An online witch hunt for nepo babies is happening in entertainment. If a rising actor or musician has industry ties in their family, the public will be quick to point it out and say that person only got the chance because of who they are related to. Professional wrestling is unique in that it’s long been a family business. Even now, as a multi-billion-dollar industry, family legacy is celebrated.
Mark Henry was the first in his family to jump into pro wrestling, but he isn’t the last. Earlier this month, WWE unveiled its fifth class for its Next In Line (NIL) program. Among the 12 athletes were Mark’s son, Jacob Henry, and Brock Rechsteiner, the son of former world champion Scott Steiner. The program focuses exclusively on early development for collegiate athletes. By contrast, the WWE ID program specializes as a pipeline for active independent wrestlers.
Henry describes this program as a nepotism factory, though it doesn’t exclusively target athletes with industry connections. “Those are the nepo babies,” Henry told CBS Sports. “Those are the kids who have come from the world of wrestling… They have the potential to be a quality wrestler in the future. They have size, good looks, education, experience and love for pro wrestling.”
Pro wrestling is a unique storytelling medium. For performers with long careers, their characters’ stories play out over decades. A rich family lineage can stretch the story further. Cody Rhodes winning the undisputed WWE championship at WrestleMania 40 was the culmination of his family’s world championship ambitions, starting with his father, “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, in 1967. Charlotte Flair, a 14-time world champion, might eventually tie the 16 title reigns her dad, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, achieved.
Henry highlights that nepotism in wrestling should not be dismissed. “Why would you not emphasize what’s expected of you in pro wrestling?” he asked. “Those are the people who will be on their best behavior because of where they’ve come from, and not wanting to put a stain on the family name. You have people who are willing to sacrifice and do the right thing. That’s the most important part of nepotism in wrestling. The name means more than you do.”
WWE’s current roster is full of family ties. Randy Orton is a third-generation pro wrestler, Dominik Mysterio is the son of Rey Mysterio, and Bron Breakker is the son of Rick Steiner. The Bloodline faction represents the talent-rich Anoa’i family, which includes Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Roman Reigns.
However, Henry acknowledges that nepotism only gets you so far in this business. Recently, Ron Killings was released from WWE, only to be brought back after severe fan backlash. “For every one that I named [that made it], there are probably 50 that I could name that didn’t make it,” said Henry.
He recently signed a new contract with WWE, which allows them to use his likeness while enabling him to keep hosting SiriusXM’s “Busted Open Radio” and run All Caribbean Wrestling. Jacob is involved with football and amateur wrestling at the University of Oklahoma. Mark Henry expresses optimism about Jacob’s future, describing him as a committed athlete and a “student” of pro wrestling.
Henry wants to extend the same opportunities often reserved for family to others historically left out. As CEO of All Caribbean Wrestling, he aims to create jobs and representation in an underserved wrestling community, stating, “There are many people who look like me who don’t get into the room.”
Henry is a two-time Olympian and world champion, and he desires to give back to the business he loves. He emphasizes the importance of helping others and building community: “When you lose, some people will cry. In Strong Kids, we pick them up and say, ‘Now you need to get better… You leave something behind.'”
Check out the full interview with Mark Henry below.
The 29-year wrestling veteran hosts Mark Henry Strong Kids on Friday, an initiative helping bullied children through athletics.
