Mick Foley is hoping that Cody Rhodes will win Royal Rumble this year once again and finally finish his story.

It’s rare for WWE to have more than a month’s gap between two PLEs. This year, however, the company has chosen not to run any main roster PPVs in 2023 after Survivor Series, giving the 2024 Royal Rumble more time to build up stories.

The build-up for Royal Rumble includes many overlapping fueds. One such story is between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, who are both looking to claim that ultimate WrestleMania spot by winning the Rumble.

During a recent appearance on The Bump, Mick Foley was asked who he would like to win the ultimate Battle Royal between these two. The WWE Hall of Famer explained that fans are ready for Cody to finally win the world title:

“I’d love to see Cody back in the main event picture. Yeah, I really would. I think that’s the perfect ending to his story. I know that fans were bitterly disappointed when Cody did not defeat Roman last year, but he went out on his own and he earned something more important than that WWE title. He earned the respect of all the naysayers.

Brock Lesnar will put you through the ringer. When Brock shook his hand, unexpected, he meant it. He meant it. He’s not a back-padder. He’s not a feel good, people person. He really respected Cody for surviving that and the fans respected it. So now they’re even more ready for Cody to claim that ultimate prize.”

Mick Foley Says Royal Rumble Is The Second Biggest PPV

When asked for his advice for talents competing in the rumble, the Attitude Era star mentioned how he’s never won the match himself. Mick Foley, however, did explain that you can still create a memorable impression even if you don’t win the match:

“Let me tell you a quick story. My son Hughie when he was about five. He knew his dad had been a wrestler but he wasn’t alive when I was wrestling. He goes ‘Dad, were you ever in the Royal Rumble?’ I figured I’m gonna grab on to this. I said ‘Not only was I in it, I was in it three times in one night as three different characters,’ And without missing a beat. He looked at me and said, ‘And you still couldn’t win?’ I can’t tell you how to win the rumble.

I can tell you how to make a memorable impression in a rumble. It can only be one winner but that doesn’t mean we can’t have some memorable moments. It doesn’t mean that we can’t have one of the best nights of the year. My feeling is that five years running, I would say Royal Rumble became the second greatest show in WWE, all due respect to SummerSlam and the others.”

You can check out Mick Foley’s appearance on The Bump Below:

More originals from SEScoops:

• Seth Rollins Has Not Watched Becky Lynch’s Jeopardy Appearance: ‘She Won’t Allow Me’
• Ethan Page Praises Matt Hardy For His Unselfish Nature
• Randy Orton Reflects On Being A ‘D**K’ Early In His Career
  Xavier Woods says AI Will 100% Kill All Humans
• MJF Believes Hardcore Fans Are ‘Overly Consumed’ By Bell To Bell Action
• Wrestling Veterans Support Jon Moxley’s Idea Of New Concussion Protocol

If you use any quotes from the article please credit The Bump with an H/t to SEScoops for transcription

Mick Foley gave his all for fans’ entertainment, losing teeth and an ear in the process. Right now, he is doing his best post-WWE, but the gleam of hope that he will return still lingers in the air.

WWE’s yearly Royal Rumble event stands out as one that usually includes excitement and numerous surprises. Despite WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley surprising fans with some post-retirement appearances, it seems Foley won’t feature in the 2024 Royal Rumble PPV.

During WWE The Bump on December 12th, 2023, Mick Foley was asked about the possibility that he might grace Tropicana Field for the 2024 Royal Rumble event. Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy was quick to shut down any hope that fans will see him mix it up on January 27th.

“On Royal Rumble, people get together and celebrate. It really makes people happy. So I’ll be tuned in, and maybe I’ll be…no, here’s the thing; I would have to lose 70 pounds just to be in terrible shape, so I am not going to be there.”

Mick Foley’s Royal Rumble History

Mick Foley’s last official WWE match was in 2012 as part of the 30-Man Royal Rumble match, which Sheamus won. So, he’s obviously not foreign to the idea of a Royal Rumble surprise. Still, Foley will sit this one out.

Mick Foley made history in 1998 by entering the Royal Rumble as three different characters. Those days are in the past, but he certainly appreciates the fact that fans would love to see him wrestle again.

We will have to see when Mick Foley shows up on WWE television again. You can never say never, but it appears that he is satisfied with how things have turned out for him at this point. You can check out The Bump below. 

Mick Foley is very busy on the road as a stand-up comedian. You may check out more information about his upcoming dates here, ones which Dolph Ziggler has been appearing at as an opening act.

Mick Foley may be something of a cuddly teddy bear these days, but the three-time former WWE Champion is ready to raise some hell as part of The Judgment Day.

This April will mark one year since the group debuted, and initially consisted of Edge and Damian Priest.

At WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2022, Rhea Ripley was added to the group, and Finn Balor’s entry not long after would see Edge be ousted as leader.

It was at September’s Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event that Dominik Mysterio joined the group, after betraying Edge and his father Rey Mysterio.

Foley’s Judgment

Mick Foley’s days in the ring are long behind him, but the WWE Hall of Famer has expressed a (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) interest in joining the faction.

On YouTube, Foley donned a distinct purple and black flannel to seek “gainful employment” as a member and referenced his decades of experience in the industry.

