Mick Foley Interview

[Guest BoboBrazil]

Oct 25, 2002, 2:23pm

 

 

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The following is a recap of a speech Mick Foley gave at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale on Wednesday night. PWTorch.com reader Todd O'Shea filed the report.

 

First off, let me say thank you to Mick Foley for even coming out and giving a free show/speech in benefit of all the wrestling fans at my college. His show was great, and he is an intelligent person (as well as down to earth). The poster of the show gave the impression that he would be speaking on politics and world issues, but it turned out that he spoke completely on wrestling. It was great for any wrestling fan because he covered all the bases.

 

Foley started the show off with something he claimed to have never done before, the Hogan ear taunt. This resulted in the students giving him a large pop.

 

It should also be noted that Cactus is in great shape, and if he returned to the ring (which he hinted at many times), he probably has several more good matches left in him.

 

Foley hit the "Cheap Pop" for Carbondale, which is a big deal because I live here, and for me to see any real names here is a shock anyway.

 

Of course, thanks to the communications department at SIUC, the microphones were going haywire for the first 15 minutes, but the problems were sorted out quickly.

 

He actually began to sing a song based on Southern Illinois, and he reminisced to his "glory days" when he used to wrestle here.

 

Foley stated that he dislikes the "E" in WWE, and he said he will always consider WWE to be the WWF.

 

He read excerpts from his Halloween book, which features jokes about Al Snow, Test, and others.

 

Foley then, gave the first joke of the night regarding Al Snow. (There were many of these, including the mention of the "Penis Suplex").

 

Foley mentioned that Vince McMahon asked him recently to come into a meeting and become something of a "Secret Consultant" to try and "save" the WWE product.

 

Foley went on to discuss his dislike for the recent product (mentioning many times the Triple H/Kane necrophilia angle). He specifically said that he can't wait to see what excuse WWE comes up with to explain why he won't be on "Live Wire" (actually "Byte This") as scheduled.

 

Tough Enough was mentioned and Foley described his opinion of the show as being "ridiculous." He did say that he was happy for Al Snow playing such a major role in it, even though he (like many other legitimate wrestlers) disagrees with this method of farming talent.

 

He spoke of Japan, which, for me was one of the best parts of the show. He mentioned the IWA King of Death Match and the injuries suffered.

 

He talked (he claimed) for the first time live about the Hell in the Cell match in which Undertaker threw him off of the cage. He went into great detail explaining the "behind the scenes." During this time, he also mentioned that Undertaker is one of the wrestlers who does not like to break Kayfabe.

 

He claimed that some of the most shocking news that he has received as of late is that Robot Wars will not be renewed. He did say however, that he is in the middle of writing his next book, which will be a fiction novel based on baseball (and some wrestling).

 

This is just the basic summary of what Mick Foley had to say. I will say that I spent more time laughing tonight than writing down notes, and that going to this event will be something I remember for a long time. All I can say is that while the WWE product may be crap as of late, Mick Foley (as a human being) is one of the best things that has come from the wrestling. He is very much into charity work, and he stuck around after the show to sign autographs.

 

Overall, I give the show five stars just because of how real Foley was, and how he answered every question thrown at him. He was not afraid to make fun of himself at times, and he made fun of Al Snow most of the time. If Foley comes to a college near you, take the opportunity to go see him speak, because much like his matches he is very entertaining. Thanks Mick.

 

© Copyright 2002 by PWTorch.com

 

pwtorch.com

[Guest Pop Culture God]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

[Guest HartFan86]

Foley started the show off with something he claimed to have never done before, the Hogan ear taunt. This resulted in the students giving him a large pop.

 

It should also be noted that Cactus is in great shape, and if he returned to the ring (which he hinted at many times), he probably has several more good matches left in him.

 

Of course, thanks to the communications department at SIUC, the microphones were going haywire for the first 15 minutes, but the problems were sorted out quickly.

 

Foley stated that he dislikes the "E" in WWE, and he said he will always consider WWE to be the WWF.

