Christmas Wish List: Mark Henry

World's strongest Santa with Tony Atlas as Rudolph

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Monday Night Raw tonight will feature the Slammy's and the coveted Superstar of the Year trophy.  There's no doubt in my mind that Mark Henry should get this honor.  Not only has he been the world heavyweight champion for the last three months (the longest reign so far this year), he's also taken out some of the biggest names in the company.

Henry's rise to dominance started off slow.  I'd pinpoint it to the draft when he was sent to SmackDown! back in April.  He turned heel that night and started to climb the ladder of success.  He ripped through competition, taking out the likes of Kane and the Big Show.  Then Henry did something I never thought I'd see.  He pinned Randy Orton and became the World heavyweight champion.

Not only did the World's Strongest Man become the champion, but he retained the title in a rematch against Orton.  And he beat the Big Show again.  Then he retained against Sheamus.  Henry would go on to defeat Daniel Bryan in a steel cage.  Six months ago if you'd have asked me who Superstar of the Year should be, I would have said CM Punk.  Maybe even the Miz, but I just think Henry's come from no where rise to the top makes him the ideal candidate for this honor.

From WWE

And Superstar of the Year isn't the only Christmas wish I have for Henry.  I'm hoping for a successful title defense against the Big Show at the upcoming TLC Pay Per View.  Then with that feud behind him, he's set to cruise into the Royal Rumble as the champ.  Typically that event features a somewhat lackluster title defense, so I'd like to see him get the nod there and then of course retain at the Elimination Chamber, setting up for his first World title defense at Wrestlemania.  Of course if Daniel Bryan is the competitor there, I'd like to see him win the belt, but at this point who knows who the champ or the challenger will be.

2011 has been a great year for Henry, he's best year yet (and he's been with the WWE 15 years).  I've been pleasantly surprised by his dominance and hope it continues into 2012.  Who do you think should be Superstar of the Year?  Answer here or on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube.

Flashback Friday: The Slammy Goes To...

March 1, 1986:  The Rock 'n Wrestling connection was still in full effect.  The WWF was enjoying some main stream media coverage thanks to its union with MTV and rocker Cyndi Lauper.

In 1985, the company released "the Wrestling Album", complete with different wrestlers singing songs.  Some of those hits would become their own theme music.

I still have my original vinyl album.  I also have it on CD, which I've transferred into my iPod, and yes I do listen to it from time to time.

The album, although cheesy, is pretty good (if you're a wrestling fan)  But there's no way any of the songs, not even my favorite "Land of a 1,000 Dances" was going to win a Grammy award.  So Vince McMahon and the powers at MTV collaborated on an awards show that was totally appropriate.

And on that night in March 25 years ago, we got the first ever Slammy Awards.  The Slammies aired on MTV.  There was no in ring wrestling like we see now when the awards are presented during Monday Night Raw.

I vaguely remember watching the show.  I may have even taped it (on VHS of course)  So if you've never seen the show, or don't remember what happened, here are the results... (thanks for reading)

1. Best Personality in Land of 1000 Dances
   • Roddy Piper (winner)
   • all wrestlers in the video were nominees
2. Gene Okerlund performed "Tutti Frutti."
   
3. Best Producer:
   
   • Mona Flambe aka Cyndi Lauper (winner)
   • Rick Derringer
   • Joel Dorn
4. Jimmy Hart performed "Eat Your Heart Out Rick Springfield."
   
5. Best Commentator
   
   • Gene Okerlund (winner)
   • Vince McMahon
   • Jesse Ventura
6. Hillbilly Jim lip-synched "Don't Go Messin' with a Country Boy."
   
7. Most Ignominious
   
   • Nikolai Volkoff (winner and only nominee)
8. Junkyard Dog lip-synched "Grab Them Cakes."
   
9. Best Single Performer
   
   • Junkyard Dog (winner)
   • Lou Albano
   • Gene Okerlund
   • Roddy Piper
   • Nikolai Volkoff
   • Jimmy Hart
   • Hillbilly Jim.