Foley also acknowledged his moniker as ‘King of the Death Match’ and mentioned reaching the New York Times bestseller list twice.

While praising the group’s various skills (including the abs of Finn Balor,) Foley requested his son Dewey to draw more tear ‘tattoos’ on his face.

Dewey instead wrote the word ‘Help Me’ on his father’s forehead (a not to Al Snow) and a more ‘phallic’ piece of ink on his other cheek.

Judgment Day at WrestleMania

The Judgment Day is yet to publicly respond to Foley’s resume, but with or without the Hardcore legend, they’ll be kept pretty busy at WrestleMania.

After becoming the first woman to win a Royal Rumble match from #1, Rhea Ripley will challenge SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair this April.

On next week’s Raw, Edge and Finn Balor will have a confrontation, and it has been rumored that a Hell in a Cell match between the two will take place at WrestleMania.

There have been rumors that Dominik Mysterio will face his father Rey next month in the father and son’s home state of California.

Mick Foley has given some advice to AEW’s Darby Allin regarding his character. 

Allin has been a fan favorite long before he signed with AEW, but he found further success and became more popular with fans when he signed with the promotion. 

Allin is known to take risks during his match and put his body on the line, just like the WWE Hall of Famer. 

Foley on Allin

Foley gave his thoughts on the AEW star while speaking on AdFreeShows.com, Foley is Pod.

“He’s a phenomenal athlete and he comes from the world of extreme sports. He’s like a cat and then he lands on his feet. He’s got incredible body control. But I think every performer has to find a different gear that they can go into as much wild stuff as I did. I was able to temper it with the promos and by shifting gears and injecting humor.

I think almost every guy with a long history, not talking about the guys who could go from territory to territory and basically recreate that same push each time, talking about the guys who had the long runs in WWE, WCW found another gear and that it often involved humor. And so Darby, I haven’t seen him in a couple of years or talked to him, but he’s a soft spoken young man and he probably should find a way to add layers to that character that doesn’t necessitate taking those risks all the time.”

H/T to NoDQ for the transcription

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley believes that bleeding certainly has its place in professional wrestling.

Foley recently took to his podcast, “Foley Is Pod,” and discussed the topic. It’s a topic of discussion that many legends have been sharing their thoughts on as of late. The ex-WWE Champion explains that blood definitely has its place in professional wrestling, as long as it’s not overused.

“I always felt like [blood] had a place. I’ve been around when it was overused, I’ve been around where it was underused or extinct. I was pretty good with the amount of blood when I was in WWE.

“Of all the big matches — up until I had my comeback matches, where the blood was more frequent — I think I was only in four or five bloody matches, in my four years in WWE. Less is more. So that when Steve and Bret had their legendary match [at WrestleMania] it really meant something because it wasn’t overdone.”

He further explained that he’s sure there were some of his matches that featured blood that probably didn’t need it. However, there were also matches that featured blood that actually helped make a good match great.

“I’m sure there were times when I was involved in bloody matches that didn’t need to be bloody. I was in some others where the blood would have taken a good match and made it great, or taken a great match and made it legendary.

“I did pretty well for myself in WWE during my main four years there, where I rarely bled. I did pretty well in WCW even after they put the ixnay on the bleeding. I didn’t feel like I had to have it. I thought I had it in perspective.

“Maybe I used it a little more often than I should have, but I also don’t think that I overused it. Or else my fair complexion would look considerably different.”

Quotes via 411Mania

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley has reacted to missing out on RAW XXX this week.

This week’s episode of RAW celebrated the show’s 30th anniversary. The show featured the return of several notable legends such as The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, and many more.

However, one notable absence was none other than Mick Foley. Foley took to his Facebook profile to explain that he “politely declined” an invitation to be part of the special episode.

“Sending out happy 30th anniversary wishes to everyone involved with Monday Night Raw. It is no exaggeration to say that some of the very finest moments of my life took place on this program – and I’m hoping for another 20 years. I was not able to make it this time, but I just might be there for the 50th anniversary in 2043!

“I’m wondering what a few of your favorite Mandind, Dude, Cactus or Commissioner Foley moments are from the Monday Night archives… Winning the title from @therock the first time is the no-brainer end so try to take a little deeper dive than that!

“Thanks to all of you who watched for so many years, and have a nice day!”

Foley occasionally appears on WWE programming from time-to-time but hasn’t been a regular since his stint as Monday Night RAW general manager ended in 2017.

He has admitted that he has been reluctant to be on WWE programming as he has had issues remembering his lines as of late. Foley was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2013.

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon teamed up against Vince McMahon to get their way on television.

Foley recently took to his podcast, “Foley Is Pod,” to discuss his 2016 return to WWE as RAW General Manager. The former WWE Champion explained what it was like to work alongside Stephanie McMahon for that period of time.

“I got maybe ten percent of what I wanted out of Vince. Then Stephanie and I went and cut the promo our own way. It was a lot of tension. We are overriding Vince’s edict. We cut the promo. He sees us cutting the promo, he goes “what the hell is going on here?”

“Stephanie goes “dad, Mick and I did this just to see what happened. We’d like you to take a look at it.” And it was about a three minute segment. He looked at it after, seemed like an eternity, nodded his head and went, “we’ll do it your way.”