 

Foley went on to discuss his dislike for the recent product (mentioning many times the Triple H/Kane necrophilia angle). He specifically said that he can't wait to see what excuse WWE comes up with to explain why he won't be on "Live Wire" (actually "Byte This") as scheduled.

 

Tough Enough was mentioned and Foley described his opinion of the show as being "ridiculous." He did say that he was happy for Al Snow playing such a major role in it, even though he (like many other legitimate wrestlers) disagrees with this method of farming talent.

 

 

pwtorch.com

Mick f'n rules. Period.

[Guest Human Fly]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

 

Maybe he doesn't want to do it. I didn't like the cafeteria food at my high school, but if they asked me to be a cook I would've said no. Mick is writing his books and if that's what he wants to do then so what?

[Guest Vern Gagne]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

Come on you know for a fact that HGH would of been right there next to Vince telling him how bad Foley's ideas where.

[Guest SP-1]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

I think Mick is just sick of what Vince is doing. I don't blame him if that's the case. I'm not sure I'd want to be associated with it in any way right now either if I were a former employee. As a fan, I'm not real sure I want to be associated with RAW right now after the last show.

 

No, I don't blame Mick at all. It appears he has more important things to do than save Vince McMahon from his own stupidity.

[Guest cynicalprofit]

Mick has a family to care, not vince.

[Guest AM The Kid]

HOORAY FOR MICK!

[Guest Kid Kablam]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

I think Mick A) Feels that he's been pissed on enough B) Dislikes Vince C) would feel like a hypocrite in front of his kids D) Knows that Vince won't really listen to him. I can't blame him personally.

[Guest AndrewTS]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

 

Maybe he doesn't want to do it. I didn't like the cafeteria food at my high school, but if they asked me to be a cook I would've said no. Mick is writing his books and if that's what he wants to do then so what?

Heyman and Mick would make a mere TWO voices of sanity in a booking room full of Stephie and her yes-men. He'd be wasting his time.

[Guest ShooterJay]

Do you think Mick is really disillusioned right now with what the WWF has turned out to be since he's left? If you read his book, the following points are made repeatedly.

 

1. The locker room is harmonious and jovial

2. Vince is a great guy who cares about his wrestlers.

3. Stephanie is a humble, happy, down-to-earth person.

4. In order to build a match correctly, opponents have to be billed as legit threats to each other.

5. Undertaker is a tough, unselfish, respected veteran.

 

 

How many of those really apply today? Zero.

[Guest AndrewTS]

Do you think Mick is really disillusioned right now with what the WWF has turned out to be since he's left. If you read his book, the following points are made repeatedly.

 

1. The locker room is harmonious and jovial

2. Vince is a great guy who cares about his wrestlers.

3. Stephanie is a humble, happy, down-to-earth person.

4. In order to build a match correctly, opponents have to be billed as legit threats to each other.

 

How many of those really apply today? Zero.

Let's see...

 

1. HAHAHAHHA!!

 

2. I think that's true unless you dare question him, or if you get on his shitlist for some reason.

 

3. HHH has clearly been a bad influence on her. I'd imagine lots of ego-stroking going on there.

 

4. Anglesault could give us a 20 minute promo on that..."DORK!"

[Guest deadbeater]

He is smart. He is waiting for Vince to give him the blank book and offer him the head writer job.

[Guest the pinjockey]

He is smart. He is waiting for Vince to give him the blank book and offer him the head writer job.

the blank book and the blank check that Goldberg is also waiting for.

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

Maybe he doesn't want to do it. I didn't like the cafeteria food at my high school, but if they asked me to be a cook I would've said no.

Yes, but that equation isn't really on the same wavelength here. To be like Foley here, you'd have to have about 10 years of experience as a restaurant Chef and still say no.

[Guest Pop Culture God]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

Come on you know for a fact that HGH would of been right there next to Vince telling him how bad Foley's ideas where.

Nope, because unlkie Russo NO ONE can detract from how much Mick has done for this company. His ideas would be seriouisly considered EVEN IF they were asinine. Mick was in a position to make a difference and he didn't.

 

I love ya Mick but seriously FUCK YOU.

