WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry recently opened up about a spine-tingling moment on the September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown that gave him literal goosebumps. The electric atmosphere at Chicago’s Allstate Arena and the on-screen chemistry between some of WWE’s top stars delivered a night that had Henry on the edge of his seat, reminding fans why professional wrestling can be so captivating.
The Moment That Electrified Mark Henry
During the closing segment of SmackDown, CM Punk made a special appearance to confront Becky Lynch, reigniting a heated rivalry that spilled over from WWE Raw just days before. As Punk stood in the ring inside his hometown of Chicago, his presence alone stirred something memorable for Henry.
“I started doing like The Rock, with the goosebumps, slapping my arm,” Henry said on Busted Open After Dark. “I didn’t do that exactly, but I got excited. I got on the edge of my seat. I leaned in and I was really paying attention.” The nostalgia and raw energy in the building resonated deeply for Henry, a veteran who’s seen countless moments in wrestling history, underscoring that some moments are timeless[1].
AJ Lee’s Stunning Comeback
The goosebumps moment escalated when CM Punk introduced AJ Lee, marking her much-anticipated return to WWE. AJ Lee wasted no time hitting back at Becky Lynch, turning the tide in that dramatic encounter. The segment culminated with Lynch retreating alongside Seth Rollins, while Punk and Lee celebrated, further fueling speculation about upcoming storylines for the women’s division.
Mark Henry, who has watched AJ Lee’s career from its early days, said the return brought him joy akin to winning the lottery. “We all speculated, we all had these visions of grandeur and these thoughts that AJ Lee would come back to WWE. Well, it happened tonight. I was smiling like I won the lotto,” he shared[1].
Why This Moment Mattered
The combination of CM Punk confronting Becky Lynch and AJ Lee’s surprise return in Chicago made for a moment that was not just memorable but also significant for WWE’s storytelling. Both Punk and Lee have strong ties to Chicago, and the hometown crowd’s energy elevated the segment to something truly special.
The segment also heightened anticipation for WWE’s upcoming show Wrestlepalooza, where this storyline is expected to play a pivotal role. Sources close to WWE confirm that a tag team match featuring AJ Lee and CM Punk against Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins is in active discussion, further solidifying this direction[3].
Behind the Scenes: Backstage Buzz
According to a WWE insider familiar with the product’s creative process, the emotional reaction from Mark Henry is representative of a broader excitement among WWE talent and staff. “The locker room was buzzing after that SmackDown,” the source revealed. “When someone like Mark Henry gets excited, it reminds you how much these moments mean beyond just the fans at home. It’s validation that we’re doing something right.”
The insider also noted that WWE’s strategy to leverage homegrown heroes like CM Punk and highlight beloved returnees like AJ Lee is part of a larger plan to revive the live-event atmosphere and network subscriber enthusiasm as WWE gears toward major Pay-Per-View events in the fall[1][3].
Mark Henry’s Unique Perspective
Mark Henry’s stature in WWE lends weight to his observations. Often referred to as the “World’s Strongest Man,” Henry’s career spans decades, witnessing wrestling evolve through multiple eras. His appreciation for moments when a crowd’s reaction aligns perfectly with the story is a testament to his deep understanding of wrestling psychology.
On Busted Open After Dark, Henry cited this particular SmackDown segment as a standout because it combined nostalgia, hometown pride, and a perfect mix of established stars with returning fan favorites. This combination, he explained, created an emotional wave nobody watching could ignore[1].
What Fans Can Expect Next
The momentum created by this memorable moment is set to continue as WWE builds toward Swepalooza on September 20. Not only is the AJ Lee and CM Punk vs. Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins match heavily rumored, but newer stories involving the women’s division promise even more excitement.
Henry predicted on his podcast that WWE would add another significant women’s match to the Wrestlepalooza card, possibly involving top contenders like Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, or Charlotte Flair[3]. This expanding focus on women’s wrestling reflects WWE’s ongoing commitment to showcasing its female talent in compelling storylines that resonate with audiences.
Conclusion: Wrestling Magic in Chicago
The key takeaway from Mark Henry’s comments is that wrestling moments with passion, hometown heroes, and surprise returns still have the power to create unforgettable experiences. The goosebumps Henry felt on September 5 were a reminder of why WWE continues to captivate millions worldwide.
One thing is clear: when veterans like Mark Henry get genuinely excited, fans can believe something special is unfolding on WWE SmackDown’s blue brand — and Chicago’s Allstate Arena provided the perfect stage for it.
If quoting Mark Henry or referencing his comments, please credit “Busted Open After Dark” with a hat tip to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription and insights.