“As soon as he turned the corner, we hugged. We were just so happy that we had stood up for ourselves.”

He detailed how he and Stephanie teamed up with one another against Vince McMahon to get their way for a promo on television. Ultimately, their efforts proved to be successful after it was all said and done.

Mick Foley returned to WWE in 2016 to serve as General Manager for Monday Night RAW alongside commissioner Stephanie McMahon. The stint lasted just under a year as Foley was eventually written off television when he was fired by Stephanie McMahon.

Since, Foley has continued to make sporadic appearances on WWE television.

Quotes via 411Mania

Mick Foley was a key name in Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s career, which helped make him a big WWE star. They had a memorable rivalry in early 1999 before teaming together as the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection.

The latest episode of Young Rock featured the story of both The Rock and Foley, with Foley teaching a lot of things to the young Johnson.

Foley took to Facebook to share a heartfelt message to The Rock for his appreciation after watching the show. He wrote the following: 

Heartwarming Message

“ROCK & SOCK: a true connection

I’m not sure words can do justice to how grateful I’m feeling after watching last night’s episode of #YoungRock While I’ve had some special wrestling moments in front of thousands, last night’s moment was just me, alone in my hotel, tears in my eyes, as I watched an actor portraying me (doing a fine job, too) teaching Dwayne Johnson’s character a lesson about the gift of Christmas giving.

It’s funny, because there was a time – many, many years ago – when I wondered if @TheRock appreciated me. Well, brother, he has answered that question in the affirmative so many times, in so many ways that I feel foolish for having ever wondered. In turn, my respect and admiration for Dwayne Johnson has only grown over the years – as has my appreciation for the incredible moments we shared together – on the road, in the ring, and on the microphone.

Thank you Rock, for being so good to me. Your kind words – in person, on social media, in texts and VM’s, have meant so much to me. If I did in fact, teach you a lesson about giving, it is one you have paid forward a thousand times over. Merry Christmas, my friend.”

The Rock has been rumored for a match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39, and WWE has discussed the idea of him making an appearance at the Royal Rumble match next month.

Could Trevor Murdoch have done more in WWE? Perhaps, but only if he had lost a considerable amount of weight.

Murdoch debuted on WWE TV in 2005 as part of a tag team with Lance Cade, who he would become a three-time WWE World Tag Team Champion with.

Murdoch was released from his contract in 2008 and would go on to compete for TNA Wrestling and more recently the NWA.

Flabby

Last year, Murdoch won his first of two NWA World Heavyweight Championships, dethroning Nick Aldis, who had been the face of the company since its 2017 relaunch.

In June of this year, Murdoch would regain the title (which he’d lose to Tyrus at NWA Hard Times 3) but the wrestler has always hoped for a main event run.

Speaking on Foley is Pod, Mick Foley recalled a discussion between Murdoch and then-WWE CEO Vince McMahon about trying to get a push.

“Trevor told me that he once sat down with Mr. McMahon and said ‘what can I do to catch your eye? What can I do to get to the next level?’ And Vince looked at him and said ‘I hate that pasty, flabby body of yours.’ It’s kind of tough when you’re dealing with a weak genetic hand. That’s something I know a little about.

“I hate that pasty, flabby body of yours.”

Vince McMahon to Trevor Murdoch.

Foley added that despite these comments, he is pleased that Murdoch finally reached that top spot, albeit years later with the NWA.

“He was Trevor Rhodes back then, because he did look a bit like Dusty. He was a really good effective babyface. He just wanted a chance to do something… To become that guy [is difficult.] But he did. He bulked up.”

Of course, Murdoch’s success in the NWA has only come about due to the booking of Billy Corgan, who has an opposite approach to body types than McMahon according to Foley.

“Billy likes the big brawlers on top. That’s the good thing about having a company that’s yours to run. You get to decide the talent you want to see there [on top.]”

Chris Jericho

Murdoch’s WWE name comes from Dick Murdoch, the legendary brawler who was known for his hard-hitting wrestling style and once dominated in New Japan.

On the podcast, Foley explained how decades ago, Japanese audiences expected the heavy American wrestler, and that’s something Chris Jericho took on board in 2017.

“Now, he [Trevor Murdoch] has that look that Japan liked in the 80s. Stan Hansen-esque. So when Jericho went over to face Kenny Omega, Jericho specifically put on weight because in his mind, that’s what Japanese fans saw as an American main eventer. It is really interesting to see the way his mind works.”

In his first non-WWE match since July 1999, Jericho faced Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in January 2018, which Omega would win.

Mick Foley may have just left Twitter but is making a boatload of cash on another application.

Cameo is service that in exchange for money, a celebrity, former athlete, or anyone with any notoriety whatsoever, will create a video message in exchange.

According to Betting.com, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has reportedly earned close to $500,000 and is the highest-earning athlete on the application. Brett Favre ranks at #2 and the former Packers QB may be in dire need of the funds in due time with his current legal issues.

The other wrestlers in the top ten are WWE legend Bret “The Hitman” Hart, and AEW’s Matt Hardy and Danhausen. Wrestling is currently the top-earning sport on Cameo. DDP, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, and AEW’s Darby Allin have done well on the platform as well.

