Mark Henry went head-to-head with John Cena, contending for the WWE Title at the Money in the Bank event in 2013. This came on the heels of an infamous fake retirement plot, with Cena emerging victorious in the end.
In a conversation on Busted Open Radio, Henry disclosed his lack of drive to bear the mantle of WWE Champion during that phase of his career.
Henry recalls a pivotal moment, saying, “I spent a full year setting the stage for this. I was constantly thinking ‘I think I’m finished.’ When my contract expired, I directly told Vince, ‘I’m not extending.’ That turned into him asking me to visit his office for a chat, and ultimately convincing me to stay and follow through. To those disheartened with the WWE for my loss to John Cena, don’t hold the grudge against them. The same way I was not interested in defeating The Undertaker at WrestleMania is identical to my lack of desire to bear the champion’s burden and the accompanying pressure. Yet, more critically, my body couldn’t withstand it. Holding the title and maintaining the center stage demands a grueling routine that includes two rounds in the ring, a promotional speech, a key in-ring match and then moving to the next city. You are part of every show, across every brand. I was physically incapable of it. My refusal wasn’t due to the company’s negligence; it was because I decided, ‘No, I won’t do it.’“