Poetry is perhaps the most romantic route to a woman�s heart - especially if its reciter is also the author. However, throw in a sexual harassment lawsuit and I don�t care how sweet the words may be, a woman will be turned off. Yes, my friends, the hackneyed expression stands firm - actions speak louder than words. Keep that in mind when reading the following commentary...

Mark Henry and Chyna - are they like two plates of the same barbell? It depends on who you ask, I suppose. Despite the personal and legal problems that have transpired between the two of late, it can be argued that the pair are very similar to each other. With very few exceptions, their lives have run on parallel courses. Both bright and ambitious, as youngsters they began bodybuilding - Chyna started in her teens and Mark began as a child when he was given a weight set by his mother. Through bodybuilding, both found their niches - and in sculpting their bodies, they sculpted their futures as athletes in the World Wrestling Federation.

In addition to sharing a passion for and careers in sports-entertainment, Mark Henry and Chyna had it rough growing up. As was revealed in an in-depth interview in the October 1998 World Wrestling Federation Magazine, Chyna came from a dysfunctional family - one torn apart by ravages of addiction and abandonment. Mark Henry faced poverty and racial prejudice in his early years - prejudice that he knew could be assuaged by superstardom.

Perhaps the most obvious affinity between the two is that they are the pinnacles of strength. It can be argued that he, the World�s Strongest Man, and she, the Ninth Wonder of the World, are the standard by which human physical strength should be measured. One thing is certain - both Mark Henry and Chyna are unique... they are anomalies of their kind. Both had to struggle in a competitive field where their minority status - Mark Henry being African-American and Chyna as a woman - did not make it any easier.

If we go beneath the surface, however, another picture develops. While the above constructions attempt to convey the truth, they can also be highly misleading.

In my opinion, the greatest difference between Mark Henry and Chyna lies in the matter of strength. I am not speaking here of who can bench press the most weight. Rather, I am speaking of self-confidence - not an inflated ego or the need to mask a case of low self-esteem - but of inner strength.

While Mark Henry faced poverty and racial prejudice while growing up, he also came from a strong and supportive family. Still close to his mother, he attributes his present success to his upbringing. He told me that his mother sacrificed to make sure her two children got what they needed - working two jobs and sometimes even skipping meals.

Although times were tough, they did not lack love and nurturing. Meanwhile, as was disclosed in Chyna�s interview, she had to grow up fast and learn to take care of herself at a young age. I believe that through this she developed a self-confidence and autonomy that has resulted in a very strong character. Chyna�s strength comes from within, while I suspect Mark Henry�s is something he has had to create on the exterior.

Furthermore, Mark Henry grew up in his brother�s shadow - constantly trying to outdo him in the area of competitive sports. This affected him greatly and subsequently shaped the need he still has today to prove he is the best - that he is the strongest. The difference between Chyna and Mark Henry is that the latter feels the need to prove himself, while Chyna doesn�t need to do so - she exudes self-confidence that is accentuated by her quiet but powerful presence. It is the difference between struggling and striving.

When it comes to their futures in the World Wrestling Federation, both Chyna and Mark Henry have different visions. Chyna told me: �I look more selflessly to where the guys [DX] are going - I want what�s best for them.�

Meanwhile, posed with the same question, Mark Henry replied that it was his intention to prove to the Federation and its superstars that he belongs and that he will surpass all of them. And no one is going to stop him - not The Rock, Austin nor Vince McMahon.

When I asked Mark about his experience in the Nation and what his relationship was like with The Rock, he responded: �I felt we [The Nation] were all there for his [The Rock�s] using. I admired and looked up to him, but I don�t see myself in his shadow...�

Like he had seem himself in his brother�s shadow? Perhaps there is a parallel here... In other words, when it comes to his vision of his future Mark Henry has only himself in mind - as well as a need for validity. In her plans for the future - Chyna has not only herself, but also the welfare of DX in mind. (Is this the result of her need to create the happy family she never had...?)

Growing up, both had premonitions of a future in the spotlight. However, for Chyna it was an innate knowledge - she knew that she had a talent to share with the world. For Mark Henry, on the other hand, he craved the spotlight and the attention it engenders. What Chyna knew was her natural talent was what Mark Henry felt he had to prove to the rest of the world.

I asked both Mark and Chyna what it means to them to be the World�s Strongest Man and the Ninth Wonder of the World, respectively. Mark responded that for him it meant, �No one can beat me,� and for Chyna, �It means that there�s not other Chyna.� That, I believe, best conveys the difference between the two. For Mark Henry it is about competition - a constant struggle to prove he is worthy of being number one, as is indicated by his inept but sincere attempts to win the heart of a woman who simply shrugs him off. For Chyna it is about contentedness - being the unique woman that she is and sharing her talents with the world.

While similarities certainly exist between these two unparalleled individuals, upon closer examination differences are clear. It�s said that opposites attract - so, in the case of Mark Henry and Chyna does the old maxim stand up?

Stranger things have happened...

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