50 Facts About Mick Foley

Early Life and Inspirations

Mick Foley's journey to wrestling greatness began with humble roots and a pivotal moment of inspiration.

1. Early Life: Born Michael Francis Foley on June 7, 1965, in Bloomington, Indiana, Foley moved to East Setauket, Long Island, shortly after birth.
2. Family Background: Foley is of Irish descent and has an older brother named John.
3. Education: He attended Ward Melville High School, where he was a classmate and wrestling teammate of actor Kevin James.
4. Inspiration to Pursue Wrestling: Foley's dream of becoming a professional wrestler sparked after watching "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka in a steel cage match at Madison Square Garden in 1983.
5. College Education: Foley attended the State University of New York at Cortland, earning a degree in communications while training for professional wrestling.

Wrestling Personas and Career Milestones

Foley's ability to create and embody multiple wrestling personas set him apart in the wrestling world.

6. Early Wrestling Career: Foley debuted in 1983, initially appearing as a jobber named Nick or Jack Foley in WWF television tapings.
7. Cactus Jack Persona: Foley's early career saw him wrestling as Cactus Jack, a bloodthirsty brawler from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
8. WCW and ECW Tenure: From 1991 to 1996, Foley worked for WCW and ECW, feuding with wrestlers like Abdullah the Butcher and Big Van Vader.
9. Mankind Persona: In 1996, Foley debuted in the WWF as Mankind, an eerie, masochistic lunatic who often dwelled in mechanical rooms.
10. Dude Love Persona: In 1997, Foley introduced Dude Love, a fun-loving, jive-talking hippie who wore tie-dyed shirts.
11. Three Faces of Foley: Foley's ability to portray Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love earned him the nickname "The Three Faces of Foley."

Achievements and Notable Matches

Foley's wrestling career is marked by numerous titles and unforgettable matches.

12. WWF/WWE Career: Foley won three WWF Championships and was the inaugural WWF Hardcore Champion.
13. Physical Toll: His dedicated and physical style of wrestling earned him the moniker "The Hardcore Legend."
14. Wrestling Titles: Foley held numerous titles, including three WWF Championships, eight WWF Tag Team Championships, and one WCW World Tag Team Championship.
15. Induction into WWE Hall of Fame: Foley was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2013.
16. Hell in a Cell Match: His 1998 Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker is considered one of the greatest matches in wrestling history.

Literary Contributions

Beyond wrestling, Foley has made significant contributions as an author.

17. Authorial Career: Foley's first book, "Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks," became a New York Times bestseller in 1999.
18. Writing Style: Foley is known for writing most of his books by hand.
19. Memoirs: His memoirs offer a deep dive into his past and the world of professional wrestling.
20. Children’s Books: Foley has written four children’s books, showcasing his ability to connect with younger audiences.
21. Novels: Foley has penned two novels, blending elements of his wrestling career with fictional narratives.

Transition to Stand-Up Comedy and Acting

Foley's talents extend beyond wrestling and writing into comedy and acting.

22. Stand-Up Comedy Career: Foley transitioned to stand-up comedy in 2009, entertaining audiences with humorous tales from his life.
23. Comedy Festivals: He has earned rave reviews for his comedy sets at festivals like "Just for Laughs" in Montreal and the "Edinburgh Fringe Fest."
24. Acting Career: Foley has appeared in various films and TV shows, including "30 Rock" and "Boy Meets World."
25. Documentary Appearance: Foley was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary "Beyond the Mat."
26. Voice Work: Foley has done voice work on animated shows like "Squidbillies" and "Avatar: the Last Airbender."

Personal Life and Advocacy

Foley's personal life and advocacy work highlight his commitment to making a positive impact.

27. Family Life: Foley lives with his wife and four children on Long Island.
28. RAINN Advocacy: Foley has been an advocate for RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization.
29. Wrestler Safety Advocacy: Foley has pushed for better safety measures and medical care for wrestlers.
30. Innovative Artists Representation: Foley is represented by Innovative Artists, helping him navigate the entertainment industry.
31. Public Speaking Engagements: Foley has spoken at respected colleges and universities, sharing his experiences and insights.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Foley's legacy extends beyond wrestling, marked by his philanthropic efforts and lasting impact on entertainment.

32. Philanthropic Work: The Foley family has sponsored children with Child-Fund International for over two decades.
33. Wrestling Legacy: Foley is remembered for his daredevil antics, ability to connect with audiences, and contributions to wrestling's evolution.
34. Impact on Attitude Era: Foley played a significant role in the WWF's Attitude Era, known for its edgy content.
35. Feud with The Rock: Foley’s rivalry with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson resulted in some of wrestling's most iconic moments.
36. Cactus Jack’s Achievements: As Cactus Jack, Foley won the 1995 "King of the Deathmatch" tournament in Yokohama, Japan.
37. Mankind’s Achievements: As Mankind, Foley was a three-time WWE Champion, known for his brutal Hell in a Cell match against The Undertaker.
38. Dude Love’s Achievements: As Dude Love, Foley debuted as Steve Austin's tag team partner in a title match.
39. Independent Circuit Work: Before WCW and ECW, Foley worked on the independent circuit as Cactus Jack.
40. WCW Tenure: Foley’s time in WCW saw him feud with wrestlers like Abdullah the Butcher and Big Van Vader.
41. ECW Tenure: Foley’s tenure in ECW was marked by intense feuds and physically demanding matches.
42. TNA Tenure: Foley’s time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) was creative and fulfilling.

Relationships and Pop Culture

Foley's connections and appearances in pop culture further cement his status as a beloved figure.

43. Speed Dial Contacts: Foley’s phone includes contacts like Trish Stratus and Melina, highlighting his respected status among wrestlers.

44. Friendship with Kevin James: Foley has a genuine friendship with actor Kevin James, dating back to high school.

45. Montreal Screwjob Incident: Foley was involved in the infamous Montreal Screwjob, leading to his departure from the WWF.

46. Legacy in Entertainment: Foley’s legacy extends beyond wrestling, with significant contributions to acting, comedy, and writing.

47. Good Morning America: Foley has made appearances on "Good Morning America," discussing topics ranging from his wrestling career to his advocacy work.

48. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Foley has made several guest appearances on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," including a memorable segment where he discussed his wrestling career and personal life.

49. Late Night with Conan O’Brien: Foley has also appeared on "Late Night with Conan O’Brien," sharing humorous anecdotes and stories about his wrestling days.

50. Celebrity Wife Swap: In 2012, Foley appeared in an episode of "Celebrity Wife Swap," showcasing his ability to adapt to different roles and environments.

Mick Foley: A True Wrestling Legend

Mick Foley's career is nothing short of legendary. From his early days as Cactus Jack to his unforgettable moments as Mankind and Dude Love, Foley's impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. His daring stunts, like the infamous Hell in a Cell match, showcased his dedication and fearlessness. Beyond wrestling, Foley's talents as an author, comedian, and actor have further solidified his place in entertainment history. His advocacy work, especially with RAINN, highlights his commitment to making a difference. Foley's versatility, charisma, and genuine personality have endeared him to fans worldwide. Whether in the ring, on stage, or through his writing, Mick Foley continues to inspire and entertain. His legacy as "The Hardcore Legend" will forever be remembered, proving that he's more than just a wrestler—he's an icon.