In the buildup to WrestleMania 15, Mick Foley lost the WWE Championship to The Rock. This is something that disappointed the Hardcore Legend as it meant he didn’t get to main event the show.
Speaking on the latest edition of his “Foley Is Pod” podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that the bout was supposed to be a three-way match at first before it was changed to The Rock vs. Steve Austin. He said,
“That was the year it was supposed to be a three-way. It was supposed to be me, Rock, and Steve, and the decision was made at that time it had to be a singles. Even though in future years we would see several three-ways and really good three-ways, personally, I believe Steve and Rock was the right call. But, for me, it was really disappointing.”
He added, “I missed out, and that was the whole reason that Vince decided to put me in the main event the next year. Even though I didn’t think I deserved it and didn’t really want it.”
In the world of professional wrestling, WrestleMania is the pinnacle event that every wrestler dreams of headlining. It is an opportunity for them to showcase their skills and entertain millions of fans around the world. However, not every wrestler gets the chance to main event this prestigious show, and for Mick Foley, also known as the Hardcore Legend, this was a disappointment he had to face.
In the buildup to WrestleMania 15, Foley was the reigning WWE Champion. He had captured the title in a thrilling match against The Rock, and it seemed like he would be the one to main event the show. However, plans changed, and Foley found himself on the sidelines.
Foley recently opened up about this experience on his podcast, “Foley Is Pod.” He revealed that originally, the main event was supposed to be a three-way match between himself, The Rock, and Steve Austin. This would have been a historic match, with three of the biggest stars in wrestling competing for the ultimate prize. However, the decision was made to change it to a singles match between The Rock and Steve Austin.
Foley expressed his disappointment at not being able to main event WrestleMania 15. He believed that a three-way match would have been a great spectacle and a fitting main event for the show. However, he also acknowledged that the decision to go with The Rock vs. Steve Austin was the right call.
Despite his disappointment, Foley’s hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. The following year, Foley was given the opportunity to main event WrestleMania 2000. This was a significant moment in his career, as he became the first wrestler to compete in a Fatal Four-Way match for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
Reflecting on this turn of events, Foley admitted that he didn’t think he deserved the main event spot and didn’t really want it. However, he recognized that it was a gesture from McMahon to make up for the missed opportunity the previous year.
Foley’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling. Plans can change at any moment, and wrestlers must be prepared to adapt and make the most of their opportunities. While he may not have main evented WrestleMania 15, Foley’s legacy as the Hardcore Legend and his contributions to the industry are undeniable.
WrestleMania continues to be the grandest stage of them all, and every year, wrestlers strive to earn a spot in the main event. While not every wrestler can achieve this feat, their dedication and hard work should be celebrated. Mick Foley’s journey serves as a reminder that success in professional wrestling is not always determined by main eventing WrestleMania, but by the impact and legacy a wrestler leaves behind.