WWE Legend Credits Independent Promotions For Cultivating Hall Of Fame Talent
Mark Henry commended the exceptional talent nurtured by Ohio Valley Wrestling, a former developmental territory for WWE.
During an appearance on “Busted Open Radio”, Henry expressed admiration for the calibre of performers that emerged from OVW, highlighting the significant impact of its developmental program on the wrestling industry.
OVW served as WWE’s primary developmental territory from 2000 to 2008, playing a crucial role in shaping the careers of numerous wrestling luminaries. Henry, along with other renowned superstars, underwent rigorous training at OVW, where they honed their skills and solidified their status as legends in the industry.
Reflecting on the calibre of talent cultivated by OVW, Henry remarked:
You look at who was there—myself, Big Show, they brought in CM Punk, they brought in Randy Orton, they brought in Brock Lesnar, Shelton Benjamin, they brought in Mickie James, they brought in John Cena and Batista. The list goes on and on and on. Hall of Fame people.
Henry underscored the remarkable transformations witnessed in these individuals, emphasising that while some initially lacked exceptional skills, their rapid development within a short timeframe was extraordinary.
Some of these people [at first] are not good. But it’s amazing what six months will do. Look at them now.
The influence of OVW on WWE and the wrestling industry as a whole cannot be overstated. The developmental program not only provided a training ground for future Hall of Famers but also set a standard for nurturing and developing talent in professional wrestling.
Why Did WWE Hall Of Famer Mark Henry Say It “Hurts” Him To Watch Modern Wrestling?
Mark Henry said it hurts him to watch modern wrestling because current wrestlers don’t do a good enough job of selling the struggle of a wrestling match, Henry said that he finds that the matches are too smooth and that storytelling has gone by the wayside in recent years.
H/t to ITRWrestling.com