My dream interview with Mick Foley

Despite being all bruised and battered (actually in part because of) Mick Foley’s body of work is one that I greatly admire. Strangely enough even more than Jennifer Aniston’s, though for totally different reasons. As a professional wrestler Foley was better known as Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love. He’s a member of the WWE Hall of Fame and a number one New York Times best-selling author. He’s a legend in the wrestling industry, the Hardcore Legend to be exact, but his talents stretch way beyond the squared circle.

It wasn’t the headlocks or body slams that made Foley a favorite wrestler of mine; but his character development. Some refer to pro wrestling as a male soap opera, and if that’s the case then Foley as Mankind and his multiple other personalities was the leading man. His performances as a deranged individual who thrived on pain were masterful. Foley created compelling television whether you’re a wrestling fan or not, at least I think so. I’m a wrestling fan so I wouldn’t know for sure. He was willing to do anything…ANYTHING to entertain the audience, with little or no concern of the physical toll it took on his body. Foley would break through flaming tables, wrap himself in barbed wire or fall into mound of thumbtacks to make sure nobody went home disappointed.

Due to Foley’s many accomplishments, I hold him in high regard, which is why it was such a thrill to have the opportunity to interview him. I’ve watched countless hours of him on television, read all of his books and admittedly have a picture of him in my room. He’s sold-out arenas all across the world, been interviewed by the likes of Katie Couric (twice), and mind you is a New York Times best selling author so, why would Mick Foley ever talk to me? Who am I? I’m a small town boy who covers senior citizen luncheons and high school plays. I watch the national networks, not talk to people whose been on them.

Another factor of Foley’s career that made him so appealing was being relatable to the common man. He grew up with dreams of being a wrestling superstar, but didn’t exactly have the body for it. To make up for his lack of physical prowess, Foley learned how to absorb lots of physical punishment. If he could make his dreams come true and become a WWE world heavyweight champion, anyone could achieve their highest aspirations.

I’m far from a prolific writer, and am below poverty level because I can’t abandon the dream of one day becoming a successful writer. By giving me just a few minutes of his time, Mick Foley made me feel like a champion.

Here it is: Mick Foley Interview