Many celebrities film quick videos for their fans that pay them on Cameo. Mick Foley does the opposite and puts a lot of effort into the personalized videos and it is clearly paid off for him. The 57-year-old will often make Cameos for fans as his wrestling personas Cactus Jack or Dude Love.

Mick Foley on Paying the Price for His Wrestling Career

Mick Foley had a legendary wrestling career, spanning decades and multiple promotions. He earned a reputation for his hardcore styles during his career, and perhaps his most memorable moment was being launched off the top of the HIAC by The Undertaker. The WWE legend also has a comedic side to his character in WWE and The Rock n’ Sock Connection is still beloved by wrestling fans.

Speaking on his Foley is Pod show, the Hardcore Legend said that the price he is paying for his wrestling career is steeper than he thought was imaginable.

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley would likely have to decline a chance to return to WWE at this point in his life.

He took to his podcast, “Foley Is Pod,” to explain. Over the course of his legendary career inside the ring Foley suffered a multitude of injuries that are catching up with him. At this point in his life, Foley admits he can’t remember a written promo or storyline.

“Now, I can’t remember a written promo. And that’s one of the reasons why if I do get a call for [WWE] TV, I’m more likely to say no. Because I don’t — I saw it in 2012, the year we’re covering, that I make a difference.

“And I thought I was one of the few returning guys who could make a difference or who wanted to make a difference. Because that was my primary goal. If you’re going to bring me back, I want to help out a storyline.

“I don’t want to just get the pop, I don’t wanna just promote something I have coming up, I want to make a difference. And now I cannot, I cannot remember a storyline. And I don’t wanna just be a hanger-on in the back on ‘Old School Day.

“But as far as remembering, as far as long-term memory, I think it’s as strong as its ever been.”

Mick Foley was a huge star for WWE in the 90s during the company’s Attitude Era. He’s a three-time WWE Champion and eight-time Tag Team Champion alongside partners such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kane, The Rock, and more.

He was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame back in 2013. Foley did return in 2016 as the General Manager for Monday Night RAW under Stephanie McMahon for a brief time.

However, that stint lasted a little less than a year as Foley was written off TV the following March in 2017. Since, Foley has made sporadic appearances on WWE TV, his last being in 2019 to help unveil the new WWE 27/7 Title.

Quotes via 411Mania

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley wowed fans for years with his work in the ring, but that has come at a hefty price.

Considered by many as ‘the King of the Death Match,’ Foley earned a reputation for his hardcore style, which would be used in WWE, WCW, ECW, and other promotions.

Foley’s last official match came at a February 2015 event for OMEGA (the promotion founded by Matt and Jeff Hardy) where he defeated Mickey Gambino.

Paying the Price

In 2012, after a run in TNA Wrestling which saw Foley become World Champion, Mick returned to WWE as an ambassador for the company.

Speaking on the latest Foley is Pod, the Hardcore Legend said he imagined he’d have a handful of matches a year, but that was before a grim diagnosis from a physician.

“He said, ‘We’ve been looking over your MRIs and your X-rays. You’ve got too many issues. You got muscular, neurological, skeletal, and even if we are able to help from a neurological standpoint, there’s nothing we can do with those other things.’ I’m looking at all these things I did during the course of my career and I mean, I’m paying a steeper price than I thought imaginable.”

“I’m paying a steeper price than I thought imaginable.”

Mick Foley.

Foley’s one and only in-ring appearance for WWE after returning would be as an entrant in the 2012 Royal Rumble.

The #7 entrant, Foley would eliminate Primo, Epico, and Justin Gabriel before being dumped out by Cody Rhodes.

Returning?

In 2016, Foley returned to WWE again as the General Manager of Monday Night Raw but was fired by Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon in 2017.

Speaking about a possible return to WWE, Mick said it is unlikely to happen.

“I can’t remember a written promo. That’s one of the reasons why if I do get a call for TV, I’m more likely to say no…  If you’re gonna bring me back, I want to help out with the storyline.

“I don’t want to just get the pop. I don’t want to just promote something I have coming up. I want to make a difference. Now, I’m going to tell them I cannot remember a storyline, and I don’t want to just be a hanger-on in the back for an old school day.”

Foley’s most recent Raw appearance came in 2019 when he was attacked by ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt.

Can you imagine what the world of pro wrestling would be like had social media been around in the 1980s or even the 1990s? In the glory days of the Four Horsemen, Dave Schultz, Roddy Piper, Iron Sheik, the “Monday Night War,” Brian Pillman, DX, ECW…The list goes on and on. 

Today platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become an important piece of the business for better or worse. A proven double-edged sword in which pro wrestlers and personalities must walk a tightrope. They are in a unique position compared to an actor or athlete. Do they stay in character or not? Many times it’s a hybrid where the lines of reality are muddled, which can help advance a storyline. Then there are the missteps where a single Tweet can make or break someone. 

We’ve seen shoots, work shoots, and instances of being worked into a shoot. Among those who I think manages the waters of social media well is Becky Lynch. She’ll chime in at the right time, knowing what will get people talking. The popular performer has also been known to clap back with receipts like a recent interaction with Vince Russo or shutting down body-shaming attacks on boyfriend Adam Cole. Another good one is Britt Baker, who brings a similar approach. They’ve each grown their popularity, even when they aren’t on TV. 

