Foley Is Blog: Cheap heat?

[Downhome 0]

He usually says something interesting in his blog on WWE.com, so why not a OAO thread for it. His latest thread is talking about cheap heat, the stuff about Eddie that we've been seeing on Smackdown:

 

Foley is Blog: Cheap heat?

By Mick Foley

February 8, 2006

 

 

I know I promised to share some thoughts on Ric Flair this week, but I honestly feel that I need to address a subject that is more urgent. Like a lot of you, I had some strong feelings about last Friday’s “Eddie’s in Hell” episode of SmackDown, Apparently, some of my fellow WWE performers feel like I have a certain amount of “juice” in the company, and I feel like my thoughts will probably echo, to some degree, what is on their minds.

 

To a large degree, I am enjoying writing “Foley is Blog.” I hope you’ve enjoyed it as well. But, in a certain sense, I regret trying to manufacture controversy in order to get people interested in my web log. To be honest with you, the Flair piece was going to be a classic case of bait and switch, as I would bait the reader with the prospect for juicy Foley rebuttal to Flair’s criticisms of me and then switch to a largely complimentary analysis of Ric’s recent in-ring performance. So, for those of you who are interested in such an article, I will try to deliver it next week.

 

I also wonder if my following concerns might be more appropriately expressed in a personal phone call to Vince McMahon.

 

Before last Friday Night’s SmackDown, the Rey Mysterio/Eddie Guerrero stuff made me feel a little … weird. And not “weird in a good way,” either. More like weird in an uncomfortable way. Weird in an “I’m not sure this should really be on a wrestling show” way.

 

I know there has been a lot of talk since Eddie’s death about what Eddie would have wanted. I really don’t know. I didn’t truly know Eddie well enough to make that call. I had known Eddie for more than 10 years, though. I considered him a friend, and deep down, like most people who knew him, I genuinely liked him a lot. I can’t say with any certainty whether Eddie would have wanted his memory to be such a large part of the current SmackDown product.

 

I was truly blessed to have been Eddie’s roommate on the December 2004 SmackDown tour of Iraq. It had been quite a while since I’d had a roommate in WWE. Sure, I’ve been a notorious cheapskate on the road for many years — and many of the legendary tales of my thriftiness are not altogether undeserved. I will confess to sleeping on the cot at the Red Roof while representing the WWE as world champion, and I am the proud initiator of “Foley’s Four Hour Doctrine,” which settles the hotel vs. airport debate at a strict four hour limit. More than four hours before a wake up call for an early flight: hotel. Less than four hours: airport. You can read a book, listen to music, watch a DVD, (although I never owned a DVD player when traveling), and catch a nap. Just don’t waste hard-earned money on such a short hotel stay.

 

I’ve mellowed over the years. Father Time seemed to release the vice-like grip I’d had on my wallet for so many years. I traveled less, learned to love the tranquility of solitary, 200-mile drives, and learned that sleep was far more fruitful when not accompanied by drunken voices, loud sex, police sirens and the occasional gunshot. So, over the years, I grew out of the habit of rooming with anyone — to the point where I actually feared the potential of such an occurrence.

 

Such an occurrence was inevitable in Iraq. I shudder to think of the sounds that would come out of Big Show’s body. I shuddered as well at the prospect of the words that would come out of JBL’s mouth. Fortunately, I got Eddie. I may not have known Eddie as well as I might have, but I remember breathing a sigh of relief when “Foley and Guererro” was announced. For Eddie Guerrero was respected and admired not only for his incredible in-ring abilities, but also for his kindness, soft-spoken demeanor and deep faith.

 

We stayed up late the first night talking not only of wrestling, but of God and family as well. Actually, I’m not sure we talked about wrestling at all.

 

So often in life, we fail to tell people who are important to us just how we feel about them until it’s too late. Upon hearing of Eddie’s death, my sole source of comfort (other than firmly believing that Eddie Guerrero is in a better place) was that I had not been a victim of that failure. I had been able to tell Eddie how much I had enjoyed spending time with him and getting to know him better.

