What can be said about The Hardcore Icon, Hall Of Famer Mick Foley that hasn’t been said? That would be the true task for A&E’s latest biography special. Foley is not only an open book, but he wrote several of them about himself sharing nearly every facet of his life. But the Micker is so beloved by fans all across the world that it’s a story that is always worth hearing.
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Long Island Roots
Mick Foley grew up in East Setauket, Long Island. According to him, his folks always described him as sweet. Foley reminisced on growing up, mom would ring a bell when it was time to come home for dinner.
Childhood friend, Terry Zucker spoke about some of the mischief they’d get into like playing “Kill The Guy With The Ball.” That was the first time that Foley saw reactions of people looking at him while bleeding and it was something that the didn’t dislike.
Meeting Dominic DeNucci
Mick’s training began when a charity wrestling event came to town. His dad told the promoter that Mick wanted to be a pro wrestler.
The promoter invited him to be a part of his ring crew. Foley would drive back and forth from college to train with Dominic DeNucci. He spent his college years learning how to be a wrestler. Instead of partying for Spring Break, he’d be honing his craft for ten bucks an hour.
Memphis And WCCW
With his name a mere blurb in the Wrestling Observer, it was all that he needed to get some offers. He was invited to head to CWA. Mick always wanted to give to the business. Even when he was making no money, he still wanted to entertain with his unique brand of moves. WCCW came calling and Robert Fuller suggested that Cactus Jack become Cactus Jack Manson and ride that gimmick as long as he could.
With his ability to withstand pain, Foley was able to deliver all kinds of nasty-looking moves and take nastier-looking moves. His secret is that he really was feeling the pain.
WCW And Meeting Colette Christie
Early on during his WCW career, Mick got into a car accident and lost his two front teeth. But thankfully, Jim Ross loved his look. But despite having tons of ideas, WCW didn’t have much interest in him for the first go around.
So he went back home to work the indies. While passing out flyers, is when he met his future wife Colette, who saw her new husband at the top of the card. WCW brought him back to work with Sting. During this time, the fans started to realize how hard he was working for them, heel or babyface.
Cane Dewey
In ECW, with Cactus’ permission, a fan had made a sign that said “Cane Dewey,” referring to his young son. But when he saw his wife’s reaction, it stirred up feelings in Mick that led to anger and vitriol aimed at the fans who helped to create him.
Some of the best promos of Foley’s career were during this time, pandering to the ECW crowd but parodying them as well. As he espoused how hardcore he was, he also shaved his iconic beard to show just how wholesome he was, much to the disdain of the ECW faithful. But his storytelling ability caught the attention of WWE.
Vince Finally Hires Him
After being badgered by Bruce Prichard and Jim Ross long enough, Vince finally decided to meet with Mick. After showing him the sketches, Foley’s mind started turning with the ideas of the Mankind character.
The horror-themed character resonated with young fans like The Miz, Charlotte, and Montez Ford. Make-A-Wish kids would cower in fear of him. The Undertaker of course really wanted to work with Mankind and make history from minute one. The WWE brass were instantly taken aback and pleasantly pleased with how articulate and charming that Mick was.
The Three Faces Of Foley
After the epic Mind Games match with Shawn Michaels, Bruce Prichard overheard a conversation with Foley and Shawn. Mick was telling HBK about the Dude Love character. Prichard laughed and wanted to see it - Foley assured him that there was a tape and brought it to Brother Love himself.
That tape led to the infamous Mick Foley-as-Mankind shoot/not shoot interview that helped to turn Foley into one of the biggest babyfaces in WWE history. Despite not seeing it before he came to WWE, Vince admitted that Foley had a huge connection with the audience and Dude Love was born in the WWE. But it was when the MSG crowd came unglued when Cactus Jack finally debuted that truly affirmed that connection.
Hell In A Cell
The most iconic match in WWE history isn’t Hulk and Andre, it’s Hell In A Cell. A month prior, Mick felt he actually plateaued with all three of his characters. When Hell In A Cell was booked, he began badgering The Undertaker to heave him off the cell, which he initially refused. Foley’s daughter Noelle and son Dewey recounted the infamous match, Dewey thought the fall was the worst of it...until Mankind climbed back up.
Colette was screaming at her husband through the TV. Clearly out of it, Taker is telling him to stay down, but Mick needed to get to the thumbtacks.
Socko And Beyond The Mat
Thanks to Mick’s quirky sense of humor (and Al Snow’s suggestion), Mr. Socko was born during the same segments that led to Austin smacking Vince with a bedpan. But the next week, the fans were cheering for Socko and made signs all about Socko. Thanks to a sock puppet,
Foley shot straight to the top, became a best-selling author and WWE Champion. Foley invited his family to come see him defend the world title at The Royal Rumble. But unfortunately, this was the chilling match that even the Undertaker thought was too much when The Rock repeatedly swung a chair into Foley’s head.
Cactus’ Last Stand
After giving all of his body to the industry, Mick “retired” at No Way Out 2000. Despite eventually returning to the ring, the documentary showcased Mick continuing his family and becoming a big part of the RAINN and helping people through abuse. But he did head back into the ring because he loved it so much. He was able to team up with The Rock, against Orton, Edge, and Flair. After his stint in TNA, he returned to the WWE and neurologists would tell him that his career was over. After a brief bout with depression, once Dewey was diagnosed with Autism, Foley began to get it back together and began his career doing one-man shows and continued to do what he loves best, making people happy.