MJF is known for his outspokenness on AEW shows. It’s this authenticity and confidence that has made him must-watch each week. The same can be seen on social media in which the much talked about star will provide entertainment sparring with the likes of Dionne Warwick. Though he’ll also use the space to draw awareness to some really serious issues.

MJF has called out antisemitism including comments made by Kanye West. Even when tweets are deleted, they live on in cyberspace and headlines. It’s an interesting position to be in when MJF is considered a “heel” on television delivering some pretty harsh and controversial promos.

Social media can be a slippery slope. A back-and-forth between Sammy Guevara and Andrade got heated on Twitter regarding comments Andrade made about Guevara being stiff in the ring to  Más Lucha. A war of words boiled over into reported physicality backstage at Dynamite, which led to Andrade being sent home. 

Unfortunately, social media has also given attention to trolls who like nothing more than to rile someone up. Cyberbullying and body shaming are real problems, and the pro wrestling world is not immune. Hateful things are said just to get a reaction when in actuality it only does harm to your mental health. Imagine getting inundated by these horrible messages on a daily basis.

That doesn’t make you feel good. After all, deep down these figures, we watch in the ring are human beings just like anyone else. There is a reason Jade Cargill took a break from Twitter and Toni Storm just left it altogether. It got so bad for Stardom athlete Hana Kimura, she took her own life. If that doesn’t get you thinking twice about sending a message with the intent of making someone feel bad, I don’t know what will.

Matt Cardona knows how to use social media to help grow his brand. That can be traced all the way back to Cardona’s YouTube show. He has used it as a way to spread the word about everything he has going on and selling. A tool and means to an end. Making money.

Social media can be a powerful way to get a message across and create awareness for a cause. Nobody knows that more than Mick Foley, who has raised thousands of dollars over the years through many fundraisers. Drake Maverick’s emotional reaction to losing his job after being released in 2020 went viral. So much, John Cena took note and WWE couldn’t ignore the groundswell of support. Triple H presented him with a new contract down the line on NXT. 

The pro wrestling community has also mobilized on a number of occasions, coming together to help. When the shocking news broke that Tough Enough alum Sara Lee passed away at age 30, a GoFundMe was set up for her family by friend Bull James. Thanks to wrestling stars and others spreading the word more than $103,000 were generated. A heartwarming response to a sad story. 

Social media isn’t going anywhere. And if you’re a pro wrestler it can be a blessing or curse. The ones who find success are those who maintain a level of authenticity and a genuine voice. They also practice a rule we should all be following. Think before you post.  

Who is your favorite follow? Why? Let me know in the comments or by tweeting me @smFISHMAN. 

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley is certainly a rich man now, but that wasn’t the case when he joined the promotion. 

Foley debuted in the then-WWF in 1996, as Mankind, appearing not long after WrestleMania 12. 

Mankind would immediately enter a feud with The Undertaker, with Foley getting the win in the first Boiler Room brawl at Summerslam. 

Five Matches & $750

Foley came to the WWF in 1996 after a lengthy and successful run in WCW working as Cactus Jack. 

Speaking on Foley is Pod, the Hardcore Legend said his deal when joining the WWF was much lower. 

“I signed on that opportunity, and the only thing you were guaranteed is five matches a year at $150 a match. So you’re guaranteed $750 a year and that’s it. If they decided not to push you or take you off the road, then you’re sitting by idly, not making anything.”

When asked by co-host Conrad Thompson how he felt at the time, Foley said he was just grateful for the opportunity. 

“I was happy. I didn’t start complaining about checks until 1998. I was just happy to be there, but they [the checks] weren’t enormous. Even the Pay Per View checks were not that big a deal.

“I remember accepting it as ‘this is what I get.’ When I did get a much bigger payoff for King of the RIng [1998] Hell in a Cell, it really did surprise me. I even wrote a letter of thanks to Vince [McMahon.]”

Marc Mero

While Foley received a very low guarantee, a sign of the company’s financial struggles at the time, Marc Mero had the opposite treatment. 

Despite signing with the WWF around the same time, and having also worked previously in WCW, Mero received a much more lucrative contract

Speaking about Mero, Foley said there was some resentment from the locker room at the time.

“It wasn’t his fault… It’s not like Marc was going to say ‘hey, looking at the guys, I’ve decided to give them a little bit of mine back.’ 

“I took it personally at the time, and I saw him [recently] and asked him to forgive me. I kind of dogged him for a few years, even in my book.”

Part of Mero receiving the WWE’s first guaranteed contract was that the company wanted to make sure his then-wife Sable joined with him.

Saying No to WrestleMania

After a year in the WWF, Mankind had established himself but continued to be in the mid-card. 

During the podcast, Foley said he even said he turned down a very short feud with Mero which would have culminated at WrestleMania 13. 

“I was opposed to working with Marc [Mero] was at Wrestlemania in 1997. I said ‘if it’s just on the card, if it’s just a matter to be on the card, I’d rather not be on it.’ Even though it’d be years before I referred to myself as Mr. In Your House, I realized there are opportunities for me to shine and be in main event matches and steal the show.”

Instead of Mero, Mankind teamed with Vader to face Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith at WrestleMania.

