WWE: 5 Critical Moments In the Evolution Of Mark Henry

Mark Henry's rise to the top of WWE has been nothing short of amazing. Just one year ago, he was doomed to be released, and going absolutely nowhere in WWE.

Throughout his career, Mark Henry has been criticized by the WWE Universe, but he deserves nothing but praise now.

Mark Henry has earned the gold he now holds, and has truly silenced all of his critics. The WWE should be praised as well.

A man we considered a lifetime jobber is now a champion, and they executed his transition brilliantly.

I believe there were five steps in the evolution of the Worlds Strongest Man, our World Heavyweight Champion.

Mark Henry Is Drafted to Smackdown, Turns on John Cena and Christian

The 2011 WWE Draft was an important night in the career of Mark Henry. Mark had been a heel before, but never like this.

The main event of Raw featured Mark Henry teaming with John Cena and Christian (pre-heel).

As the match progressed, Henry turned on John Cena and Christian, and turned heel in the process.

Henry was then booed out of the arena, a sound he has now become very familiar with. 

Mark Henry Takes Big Show and Kane out of Action

At the Money In The Bank Pay-Per-View, many people expected Mark Henry's dominant roll to end.

He was facing Big Show, who had established himself as a fan-favorite in WWE.

After a solid match, Henry put Big Show away and proceeded to "break his ankle" after the match.

Henry had already been on a solid run, but it was nothing compared to the run he has been on since.

Mark Henry beat a worthy opponent and began to establish himself as a threat to SmackDown.

Big Show had been teaming with Kane at the time of his injury, setting up a Henry vs. Kane feud.

I wouldn't call it a feud though because Henry took him out of action as well, only a few weeks later.

Mark Henry Is Successful in a Feud with Sheamus

If beating Big Show wasn't impressive, beating a relevant Sheamus was.

In his young career, Sheamus had already been a two-time WWE Champion, and was poised for a return to the main event.

At SummerSlamm Mark Henry proved to be a roadblock for Sheamus, as he defeated him fairly easily.

After his victory over the Celtic Warrior, Henry finally had the attention of the WWE Universe and he hasn't relinquished it since.

Mark Henry Defeats Randy Orton to Win the World Heavyweight Championship

(I couldn't find any video of the match, just highlights. Sorry for the music)

Night Of Champions 2011 was without a doubt the greatest night in the career of Mark Henry.

Not only did he win the World Heavyweight Championship, but he pinned Randy Orton cleanly.

The WWE obviously has tremendous faith in Henry, or they wouldn't have let him win cleanly against Randy Orton.

It was exciting to finally see Henry win the World Heavyweight Championship, especially after being doubted by so many people.

Let's hope he never has to return to the mid-card again, because Mark Henry has proved that he belongs in the main event.

Mark Henry Retains the Title at Hell in a Cell

Beating the top Superstar on SmackDown at a Pay-Per-View once is impressive, but beating Randy Orton twice in a row just doesn't happen anymore.

None of Mark Henry's matches are technical masterpieces, but he has improved greatly.

Mark Henry beat Randy Orton cleanly again, just adding to his impressive run. 

Beating Big Show at Vengeance?

No offense to Big Show, but it is pretty obvious that Mark Henry will defeat him at WWE Vengeance.

These days, Mark Henry doesn't beat Randy Orton, then proceed to lose to Big Show.

I also thought I should mention Mark Henry's rating in the upcoming WWE 2012 video game.

For those who aren't aware, Henry has had some of the lowest Superstar ratings in recent years, but will be rated at a Level 90 in the next game.

WWE seems pretty serious about keeping Mark Henry relevant, which is a fresh change from the same feuds we have been seeing for years.

After tonight, we will have another chapter in the career of Mark Henry.

The story just keeps getting better and better.