ask you to do or you won't work for me, so, I get it. Go and get your check and go home. Do whatever you’re asked to do, handle your creative and you make a suggestion, don't get the boo-boo face when you get told no.”

Clearly, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion did not have the best experience as a creative or mentor in WWE’s rival no. 1, and would have liked some more freedom. On the contrary, he does not regret his tenure in the company and understands that whoever runs the show, wants full control. Notably, a few days ago it was reported that Mark’s son Jacob Henry is joining WWE with a contract being sealed. Following that, it was officially confirmed that indeed Jacob has signed a deal with WWE, while continuing his Collegiate wrestling career.