While it initially appeared that WWE sent Mark Henry on a hiatus as part of a long-term plan to repackage him as a red-hot babyface, sources say there is far more–much of it in the realm of backstage heat–to the story.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE’s creative team was very upset with Mark Henry for his decision to take time off. Henry reportedly gave WWE little notice of his intention, which meant that long-term storyline plans had to be abruptly scratched.
The angle in which Henry announced he was going home was an audible in response to Henry’s sudden request for time off.
WWE strives to be accommodating when wrestlers are working through pain, but when the injuries in question are not crippling (such as a concussion or neck issue), it ultimately hopes the talent will avoid missing dates. According to the Observer, there have even been cases of WWE asking wrestlers who needed knee surgery to remain on the road for a few weeks while creative concludes their storylines.
At press time, there were no definitive plans for Henry to undergo surgery for any of his ailments.
