Mark Henry on Sexual Chocolate: 'You Had to Get People's Attention'

Fans of Mark Henry's 'Sexual Chocolate ' have actor Eddie Murphy to thank in part for inspiring the Attitude Era character.

Henry first appeared for the WWE (the World Wrestling Federation at the time) in 1996 and after competing in that year's Olympics, would be signed to a deal. Henry would later join the Nation of Domination and would remain with the group to the end.

Sexual Chocolate

In 1999, Henry introduced the 'Sexual Chocolate ' character: a ladies man who would try to woo Chyna among other women. Even close to 25 years, the character remains synonymous with Henry's career. Speaking to the Attitude Era Podcast, Henry recalled wanting to stand out at the time.

"During the Attitude Era, you had to do stuff that got people's attention, because otherwise nobody would notice you on the show. There were people that wrestled, that people don't remember them, because they didn't do nothing that was memorable."

Henry also recalled being inspired by a line from Eddie Murphy in the comedy legend's 1988 hit 'Coming to America.'

"I had just watched Coming to America. I loved the band. [when Eddie Murphy goes] 'This is my band sexual chocolate, and then he starts stomping - sexual chocolate.' Man, I loved that. It made me laugh. It made me smile. And I was like, 'I'm gonna do a character.'"