AEW’s Mark Henry has shared what led to his falling out with Jim Cornette following racially insensitive comments made by the industry personality.
In 2019, Cornette made a comment on NWA Powerrr that many felt made was racially insensitive and poked fun at serious issues about hunger in Africa.
While Cornette said it was a joke about starvation and not a racist comment, videos emerged showing Cornette repeatedly using racial slurs.
On a recent edition of the “Wrestling with Rip Rogers” podcast, Henry recalled Cornette refusing to apologize and how it affected him as a black man. He said,
“Jim Cornette, like you know, got pissedd at me because there were videos that surfaced of him saying the n-word, and I guess I didn’t come to his aid enough for him.
“I respect the s*** out of him. But I wasn’t gonna dumb myself down and accept s*** or say something that wasn’t true. I never said that Jim was a racist; I never said that. So you know, I felt like I got unnecessary heat. Man, I’d love to be able to talk to Jim Cornette again, but like, I’ve done all the apologizing I’mma do.”
In the interview, Henry would credit his time working with Cornette in the WWF for keeping him in wrestling. The WWE Hall of Famer joined AEW in 2021.
You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
AEW’s Mark Henry recently opened up about his falling out with Jim Cornette, a well-known industry personality, following racially insensitive comments made by Cornette. The incident occurred in 2019 when Cornette made a comment on NWA Powerrr that many people found racially insensitive and mocking serious issues about hunger in Africa.
Although Cornette claimed it was a joke about starvation and not a racist comment, videos emerged showing him repeatedly using racial slurs. In a recent episode of the “Wrestling with Rip Rogers” podcast, Henry shared his perspective on the situation, highlighting Cornette’s refusal to apologize and how it affected him as a black man.
Henry stated, “Jim Cornette, like you know, got pissed at me because there were videos that surfaced of him saying the n-word, and I guess I didn’t come to his aid enough for him. I respect the s*** out of him. But I wasn’t gonna dumb myself down and accept s*** or say something that wasn’t true. I never said that Jim was a racist; I never said that. So you know, I felt like I got unnecessary heat. Man, I’d love to be able to talk to Jim Cornette again, but like, I’ve done all the apologizing I’mma do.”
Despite the falling out, Henry acknowledged the positive impact Cornette had on his wrestling career during their time working together in the WWF (now WWE). Henry, a WWE Hall of Famer, joined AEW in 2021.
The incident between Henry and Cornette sheds light on the importance of addressing racial insensitivity and the impact it can have on individuals. It also highlights the need for accountability and sincere apologies when offensive remarks are made.
In conclusion, Mark Henry’s revelation about his falling out with Jim Cornette following racially insensitive comments serves as a reminder of the significance of addressing such issues in the wrestling industry and beyond. It emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusivity and understanding, while also holding individuals accountable for their actions and words.