Last week’s episode of “WWE SmackDown” had wrestling fans’ appetites as AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes paid tribute to memorable moments from the past, sparking conversations throughout the WWE Universe. Reminiscent of Mark Henry’s iconic faked retirement and subsequent attack on John Cena in 2013, it drew immediate attention from fans and industry insiders
Mark Henry’s fake retirement, followed by an assault on John Cena’s credits showcased the creativity and storytelling skills of AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes in 2010. Time to pay tribute to this incredible moment in WWE in the past not only entertained fans but told their stories with depth and passion.
The segment sparked discussion and debate among wrestling fans, with many remembering the impact Mark Henry’s fake-out had on the WWE’s structure and its lasting legacy through this memorable moment of Styles and Rhodes creating the WWE Universe of the collective nostalgia, over which listeners remembered and their significantly increased interaction
For industry insiders, the tribute served as a reminder of the importance of storytelling and continuity in professional wrestling. By using the past and integrating it into current events, WWE continues to engage fans and invest in the product.
Overall, the tribute to Mark Henry’s fake retirement on “WWE SmackDown” was a fitting tribute to a memorable moment in WWE history. The execution of Styles and Rhodes paid homage to the past, while also adding a new twist to their story, further cementing their status as the best in the business
In a candid conversation on “Busted Open Radio,” Mark Henry and Bully Ray shared their candid thoughts on the tribute and shed light on its creation
Highlighting the attention to detail in the segment, Henry lauded the choice of attire, including Styles’ powdered blue jacket, reminiscent of his own pastel-colored ensemble. “What a great night!” Henry exclaimed, applauding the authenticity and homage paid to his iconic moment.
In contrast, Bully Ray offered a nuanced approach that, while the credits were commendable, failed to surpass the original. Drawing parallels between the two sides, Bully Ray emphasized the importance of innovation and exceeding expectations as he revisited iconic moments in wrestling history
While addressing Styles’ predictable turn, Bully Ray noted a subtle difference in the phenomenon compared to Henry’s unexpected heel turn in 2013. Despite the praise tribute, Bully Ray demonstrated a desire to tell stories that keep fans on their lips, and avoid predictable plot twists.
Eventually, both Henry and Bully Ray recognized the role of the segment in stimulating conversation and recruiting boxers. Seeing it as a deliberate attempt to spark conversation rather than entice fans, WWE was praised for using nostalgia to engage audiences and invest in an ongoing storyline
As the wrestling world continues to evolve, homages like the one seen on “WWE SmackDown” serve as a poignant reminder of the rich history and enduring impact of iconic moments in sports entertainment.
