On a recent edition of his “Wrestling With Freddie” podcast, Freddie Prinze Jr. analyzed some of the best and worst wrestling storylines and characters from WWE’s past and explained why Mick Foley’s Mankind character was so effective.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On how Mick Foley pulled off the Mankind character: “Just about everything they did with Mankind should have failed. The fact [is] that they pulled it off at such a high level with this dude — and credit to him, because the stories and writing are ridiculous. … It’s important people understand how fine a talent Mick Foley was.”
On how Mick Foley made Mankind a relatable character: “How the hell do you feel sorry for a serial killer with a Leatherface mask on? But he did at the highest level, to where he came off vulnerable and scared and meek, and he just needs a friend and he looks the way he looks. To me, there are very few attraction wrestlers, … but the one that was the most fun … was always Mankind.”
On Mankind’s promo with a rat: “That promo he did in the bowels of that arena with the rat — it was Jim Cornette’s pet rat. His voice, even in that promo — he’s not trying to scare anybody. He’s just explaining what’s going to happen.”
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Mick Foley’s Mankind Character: A Masterclass in Wrestling Storytelling
In the world of professional wrestling, creating compelling storylines and characters is crucial to capturing the audience’s attention. Throughout WWE’s history, there have been both successful and unsuccessful attempts at crafting captivating personas. One character that stands out as a shining example of effective storytelling is Mick Foley’s Mankind.
On a recent episode of the “Wrestling With Freddie” podcast, Freddie Prinze Jr. delved into the best and worst wrestling storylines and characters from WWE’s past. He specifically highlighted Mick Foley’s portrayal of Mankind and shed light on why it was so successful.
Prinze Jr. acknowledged that everything about the Mankind character should have failed. From the disturbing mask to the deranged behavior, it was a risky endeavor. However, the fact that they managed to pull it off at such a high level speaks volumes about Foley’s talent and dedication. Despite the sometimes ridiculous stories and writing, Foley brought an unparalleled level of commitment to his performance.
One of the key factors that made Mankind such a relatable character was Foley’s ability to evoke sympathy for a serial killer wearing a Leatherface mask. It seems almost impossible to feel sorry for such a character, but Foley managed to portray vulnerability, fear, and meekness in a way that resonated with the audience. He made Mankind someone who just needed a friend, despite his frightening appearance. This ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level is what set Foley apart.
Prinze Jr. also highlighted a memorable promo featuring Mankind and a rat in the bowels of an arena. Even in this peculiar scenario, Foley’s voice and delivery were not about scaring anyone. Instead, he simply explained what was going to happen, adding an eerie yet captivating element to his character.
Mankind was truly a unique attraction in the world of professional wrestling. While there have been many larger-than-life personas, Mankind stood out as a character that was both intriguing and entertaining. Foley’s dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his performances made Mankind a fan favorite.
As fans of professional wrestling, it is important to recognize and appreciate the talent and skill that goes into creating memorable characters like Mankind. Mick Foley’s portrayal of Mankind serves as a masterclass in storytelling, proving that even the most unconventional characters can capture the hearts and minds of the audience.
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