 

No, I didn’t know Eddie as well as some. And, as I mentioned earlier, I’m not an expert on what Eddie would have wanted. But, I have to believe that what Eddie would have wanted — and what we gave him last Friday on SmackDown — are two very different things.

 

I do not believe that Eddie’s wife appreciated the “Eddie’s in Hell” declaration. She just lost her husband. Mourning his loss is difficult enough.

 

I do not believe that Randy Orton needs this type of cheap heat to be effective. No one knows better than I that Randy is an incredible talent. He can wrestle, he can talk, and he exudes an extreme brand of cockiness in the ring that makes him a natural bad guy. He doesn’t need this.

 

I’m not against having Eddie’s memory as an enduring legacy of SmackDown. I was touched by Batista’s recent heartfelt words, and I don’t doubt for a moment that Rey Mysterio feels genuinely motivated by his late mentor’s spirit. And as I’ve told Chavo on a few different occasions, I considered the frog splash a tribute to Eddie on the night of his death to be one WWE’s truly great moments.

 

But the recent SmackDown episode did not honor his legacy, it exploited his death. I hope it will end, and the sooner the better. For by exploiting his death we achieve what I thought wouldn’t be possible: We cheapen his life.

 

One can not help but wonder if all of this ties in together, just to get more publicity. Would WWE really allow that to be posted if they didn't want the controversy out in the open? That makes the entire thing that much more disgusting, if it's true.

[hyperchord24 0]

I believe WWE.com works independently of the McMahons, judging by the fact that HHH did not like the fact that they admitted that he was married to Steph and he wanted the pre-raw pics taken down. Although, I have seen a lot of fluff, mainly interviews with wrestlers that are in kayfabe mode to the point that I really wonder if it's them or just a ghost writer.

 

Then again, they've tried everything to get Orton over, so this may all be part and parcel. Mick may not have been told to "shoot" about the whole situation to drum up heel heat for Orton, but rather he may have just been told to say how he feels, no holds barred, and the staff liked it as is and hoped it incites hatred toward Orton.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

The south park episode where Cartman goes back in time for a history project in the midst of a pro/anti war debate in the town where the resolution is "having your cake and eating it to" (where there is one side to favour war, and the side to be against it which shows a balance and a certain goodness in American life) may be appropriate in this instance when it comes to the WWE and allowing Foley to speak out against the angle.

[snuffbox 0]

I really dont think that this blog was used (even in a roundabout way) to get more heat for Randy Orton. The only mentions of Orton were either complimentary or exposing of the cheap heat tactic itself. It clearly does nothing for Orton getting over as a heel.

 

Not that the wwe knows how to get heat for Randy anyway...

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Though I think very highly of Mick Foleys abilities to get people over, since Foley/Orton had at least one moment that made me actually believe it was real (however short that moment was, still a very rare thing to do esp. in the WWE), I really can't see Foley bringing anything like that out of Edge. Why would the two hate each other?

[CanadianChick 0]

Though I think very highly of Mick Foleys abilities to get people over, since Foley/Orton had at least one moment that made me actually believe it was real (however short that moment was, still a very rare thing to do esp. in the WWE), I really can't see Foley bringing anything like that out of Edge. Why would the two hate each other?

 

Because maybe Foley doesn't think that sodas rule?

 

But they should have to explain why Edge cares if Foley is the guest ref. Why should he? They were never really enemies.

[Guest TheGreatWesuke]

Thanks for posting this, I never visit WWE.com and had no idea Foley even had a blog there!

[bobobrazil1984 0]

i think foley's a big enough name that he can get away with it, as long as he doesnt accuse Vince of fucking children or whatnot.

 

meh, vince would probably find a way to make that into a tasteless angle. and the defenders will point to a CSI episode with a child molester.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

That's the thing, when I think of Foley and Edge, I think of Commish Foley goofin around with Edge and Christian. That doesn't really get the blood boilin.