[LaParkaYourCar 0]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

Come on you know for a fact that HGH would of been right there next to Vince telling him how bad Foley's ideas where.

Nope, because unlkie Russo NO ONE can detract from how much Mick has done for this company. His ideas would be seriouisly considered EVEN IF they were asinine. Mick was in a position to make a difference and he didn't.

 

I love ya Mick but seriously FUCK YOU.

I seriously don't think Mick could make much of a difference.

 

Vince asked him to be a consultant, but frankly Vince doesn't have much control of his own company as of late. Steph and HHH are running away with it and Foley knows this.

 

Foley is happy right now and doing what he's wanted to do. He doesn't want to help a man who doesn't really want help. He wants more yes-men so he can get more say in his own company.

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

Let me put it this way.

 

Although Foley was making bank from WCW, he'd be a rather unknown author if it wasn't for Vince. And don't give that ECW crap because no main could get over in the mainstream from ECW. That almost would go against their whole M.O.

 

Without a wrestling career to get his name into the public conciousness, nor a career to write a New York Times bestseller about, Mick would be nowhere writing-wise. Basically, Vince made Mick's little writing career.

 

And when the business that made you is in trouble and gives you an offer to help put things back on track, and you just decline and not only walk away, but go on tour and shoot on that business in public, then you're shitting on that business and you're shitting on everyone trying to make a living with it.

 

So fuck Mick.

[Guest SP-1]

Dude, if I were in Mick's position, I'd be doing the same thing. Call it what you will, but the business is crapping on itself. He's just pointing it out. And I really don't think that Mick's voice would get heard. Between daddy's little girl, Mister Glass Cieling, and the yes men to that Couple of Doom, Mick and Heyman are just outnumbered.

 

Like I've said before, the future of the WWE rests squarely on Vince recovering his set and being the boss. In my opinion, anyway. As always, there's tremendous room for error on all of our parts when it comes to the world of rumors, but even the on-air product points to this happening.

 

Shat breeds Shat. That's how it tends to work. Until someone comes along and makes it be fertilizer to produce something productive and healthy. Vince needs to be the gardner. Vince needs to be the boss. Until then, I don't blame anyone for refusing to come aboard.

 

That's my opinion.

 

-SP

[Guest thebigjig]

So Mick rails against the WWE product's direction, and then when he gets the chance to change things behind the scenes as a man whose dedication and drive even HHH cannot question...

 

And he says no. Fuck you Mick.

Come on you know for a fact that HGH would of been right there next to Vince telling him how bad Foley's ideas where.

Nope, because unlkie Russo NO ONE can detract from how much Mick has done for this company. His ideas would be seriouisly considered EVEN IF they were asinine. Mick was in a position to make a difference and he didn't.

 

I love ya Mick but seriously FUCK YOU.

Fuck Mick? Oh come on now, is that truly fair? It's obvious that Mick just simply doesn't have the passion for the business anymore and honestly I can't blame him. He's moved on... his passion is writing novels now. He's happy doing that and he's made enough money to last him a lifetime. More power to him.

[Guest Ram]

Because, you know, Mick hates all the fans, the business, and doesn't want to be helpful to anybody.

 

Yeah..okay. Mick turned down the Byte This! report because he doesn't want his writings to be associated with the current product. Although he might help improve it, the chances of his supervision working is slim as Vince has the final word. That means if Vince wants nasty porn, it'll happen, and it won't be good for Mick or his writing. He's best staying away from it completely. Plus, he'd probably have to do a lot of traveling. I'm sure he prefers staying at home a whole lot more.

 

How about we not jump the gun and just assume Mick's standing on all this..alright?

[Guest CanadianChick]

Who's we? There has only been one person who has argued against Mick's decision.

[Guest El Satanico]

Why should Foley be obligated to do whatever Vince asks of him? It isn't Foley's duty to try and help WWF save itself from Vince.

 

Anyone who believes that Foley could truly help WWeee as a consultant to the "creative" staff is delusional. Why would Vince listen to Foley about "creative" problems when he wouldn't even listen to Austin who was his only reliable money maker with Rock being Mr. Hollywood when he complained?

