TMZSports.com
WWE legend Mark Henry says he was CRUSHED by Jim Cornette‘s racist comments — and he wants the announcer to either apologize … or just fess up to hating black people.
“It just hurts, man,” Henry tells TMZ Sports … “As much as I can say, I’m disappointed and I hope that he can try to fix this. But, some people just don’t like people of color.”
Of course, Cornette pissed off a LOT of people Tuesday during an episode of “NWA Power” — he used offensive language to describe a wrestler’s toughness.
“He’s the only man I’ve ever known that can strap a bucket of fried chicken on his back and ride a motor scooter across Ethiopia,” Cornette said. Yeesh.
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Enter Mark Henry … who’s known Cornette for decades and tells TMZ Sports he really hopes Jim will step up and do the right thing.
“I would say, ‘Jim … please apologize, and mean it. And if you don’t mean it, then go all the way Darth Vader and tell I just don’t like black people.'”
“At least I know who you are. And, then I can get rid of this feeling that I have in my heart. It’s like having your mother or father disown you. I feel like a sense of mourning.”
The hardest part for Henry … he claims Cornette played an integral role in his wrestling carer and he REALLY hopes Jim isn’t a racist.
“Prior to all of this, the relationship that I had with Jim Cornette has been really, really good. He taught me a lot about pro wrestling. He allowed me into his home to look at his archive. He helped me to be the wrestler that I became. And, I probably wouldn’t have been the guy without him.”
“But, it is very, very hurtful. And, I don’t get emotional about much, but I feel a sense of loss.”