Throughout his illustrious career, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry has portrayed a variety of on-screen wrestling characters, each with its unique flair and personality. However, during a recent interview with his “Busted Open” co-host Denise Salcedo, Henry revealed that while he was open to most characters WWE presented, there was one nickname he adamantly rejected.
“There was really nothing I did that I didn’t want to do except when they wanted to do the ‘silverback’ thing,” Henry recounted. “I’m a Black man in America, I got little Black kids all over the world looking up to me. The last thing I need to do is call myself a f***ing primate.”
Henry’s refusal stemmed from a deep awareness of the systemic racism that has been a part of his life since childhood. His mother, in particular, had zero tolerance for racist dialect. This upbringing made the pitch for Henry to be referred to as a leader of a gorilla pack something he quickly shut down. He emphasized the importance of his role model status to young Black children and the damaging implications such a nickname could have.
Embracing ‘Sexual Chocolate’
On the flip side, Henry reflected fondly on one of his most famous characters: “Sexual Chocolate.” He called this character his favorite, saying, “‘Sexual Chocolate’ was the best. I had so much fun doing that.”
The idea for “Sexual Chocolate” was inspired by the Eddie Murphy film “Coming to America.” Initially, WWE chairman Vince McMahon was reluctant to the idea. However, it was Henry’s enthusiastic portrayal that convinced McMahon to bring the character to television.
“Vince said ‘You’re the only person I’ve ever met in my life that wants to lose,'” Henry shared with a laugh. “But I was like, the whole point of the character is he gets distracted by the ladies. He gets distracted by the moment… [Vince] would laugh his a** off.”
Turning Down the ‘Silverback’ Nickname
The ‘Silverback’ nickname suggestion was a stark contrast to the playful and humorous “Sexual Chocolate.” Henry’s decision to reject it was deeply personal and principled. Growing up with the realities of systemic racism, Henry understood the power and impact of representation. The nickname was not just inappropriate but potentially harmful, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Mark Henry’s Legacy
Henry’s career has been marked by his ability to balance entertainment with a strong sense of personal integrity. His refusal to adopt the ‘Silverback’ nickname is a testament to his commitment to positive representation for Black athletes and fans. Meanwhile, his success with “Sexual Chocolate” showcases his ability to embrace and excel in roles that are both entertaining and memorable.
Earlier this year, Henry made headlines when he confirmed that he would not be renewing his contract with AEW. His departure from AEW marks the end of another chapter in his storied career, but his influence and legacy in professional wrestling remain significant.
Final Thoughts
Mark Henry’s reflections on his career and the characters he portrayed highlight the complexities of being a Black athlete in a predominantly white industry. His ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining his principles and delivering memorable performances is a testament to his resilience and talent.