[Guest the pinjockey]

And when the business that made you is in trouble and gives you an offer to help put things back on track, and you just decline and not only walk away, but go on tour and shoot on that business in public, then you're shitting on that business and you're shitting on everyone trying to make a living with it.

 

So fuck Mick.

Mick Foley should own up to how Vince helped him. So that means Vince should remember people who helped make his company like Hulk Hogan, oh wait those Huckster skits were so respectful of the past, or Bret Hart, umm...yeah, or Steve Austin. The wrestling business shits all over history but when it is Vince who needs people from the past to help revitalize his company you should respect the past.

 

It is not fuck Mick Foley. FUCK Vince McMahon

[Guest jester]

Vince McMahon may have put Foley in a position to be famous, but it was Foley who did the work. He wrote his books, he also nearly crippled himself to entertain the fans.

 

Taking a job with WWE would mean another road schedule away from his family, it would mean putting up with endless politics, and it would in all likelihood mean a job with no real power.

 

My respect for Mick Foley will actually DROP if he goes back to work for WWE. He made the smart decision, and it was his right to make it.

[Guest Jobber of the Week]

He's moved on... his passion is writing novels now. He's happy doing that and he's made enough money to last him a lifetime. More power to him.

I see this sentiment echoed in several posts above as well and my point was that it's fine to turn down the offer or cancel the appearance, but to go and rag on the company in the same week is rude.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

He's moved on... his passion is writing novels now. He's happy doing that and he's made enough money to last him a lifetime. More power to him.

I see this sentiment echoed in several posts above as well and my point was that it's fine to turn down the offer or cancel the appearance, but to go and rag on the company in the same week is rude.

How is it rude. He was asked what he thought about the current product and he gave his honest opinion. Foley might not have been able to be so open on Byte This.

[Guest Mulatto Heat]

I would much rather Foley be honest to himself and to his fans than to return and be unhappy from the get-go and told what to say and do. I don't see how assessing the current product for WHAT IT IS is being rude and "ragging" on it. What do you want him to do, lie?

 

And as for refusing a return meriting "FUCK YOU"s, well, what did you expect, considering his last run? He came in and because of the abysmal writing, was almost immediately mishandled, and sometimes never utilized at all. This led to his pissed off rant just before Survivor Series 2001, and you could see how annoyed he was. He was barely there a month and he couldn't handle it. Why should he look forward to dealing with all that again?

[Guest EricMM]

Yeah like Mick Foley didn't give ANYTHING to the WWF when he left, when he retired.

 

Oh yeah, he practically MADE this new unestablished heel, HHH.

 

He was in Foley's two big matches, and mick lost both of them. He jobbed and jobbed and made money for WWF.

 

Fuck you for saying Mick should come back into this swamp. There's nothing he could do in the future that Vince can and won't do now. Period.

 

Foley was one of the most selfless men in this business. He never demanded he win in his home town, he never took a main angle and said "I'm not feeling it" and he only walked out once, and that was because of Montreal.

 

What more should he give. Should he give up his free time? His retirement? I feel bad about ragging on one person, but I really think you're in the wrong. He couldn't fix WWE, he could just screw himself up. He gave more to the biz than anyone else has, and he left with the most grace. Just because he is honest about the problem doesn't mean he would be allowed to fix it.

[Guest Pop Culture God]

I NEVER said Mick didn't give anything to the WWE. I even used Mick's sacrifice as a reason that HGH couldn't detract him. DON'T PUT WORDS IN MY MOUTH.

 

Mick really wouldn't be anything without the WWE or wrestling on the whole. He would be a man working to feed his family not a retired and well-off writer. Mick has an obligation to wrestling and to the fans to whom he has shown so much to in the past. Mick we don't want a Nestea plunge from you, we just want you to try and be a voice of reason. So what if they don't listen to you? YOU'LL BE GETTING PAID TO GIVE YOUR OPINION TO VINNIE MAC, NOTHING MORE. Really, isn't that EVERY smark's dream?