Real name: Mark Henry
Former sport: Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Strongman
Career: 9 seasons (1990-97, 2002)
Wrestling debut: 1996
The moniker of “World’s Strongest Man” wasn’t just a nickname, as it was 100 percent accurate. Henry set raw world records in both the squat and deadlift, was a two-time U.S. National Champion and competed at the Olympics (1992, 1996). Those accolades got him the attention of the WWF, which signed him to a landmark 10-year contract before he even wrestled his first match.
He had moderate success initially but took time off in 2002 to compete in the inaugural Arnold Strongman Competition. The event, named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, was won by Henry, and when he returned to WWE afterward, he became an even bigger star. He ended up spending 25 years with WWE and became the fourth African American world champion in promotion history.
