Of course, back in Henry’s day, the headlining names were more prominent than those at the top of each company these days. But, using WWE as an example, the industry leader breaking gate records consistently and establishing an unrivaled global presence, “The World’s Strongest Man” painted a clear picture of the difference between names and overall business success.

“The WWE has never, ever, ever made more money than they make now,” explained Henry. “Not with Steve Austin, not with The Undertaker, not with The Rock, Hogan, Flair. Name somebody.”

Henry has not fallen short in terms of praising his current employer by any means. In fact, he recently called AEW’s Forbidden Door one of the top five pay-per-views he’s ever seen.

Still, with WWE’s global presence never stronger, AEW ramping up for a historic event at Wembley Stadium in late August, and the industry thriving across the board, it certainly sounds like a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

“Fandom of an individual wrestler is not what we’re talking about,” Henry said. “That’s a different conversation but the business of wrestling is stronger than it’s ever been and there’s no argument.”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Busted Open” with an h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.