As the month of September comes to an end the pro-wrestling community is still reeling from the events of the AEW ALL OUT media scrum, and the tirade from former two-time world champion CM Punk, who called out the wrestling media for their “mishandling” of the Colt Cabana situation. The Second City Saint also took aim at the AEW EVPs Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks.

The situation only became worse when a backstage melee occurred between Punk and the Elite, one that got multiple names suspended and threw a wrench into several ongoing storylines that cause Tony Khan to alter his plans once again. At this point an investigation is still going on, with Punk’s status the biggest question mark up in the air. A number of top legends, analysts, and current superstars have weighed in on this monumental moment, and now we can add one more to the list.

Mick Foley Calls Punk’s tirade a disaster for AEW President Tony Khan

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley spoke about the ALL OUT media scrum and the ensuing backstage altercation on the latest edition of his Foley Is Pod program. The Hardcore legend begins by stating the obvious, which is that Punk’s comments at the scrum were counterproductive to his world title win earlier in the evening, and put AEW President Tony Khan in a terrible position.

“I think anything that takes away from the majesty of that moment is counterproductive. By that standard, everything Phil did, Punk did, was disastrous because it put Tony Khan in a bad position. Anything that ends up with, Punk I believe was hurt and would have probably been out. But it put a lot of eyeballs on the product the next night, that’s a given. It was just really unfortunate. You don’t want to see that side of your superstars.”

That’s not all. Foley further elaborated on the situation by comparing Punk’s victory over Jon Moxley to his victory over The Rock, his first world title win in WWE.

“You know, I know when I held that title aloft when I beat [The Rock] for the WWE Title, and I never thought I was a WWE Title guy, so I never based my career on it the way that a lot of people have. But I remember that feeling of just utter joy. I moved pretty good for a big guy when I ran my two or three laps around there and then gave the impromptu promo, Big Daddio did it. I can’t imagine going backstage and being angry or bitter, or taking the joy out of the experience for our fans. So I didn’t see Punk’s promo in its entirety, but it put Tony Khan in a bad position, and there’s a time and a place, maybe, to play with emotions. If you have something substantial that can make people feel strange in their gut, but not after a title win.”

Aside from just the incident Punk was also injured during his matchup with Moxley, which has put him on the shelf once again. At this time it is unknown if he will return when he is all healed up.

CM Punk is Probably Not Returning to AEW

Mick Foley would have shaken off the thumbtacks and barbed wire to speak to the media if he had been given the opportunity during the Attitude Era.

Both WWE and AEW used press conferences recently following Clash at the Castle and All Out respectively, with differing results.

While Triple H and Roman Reigns spoke at WWE’s conference about the biggest WWE UK event in 30 years, CM Punk’s fiery comments and post-show fight have brought an abrupt end to his second reign as AEW World Champion.

Foley’s Comments

Press conferences have been common in sports for decades, but the world of pro wrestling is only catching up now.

Speaking to SESccoops correspondent Steve Fall, Foley spoke about the idea of post-show interviews, and how he wishes the idea was around during his time in the ring.

“I would have loved to have had the opportunity to address the media after matches. I think it’s something that’s been missing. Of course, the latest one at AEW turned out a little unusual in a way that might not be good for business, but I like the idea. Y’know, Roman Reigns talking to the press after a big victory I think it gives that added touch to what we do.”

Meeting Fans

Mick Foley’s days in the ring are over, but the three-time World Champion still has a huge fanbase.

Nowadays, fans can find Foley doing one-man comedy shows, or get the chance to meet the Hardcore Legend at a convention.

In the interview, Foley discussed the differences between the two experiences.

“When you’re doing the meet-and-greet, which is the favorite part of the show for a lot of people, by the nature of the meet-and-greet lasting only 90 minutes or so after a show you can’t spend too much time with any one person.

“Whereas over the course of three days [at a convention] especially if I see someone who needs a little extra attention, I’m pretty good at figuring that out being an autism dad, I can spend a little more time.”

“I can do what I need to do to make people feel the time they’re spending in that line, and hopefully it’s not a very big line. Hopefully, it’s just a steady flow… I can do what I think needs to be done to make that person feel like the time they spent in that line and the money they’ve paid is worth it.”

Please credit Steve Fall with a link to SEScoops if you use any of the quotes from this article.

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley has revealed what he didn’t like about Vince McMahon’s booking.

Taking to his “Foley Is Pod” podcast, Foley offered up his thoughts on the recent creative changes within WWE, with Vince McMahon stepping down. During that segment, Foley actually touched on what he doesn’t like about McMahon’s booking style.

Foley noted that he isn’t a fan of always having guys lose in their hometown for the sake of heat. He’d rather see those respective stars go over in their hometowns.

“There is a part of Vince that genuinely likes to make dreams come true. He likes to do that for his audience. I think you could argue that he puts them through an unnecessary ringer sometimes, you know?

“Like I’m not a fan of having people lose and get embarrassed in their hometowns. I guess he thinks, you know, it’s good heat. I would rather have seen, you know, Charlotte [Flair] go over in Charlotte and Sasha [Banks] go over in Boston instead of vice versa.”

McMahon was the head of WWE’s front office and creative decisions for decades. However, after some sexual misconduct allegations surfaced, McMahon was forced to step down as WWE CEO, leaving his daughter Stephanie McMahon and Nick Kahn to step in as co-CEOs.