[2GOLD 0]

Though I think very highly of Mick Foleys abilities to get people over, since Foley/Orton had at least one moment that made me actually believe it was real (however short that moment was, still a very rare thing to do esp. in the WWE), I really can't see Foley bringing anything like that out of Edge. Why would the two hate each other?

 

Because maybe Foley doesn't think that sodas rule?

 

But they should have to explain why Edge cares if Foley is the guest ref. Why should he? They were never really enemies.

 

Because Edge is bad and Mick is good. Edge has great hair, Mick has horrible hair. Other than that, I have no clue why he should give a damn.

[AndrewTS 0]

"I regret trying to manufacture controversy in order to get people interested in my web log."

 

Yeah, right.

 

"But the recent SmackDown episode did not honor his legacy, it exploited his death. I hope it will end, and the sooner the better."

 

And in the end, we get a toothless wish. It happened well before it was announced that he'd be back on TV to take part in an angle.

 

Of course, it wouldn't be the first time Foley actively bitched about the direction of WWE and then showed up to collect a paycheck regardless.

[stahl 0]

Edge called Mick a transitional champ in a promo from a previous show. That is probably the basis of their feud.

[Guest JRE]

That's the thing, when I think of Foley and Edge, I think of Commish Foley goofin around with Edge and Christian. That doesn't really get the blood boilin.

 

But Foley always screwed around with them. If you remember...Foley got a Con-Chair-To from Edge and Christian at the end of his first Commish reign. And um...Edge called Foley a transitional champion a few weeks ago.

 

Sorta works.

[Enigma 0]

But Edge was just telling the truth. In Foley's 3 WWF Title reigns, he only had the belt a combined 46 days.

 

1st title teign = 26 days

 

2nd title reign = 19 days

 

3rd title reign = 1 day

[Downhome 0]

Edge called Mick a transitional champ in a promo from a previous show. That is probably the basis of their feud.

 

Nothing like that, or what Foley said in a previous blog (about him feeling sorry for Edge), will be mentioned on TV. The entire basis of their "feud" will be what happens this coming Monday on RAW.

 

Mick will either accidently cause Edge to lose (or not, maybe Edge will just be distracted by him and Cena will roll him up), or he'll be totally fair but Edge will be pissed that he still counted the three.

[iliketurtles 0]

I'm very surprised by Mick Foley shooting on WWE.com and them letting him get away with it, but I'm glad he said it.

 

I'm also he spoke up about Rey dedicating everything to Eddie as well because it is weird watching. And I do feel uncomfortable to be honest watching as a fan as well at times when I see Rey turning his career into an Eddie Guerrero Memorial Show.

 

And this definately shows proof that the dirty sheets reporting that there's tons of backstage heat over this and considering the way everyone looks up to Foley and his positioning with WWE, if anyone can get away with saying this, it's him.

[SuperJerk 0]

Though I think very highly of Mick Foleys abilities to get people over, since Foley/Orton had at least one moment that made me actually believe it was real (however short that moment was, still a very rare thing to do esp. in the WWE), I really can't see Foley bringing anything like that out of Edge. Why would the two hate each other?

 

Because maybe Foley doesn't think that sodas rule?

 

Don't forget about kazoos.

[EdwardKnoxII 0]

Though I think very highly of Mick Foleys abilities to get people over, since Foley/Orton had at least one moment that made me actually believe it was real (however short that moment was, still a very rare thing to do esp. in the WWE), I really can't see Foley bringing anything like that out of Edge. Why would the two hate each other?

 

Because maybe Foley doesn't think that sodas rule?

 

Don't forget about kazoos.

 

And making Christian wear a chicken suit to lose weight.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Edge: You were nothing but a transitional champion.

Foley: Oh diss. Well, you were a transitional champion too. Ha ha.

