WWE legend Mark Henry has been known for knocking down extreme records within his 25-year career.

In 2002, at the Arnold Classic Strongman competition, Henry decided to challenge himself by lifting the infamous 172-pound Thomas Inch Dumbbell.

Former powerlifter and Olympic weightlifter Tedd Todd spoke on the matter, saying: “The lifting of the Inch Dumbbell, clean from the floor to the shoulders with one hand has never been done before."

"The dumbbell is 172 pounds in weight, and the handle is approximately two-and-a-half inches in diameter.

"So it's the combination of the weight of it and the thickness of the handle. It makes it very, very hard to lift."

Raring to go, Henry stepped up to lift the legendary dumbbell in front of a pumped-up crowd, but only managed to lift the weight just above his hip as he dropped it immediately on the floor.

Determined as ever, Henry spoke after his first failed attempt: "I intend to be the first man to clean the Inch Dumbbell, I'll work on it and I'll do it in a year."

Later that year, in June, Henry can be seen practising behind the scenes with a 140-pound dumbbell. He was hoping to put on a show and break another career record.

The American attended the association of Oldetime Barbell & Strongmen dinner. Talking in an interview before his world record attempt, this is what Henry had to say: "I wanna be able to go down in history as being the strongest man that ever lived, so I've gotta try everything that people deemed unliftable."

With his red top and black shorts on, Henry wasn't so impressed with the atmosphere in the room and said to the crowd: "It ain't live enough in here."

The group then proceeded to motivate Henry, livening up the place as he stood beside the dumbbell.

WWE legend Mark Henry once smashed never done before weightlifting challenge

A few deep breaths in and out, Henry bent over and picked up the dumbbell, locking his elbows on the way up.

He momentarily struggled to finish the movement. However, moments later, he managed to lift the prestigious dumbbell above his head with just one arm.

He did it, the crowd celebrated, and so did he.

Talking after his record lift, a very chuffed Mark Henry said in delight: "My goal today was to lift something that no man has ever done and I succeeded."