Soon after, when investigations into these allegations began, McMahon then decided to retire altogether, stepping down as head of WWE creative. His son-in-law and multiple time WWE World Champion Triple H ascended to the throne, assuming creative control in McMahon’s absence.

There’s sure to be a massive difference in style with Triple H at the helm rather than McMahon. It will be interesting to see how the landscape of WWE changes over the next few weeks under “The Game.”

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

With Ric Flair’s last match taking place tonight in Nashville, “The Hardcore Legend” Mick Foley was asked by Conrad Thompson at Starrcast V if he would consider doing a last match also.

“Little known fact, my last actual match was against Ric in TNA. The only other thing I did in-ring after that was Royal Rumble 2012 and I did the thing where I came down against League of Nations WrestleMania (32).

“That’s not really a match if your opponents are forbidden from even touching you. I’m on the no-touch list. This is my remembrance. I had lost 50 big ones [pounds], clearly put them all back on, I found those 50 big ones, and then some.

“I was down to 288 from 328, feeling good, but I hadn’t been in the ring in years. Sheamus comes up to me and goes, ‘I want you to hit me as hard as you can.’ I said, ‘I think I can make it look good without doing that.’ He goes, ‘As hard as you can, fella.

“As hard as you can.’ I hit that hardheaded SOB about 25 times to the point where I actually thought they sped up the tape because I didn’t think I could move that fast. To this day, I can still point to the spot on my forearm that is sore from hitting him six years ago and he was fine a minute later.

“Ric and I had a really good match with a lot of intensity. That was a great final match for me. I don’t count the part where I almost lit Frank The Clown’s testicles on fire. That was a confrontation.”

The last time Mick Foley competed inside the ring was at the 2012 Royal Rumble. Although Foley’s final singles match was against none other than Ric Flair in a Last Man Standing Match on an episode of IMPACT back in October 2010.

Credit to Fightful for the transcription.

Mick Foley is a legend in the world of professional wrestling after decades of competing in various promotions.

A three-time former World Champion, Foley also held gold in WCW and ECW and is also a best-selling author.

After Life

Foley has achieved plenty throughout his wrestling career, and has plans for after his time on earth is over.

Speaking on his own podcast ‘Foley is Pod,’ the former World Champion spoke about his post-life plans and what he hopes WWE will allow.

“I believe I’m going to be cremated when the time comes. We’ll see if Vince would let [my family] drop the ashes in the ring before the main event of WrestleMania. Wouldn’t that be great?”

Mick Foley on what he plans for his remains after he dies.

WWE has to date, not had an ashes-scattering during a WrestleMania Premium Live Event.

Foley and WrestleMania

After joining the WWF in 1996, Foley would make his WrestleMania debut the following year, teaming with Vader to face the British Bulldog and Owen Hart.

In 1998, Foley, competing as Cactus Jack would team with Chainsaw Charlie (his mentor Terry Funk) to become WWF Tag Team Champions.

At WrestleMania 15, Foley would compete against the Big Show, with the winner becoming the guest referee in the main event between WWF Champion The Rock and Steve Austin.

For WrestleMania 2000, Foley would have his only main event, but failed to dethrone WWF Champion Triple H in the fatal four-way match also involving Rock and Big Show.

Mick would wait four years before competing at WrestleMania 20, where he and The Rock lost to Evolution, and his last Mania match would be a loss to Edge at WrestleMania 22 in 2006.

The Hardy Boyz, Edge & Christian, and The Dudley Boyz all made history when they competed in the first-ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs match during the SummerSlam 2000 event.

However, even though all three of these teams put their bodies on the line in this extreme bout, they were paid very little for their effort.

Hall of Famer Mick Foley, who was serving as the on-screen commissioner for WWE at the time recently revealed how much the three teams were paid for the match:

“I was still one of the guys. They fully understood that I wasn’t the commissioner, I’m not actually [in the] office, and I said, ‘How bad was it?’

And when they said $10,000, I was like, ‘You got $10,000 for that?’” recalled Mick Foley, “So I went to Jim [Ross, Head of Talent Relations at the time] on their behalf and petitioned for more money.”

• Mick Foley was Pitched “One of the Worst Things Ever” by Vince McMahon

The Hardcore Star revealed that he mentioned the match between The Undertaker and Big Boss Man to Ross. He protested against the fact that Taker made much more for the bout that wasn’t as good.

According to Foley, it felt ‘like a slap’ in the face of the three teams to be paid so little for their hard work. His petition did get them bumped up from there.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

WWE is full of writers and members of the creative team, who are tasked each week with coming up with new stories for the shows.

The Company’s creative team are often criticized by fans for the storylines we see on TV, but will now have to operate without one notable name.

Dewey Leaves

PW Insider were the first to report that Foley has parted ways with WWE.

It’s reported that while many have been released by WWE due to budget cuts, Foley chose to leave the promotion.

One source claimed that Foley left in April though that has not been confirmed at this time.

Dewey in WWE

Dewey Foley’s first WWE appearance came all the way back in 1999, when he and the Foley family watched at ringside for Mick’s I-Quit match with The Rock at that year’s Royal Rumble.