Edge: Oh no you didn't

Foley: Oh yes I did

Edge: Grrr, I'll show you Foley. I will prove I wasn't a transitional champion by beating you.

Foley: And I will prove... that... um... you ARE a transitional champion, like me, by, um, beating you.

*Ronnie Garvin runs in and does the Garvin Stomp on Lita*

[The Thread Killer 0]

I used to love Mick Foley.

 

I wasn't any bandwagon jumper either. I followed Foley during his first WCW run...when I saw Sting kick his ass during his infamous "sit down" strike. I loved his Tag Team with Max Pain, and actually paid real money for Spring Stampede 1994 to see the Street Fight with the Nasty Boys. Being a fan of both ECW and IWA/FMW I followed him after WCW. King of the Death Match was the first Japanese Tape I ever bought. I was thrilled when he came to the WWF as Mankind, loved the feud with Taker, and was there watching for his career peak in 1997-2000. I own an autographed first addition of "Have A Nice Day." I wasn't upset when he came out of retirement at WM2000 to be in the Main Event. I own "The Three Faces of Foley" "Hard Knocks and Cheap Pops" and "Greatest Hits and Misses." I've paid a great deal of money to see his DVD's and tapes, get his books, and see him live.

 

Around the time "Foley is Good" came out, I started to get a little tired of Mick. His bitching about all sorts of things in that book, and the fact that it was half sermon defending Vince McMahon, and half attempt to make money from the people who bought Have A Nice Day bugged me. The fact that he constantly refers to his fans as losers who have no life and no girlfriend started to bug me. My wife is plenty hot, thanks Mick...and she liked you too.

 

Then he started showing up everytime he had something to pimp. He wrote two or three new books, and there he was on WWE television pimping them. He came back to fight Randy Orton...somebody who I thought didn't deserve half the rub that Foley gave him. He started to look less and less like the Hardcore Legend and more and more like the cheap shill that he is.

 

When he turned down a chance to help TNA, and went back to Vince, even though he was sick about the WWE direction, that sealed it for me. The man wasn't getting another dime from me. He's already a zillionaire, his constant greed was getting under my skin. I felt like he needed to shut the fuck up and go away. I felt he was turning into a bloated pimp who looked nothing like the man who won the King of the Death Match, cut the "Cane Dewey" promo, or even who fought Triple H at Madison Square Garden twice.

 

I heard he was planning on fighting at WM this year, and for the first time as a one time Foley fan, I didn't give a shit.

 

Then I read this on WWE.com.

 

He might be a greedy pimp and a shill, but it's nice to know he still has morals and will stand up for them.

 

Thanks again, Mick.

[Art Sandusky 0]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat! The old master has spoken!

[Downhome 0]

The latest blog has a really cool blurb:

 

http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/mickfoley/foleyisblog

 

One last parting image for you: Imagine my surprise when I saw who I was sitting next to me for the 15-hour flight from Manila to Los Angeles: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

 

“Ric, this can’t be how you imagined spending your birthday,” I said.

 

At that point, both John Cena and Triple H independently volunteered to switch seats in an attempt to break up the newly formed Flair-Foley merger. To their mutual surprise, we both declined the request. And to just about everyone’s surprise (including my own), Ric Flair and I talked for several hours. We did discuss our differences, but we also talked about family and politics, with Ric discussing his possible run for North Carolina governor and me discussing my long-range goal of becoming United States ambassador to the Philippines.

 

Hey, I’ll admit to not being all that comfortable at first. But I did enjoy myself, and I think Ric did, too. That’s good because upon entering United Airlines Flight No. 212 from Los Angeles to Washington, I looked at my boarding pass: 1-B. Who do you think was sitting in 1-A? Woooo!

[Guest Damn You Helmsley]

Mick Foley really does remind me of Kevin Smith. Fat, bearded, rent-a-quote who nearly always contradicts himself. That Foley keeps coming back to the ring says as much as Smith going back to Clerks.