On a recent edition of his “The ARN Show” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson discussed Mick Foley’s early stint in the wrestling industry before he made a name for himself as Mankind in WWE.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On whether there was talk among wrestlers about where they fit in the new direction of WCW: “Again, not — you know, I was glad to be where I was. I’m just, ‘I’ve already been there and I’ve already done that, and if they want to bring some showbiz and our lives,’ whatever the remaining time all my contract was, I was set. And that governed every thought that I had during that time… I was a wrestler, I would go wrestle. You have to have those. You can’t have everybody be showbiz; you have to have a blend. My spot was boots, tights, tape around the wrist, go wrestle for 15 minutes.”
On Mick Foley taking damage to his body due to his style: “No [it wasn’t detrimental to the industry], but I think he beat his own body up to a degree that — and the first time that that I witnessed him taking these bumps off the apron to the floor on his back and all that stuff, I went up to him and I said, it’s a famous conversation. I said ‘Jesus Christ, Cactus. You ain’t got no sense.’ And he said, ‘No, Mr. Anderson, I don’t have any money.’ That says it all, don’t it?”
On Foley trying to stand out with his style and doing bumps on concrete: “He had dug out a ditch that nobody could follow. It would have killed anybody else to take the bumps. I mean, if you take a bump from the apron to the cement floor, there’s a pretty good chance you’re gonna break your back. Break your neck, break your back, knock your hip out, whatever it may be. I couldn’t have taken that bump. And he was willing to do that because he saw a niche where he could create his own [style]. And he was willing to beat his body up to do it.”
Mick Foley’s Early Stint in the Wrestling Industry: A Tale of Dedication and Sacrifice
Mick Foley, also known as Mankind in WWE, is a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling. Renowned for his hardcore style and willingness to take extreme bumps, Foley has left an indelible mark on the industry. In a recent episode of “The ARN Show” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson discussed Foley’s early days in wrestling before he rose to fame as Mankind. Let’s delve into some of the highlights from their conversation.
One of the topics Anderson touched upon was the direction of WCW (World Championship Wrestling) during Foley’s early career. Anderson expressed his contentment with his own position in the company, having already experienced success elsewhere. He emphasized the importance of having a blend of showbiz and wrestling, with his own role being primarily focused on in-ring action. This highlights the diversity within the wrestling industry, where different performers bring their unique styles and personas to the table.
However, Anderson did acknowledge Foley’s distinct approach to wrestling and the toll it took on his body. Foley was notorious for subjecting himself to brutal bumps and stunts that pushed the limits of what was considered safe in the industry. Anderson recalled witnessing Foley take bumps off the apron onto the concrete floor, a move that could potentially cause severe injuries. Concerned for Foley’s well-being, Anderson approached him and exclaimed, “Jesus Christ, Cactus. You ain’t got no sense.” To which Foley replied, “No, Mr. Anderson, I don’t have any money.” This exchange sheds light on Foley’s determination to stand out and make a name for himself, even if it meant sacrificing his physical well-being.
Foley’s willingness to go to extreme lengths to create his own style set him apart from his peers. Anderson acknowledged that Foley had carved out a niche for himself that no one else could follow. Foley’s ability to endure the punishment of his own wrestling style allowed him to create a unique persona that resonated with fans. While Anderson admitted that he couldn’t have taken the same bumps as Foley, he recognized the dedication and sacrifice Foley made to establish himself in the industry.
Mick Foley’s early stint in the wrestling industry serves as a testament to his passion and commitment. His willingness to push boundaries and take risks ultimately led to his success as Mankind and other memorable characters in WWE. Foley’s story is a reminder that sometimes, achieving greatness requires going above and beyond what is expected or considered safe. His legacy as one of the most beloved and respected figures in professional wrestling is a testament to his enduring impact on the industry.
In conclusion, Mick Foley’s early days in the wrestling industry were marked by his unique style and willingness to take extreme bumps. Arn Anderson’s insights shed light on Foley’s dedication and sacrifice, as well as the impact it had on his career. Foley’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring wrestlers and a reminder of the lengths some performers are willing to go to leave their mark on the industry.