Before joining the WWE, Foley proved his credentials by posting writing samples on CreativeWWE.wordpress.com containing a lot of storyline ideas for the company.

In 2015, Dewey signed with WWE and served initially as a writing assistant, before becoming a fully-fledged part of WWE creative.

In August 2020, it was reported that Foley, alongside Adam Pearce was now running 205 Live, with the Wrestling Observer Newsletter describing the pair as “the key creative forces” behind the Cruiserweight division.

Foley occasionally played the role of Mr. Bootyworth in segments featuring the New Day.

Mick Foley may have gone under several names, including Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love, but there’s one name the WWE Hall of Famer refused to be known as.

In 1996, Foley joined the WWF after years of establishing himself in WCW and elsewhere but Vince McMahon wanted a brand new name for the “Hardcore Legend.”

On a recent edition of his Foley is Pod podcast, the three-time former WWF Champion recalled being given the name ‘Mason the Mutilator’ (via Wrestling News).

 “I felt Mason the Mutilator is one of the worst things I’ve ever heard. It sounds to me like something that would be in a bootleg version of an old Fish card game. It just sounds awful.”

Mick Foley on his originally pitched WWE name.

From Mason to Mankind

Foley added that while he hated the name he felt it would be wrong to refuse ‘Mason the Mutilator’ without pitching something in return.

Foley offered the name ‘Mankind the Mutilator,’ telling the Chairman of WWE that when people spoke about “the future of mankind and the destruction of mankind” it would be related to him.

While McMahon didn’t get the idea at first, he jotted it down on a yellow legal pad, and the decision was later made to drop the ‘Mutilator’ title entirely.

On the post-WrestleMania 12 edition of Monday Night Raw, Mankind debuted by defeating Bob ‘Spark Plug’ Holly, and would never have to worry about the Mutilator name again.

• Mick Foley Details his First WWE Contract

WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley has revealed his one condition for a potential return to WWE TV.

Foley recently took to the first-ever episode of his podcast, “Foley Is Pod,” with Conrad Thompson to address a potential return to WWE TV. The ex-WWE Champion revealed that, currently, at the age of 56-years-old, he weighs over 300 pounds.

In regards to potentially returning to WWE TV, Foley said it would only feel right to lose a bit of weight first.

“I’m going to break some news here, I’m not going back on WWE television until I’m under 300 [pounds] because I feel like I’ve let Vince down,” Foley said.

“Even if he gets on the phone with me personally and says ‘Mick we’d like to have you back,’ cause I’ve said no on a couple of occasions.

” I did come back for Undertaker, but I’ve put on a ton of weight since then, too, because … I took my responsibility to keep my local eateries in business during the pandemic seriously!”

Foley’s last appearance on WWE TV came during The Undertaker’s WWE Hall Of Fame Induction ceremony this past April during WrestleMania 38 weekend. He hasn’t been a regular on WWE TV since 2016-2017.

That was during Foley’s run as the WWE RAW General Manager. However, he was written off television after being attacked by “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.

Aside from his contributions to the business as an on-screen personality, Foley is also highly decorated inside the ring.

Foley is a three-time WWE Champion a former Hardcore Champion, and an eight-time WWE Tag Team Champion with partners such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Kane, and more.

Mick Foley was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2013.

Quotes via Wrestling Inc.

Mick Foley isn’t bothered by The Undertaker not mentioning him during his Hall of Fame speech.

When people talk about The Undertaker’s greatest rivals, a popular choice is Foley. Longtime fans may remember the time Foley, who once played the role of Mankind, got Paul Bearer to turn on Undertaker in 1996.

Of course, you can’t discuss the Foley-Undertaker feud without bringing up the 1998 Hell in a Cell match between the two. Foley was thrown off the cell onto the announce table and Undertaker legitimately thought he had killed him.

Foley was also chokeslammed through the roof and into the ring. When he landed, a steel chair bounced and hit him in the mouth, knocking out a tooth. To top that off, Foley also went through some thumbtacks in what is still considered to be the most brutal HIAC match.

Mick Foley Doesn’t Feel He Was Snubbed

Serving as a guest on the In The Kliq podcast, Mick Foley explained why he’s the last person who should be crying “snub” (h/t WrestlingNews.co).

“Well, listen, I forgot to mention my wife during my speech, so I’m not one to lecture anybody about who they should and should not include in their speech. I was not there for those formative years. His was more about friendship and support. We had a great rivalry, but he didn’t mention Rock or Austin. So, if I’m not hurt, no one can be hurt on behalf of me.”

Despite the omission, The Undertaker and Foley will forever be linked career-wise. The two had some unforgettable encounters.

Mick Foley will be cornering FTR for one night.

Foley made the announcement on his Twitter account. He’ll be managing Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler for a Patriotic Wrestling Federation event. The action will be taking place inside York Comprehensive High School.

The event will be taking place on May 14. Back in March, FTR announced that they would be taking limited independent bookings. The move has seemingly opened the door for them to be managed by the likes of Bret Hart, who is believed to have signed a deal with WWE that doesn’t allow him to appear on AEW TV.

Bret will be in FTR’s corner for a Big Time Wrestling event on June 10. That show will take place inside Webster Town Hall in Webster, MA.