Mark Henry isn't retired, he says, just inactive.
He spoke to Sports Illustrated and made clear what his status was. Even though last summer he said he was transitioning from an active competitor to an employee, he doesn't consider himself retired.
?I am not retired,? said Henry. ?There is still a lot I can do.?
?I love the WWE, I love the company, but I have two kids and they want me home,? added Henry. ?They want me to see their recitals and sporting events, and I want to see them grow and evolve. My dad didn?t live with me when I was growing up, and he missed so much. I am not going to repeat that.?'
It seems that while Mark Henry hasn't wrestled in over a year, he would rather focus on being a parent at the moment. But while he focuses on other things outside the ring, he appreciates the support he's had over the years.
?Not everyone takes a lot of pride in being a parent, even though they should,? said Henry. ?I love being a parent. But I?d also like to say thank you to the fans for enduring my bad times, and also thank them for being there for me in my good times."
He also talks about wanting to be a mentor. When he broke into the business back in 1996, there was a lot of resentment from the older generation. His goal, now that he's in their position, wants to be a mentor to the younger generation.
"The older guys hated on us when I started, so I decided to make the business better,? said Henry. ?I wanted to help bring guys in to help take our place throughout the years, guys like Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman, Baron Corbin, and Apollo Crews. I feel a sense of accomplishment that I?ve done my part to usher in the next generation."
Mark Henry last wrestled back at WrestleMania 33, where he competed in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.