There is definitely going to be Indian presence in the WWE: Mark Henry
New Delhi: India has a wealth of wrestling talent and keen to cash in on the key market, the world-famous WWE jamboree might soon make an appearance in the country says star wrestler Mark Jerrold Henry.
"I see plenty of talent in India. In fact, we have got a couple of guys from India who are currently at our training facility in Orlando. And we are hoping the best from them. There is definitely going to be Indian presence in the WWE. It's just a matter of time," Henry told PTI on his visit to India recently.
India, being one of its largest markets, WWE brought its superstars to the country for the first time in 2002 as part of a tour. As part of their continued efforts to nurture talent in the country, the World Heavyweight Champion paid a visit to his Indian fans recently to promote the wrestling show and encourage young wrestlers to make their mark in the world wrestling circuit.
"If the market demands for us to come here and the tickets are sold here then of course we have to come back and that means we won it. So, if people go out and buy tickets then we will be here more often," he said.
The man with the title of 'World’s Strongest Slam' burst on the wrestling scene at 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where he competed in weightlifting in the super-heavyweight division. Three years later, at the Pan American Games, Henry captured a gold, silver and bronze medal.
Henry's intimidating size and weightlifting prowess fetched him the attention of WWE, who signed him in 1996. From there, the new superstar joined the infamous Nation of Domination, where he established himself as a ruthless and powerful big man - traits he channelled to earn first prize in the 2002 "World's Strongest Man" competition at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic.
"I was surprised at the reception I got here. People have been really nice. I won't say I was expecting anything less. Definitely I was surprised how smooth and cool it was," said Henry.
With praises and accolades for Indian wrestling star who made his mark on the international wrestling platform "The Great Khali", the World Heavyweight champion is of the opinion that youngsters in the field should enter the wrestling entertainment industry early.
"I think 'The Great Khali' did really well. There are not many people who can be world champions. It just doesn't happen. Time waits for none. Everybody is going to get old and Khali and I are both older guys and may be if he would have been in wrestling when he was younger, he would have got a longer tenure. But his career has been great," Henry told PTI.
