WATCH: Mark Henry visits Barbados Royals camp in CPL 2025 and takes home a rare gift

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In a bid to inject much-needed morale into the Barbados Royals’ faltering Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 campaign, WWE icon and former world’s strongest man Mark Henry dropped in on the Royals’ training base this week. The 54-year-old strength legend arrived bearing anecdotes of his sporting journey and departed with a vibrant pink Royals jersey emblazoned with “WORLD’S STRONGEST MAN” and the number “01.”

Henry’s presence at the Royals’ training ground immediately captivated players and staff alike. Clad in casual team merchandise, he shared stories of his ascent from two Olympic weightlifting appearances in Barcelona (1992) and Atlanta (1996) to conquering powerlifting circuits and WWE rings. “I watched cricket on TV in the UK and India,” Henry quipped, revealing his growing fascination with the sport’s combination of strategy and strength.

Captain Rovman Powell led the greeting party, visibly buoyed as Henry recounted his battles against physical and mental barriers. Head coach Trevor Penney described the exchange as “refreshingly honest,” noting how Henry emphasized resilience over raw power.

“Strength isn’t just about lifting weights; it’s about lifting your mindset,” Henry told the Royals squad, urging them to harness collective grit to reverse their winless streak. As a symbolic gesture, Powell and Penney presented Henry with the custom jersey, an exchange that left the camp buzzing and players exchanging determined nods.

🚨 MARK HENRY IN ROYALS FAMILY 🩷

– Barbados Royals gifted their jersey for the World's Strongest man, Mark Henry during CPL.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 5, 2025

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The Royals entered CPL 2025 with high expectations, boasting a mix of seasoned internationals and explosive local talent. However, their campaign has faltered, recording zero victories in five outings and languishing near the bottom of the standings. Batting collapses and inconsistent bowling performances have plagued the team, with several close finishes slipping through their fingers.

Key batters such as Rovman Powell and Shai Hope have struggled to convert starts into match-winning knocks, while the bowling unit has lacked the cutting edge required in T20 cricket’s unforgiving environment. Their fielding, once a trademark strength, has also shown uncharacteristic lapses. As the Royals prepare to face stronger opposition in the second half of the tournament, the need for a mental reset has never been more pressing.

Henry’s visit provides a timely reminder that leadership and belief can transform a team’s fortunes. With renewed focus and Henry’s powerful message of perseverance, the Barbados Royals will look to channel their inner strength as they seek a first victory in CPL 2025—and perhaps send the world’s strongest man home with more than just a souvenir.

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