About Mick Foley
Michael Francis Foley
Ring Name(s):
- Mick Foley
- Mankind
- Cactus Jack
- Dude Love
- The Hardcore Legend
- Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy
Date of Birth:
June 7, 1965
Place of Birth:
Bloomington, Indiana, USA
Height:
6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight:
287 lb (130 kg)
Early Life and Background:
Mick Foley grew up in Setauket, New York, and attended Ward Melville High School where he was classmates with actor Kevin James. A lifelong wrestling fan, Foley was inspired to become a wrestler after attending a 1983 match between Jimmy Snuka and Don Muraco at Madison Square Garden—he even jumped off a roof during a homemade wrestling video to imitate Snuka’s style.
He trained under Dominic DeNucci and wrestled on the independent circuit while working various odd jobs, often sleeping in his car to make ends meet.
Professional Wrestling Career:
Debut:
1983
Early Career & Cactus Jack (1980s–1995):
Foley made a name for himself under the persona Cactus Jack, a wild, unhinged brawler known for extreme violence and disregard for his own body.
- Competed in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), Continental, and WCW.
- Had violent, high-profile feuds in WCW, notably with Sting, Vader, and The Nasty Boys.
- Lost part of his right ear in a 1994 match against Vader in Germany due to getting tangled in the ring ropes.
Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW):
- 1994–1996
- Showcased emotional promos that blended fiction and reality, earning acclaim.
- Helped build ECW’s reputation as an alternative, edgy wrestling product.
- Famous feud with Terry Funk, with whom he’d later work in WWE.
WWE (WWF) Career: 1996–2001, Later Appearances
Foley joined WWE in 1996 as Mankind, a deranged, mask-wearing character with a tortured soul and love of pain. Over time, he introduced multiple personas that coexisted, highlighting his versatility and creativity.
Three Faces of Foley:
- Mankind – A dark, disturbed loner with a mask and psychological issues. Debuted feuding with The Undertaker.
- Cactus Jack – His original persona, used for hardcore matches. Debuted in WWE in 1997.
- Dude Love – A peace-loving, 1970s-inspired hippie character created by Foley as a teenager.
All three characters famously appeared in the 1998 Royal Rumble, entering as separate contestants.
Career Highlights in WWE:
- 3× WWF Champion
- 8× WWF Tag Team Champion
(with The Rock, Steve Austin, Kane, Al Snow, and Chainsaw Charlie/Terry Funk) - 1× WWF Hardcore Champion
- Known for being a fan favorite due to his underdog spirit and willingness to sacrifice his body.
Iconic Matches & Moments:
Hell in a Cell – King of the Ring 1998 vs. The Undertaker
- Thrown off the top of the cell (16+ feet) and later chokeslammed through the cell roof.
- Continued the match despite serious injuries including a dislocated shoulder, knocked-out teeth, and a concussion.
- Cemented his legacy as “The Hardcore Legend.”
This Is Your Life (with The Rock)
- A comedy segment with The Rock on Raw is War in 1999, which became one of the highest-rated segments in Raw history.
Feud with The Rock (1999)
- Their “I Quit” match at the 1999 Royal Rumble was brutal, with Foley absorbing 11 unprotected chair shots to the head.
- This feud helped establish both men as main-event talents.
Mick Foley as Commissioner (2000–2001):
- Served as an on-screen authority figure known for his wit, flannel shirts, and comical backstage segments.
Post-Wrestling Career:
Author:
Mick Foley is a New York Times bestselling author, praised for his storytelling and humor.
- Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks (1999) – His autobiography, written in longhand, topped bestseller lists.
- Other books:
- Foley Is Good
- The Hardcore Diaries
- Countdown to Lockdown
- Several children’s books and a novel (Tietam Brown)
Activism and Charity:
- Longtime supporter of RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Vocal advocate for social justice, victims’ rights, and wrestler safety.
Comedy and Acting:
- Stand-up comedy tours
- TV guest appearances (e.g., 30 Rock, Boy Meets World, Celebrity Wife Swap)
- Participated in documentaries such as Beyond the Mat and WWE 24/7
Legacy:
Foley is considered one of the most beloved and respected figures in wrestling history—not just for his in-ring toughness, but also for his heart, humility, and wit. He proved that charisma and storytelling could overcome physical limitations and reshaped what it meant to be a main-event talent.
Signature Moves:
- Mandible Claw (main finisher as Mankind)
- Double-armed DDT
- Cactus Elbow (elbow drop from apron to the floor)
- Running knee into opponent’s face in the corner
Championships Summary:
WWE (WWF):
- 3× WWF Champion
- 1× WWF Hardcore Champion
- 8× WWF Tag Team Champion
- WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2013
Personal Life:
- Married to Colette Foley (since 1992)
- Father of four, including Dewey Foley (who works as a writer/producer for WWE) and Noelle Foley (social media personality)
- Known for his genuine kindness, fan engagement, and storytelling ability
Nickname:
“The Hardcore Legend”
Famous Quote:
“Have a nice day!”
“Bang Bang!”
“Mrs. Foley’s baby boy has done it!”
Fun Facts:
- Rarely wore traditional wrestling gear; preferred sweatpants, boots, and a T-shirt/flannel look
- First wrestler to win the WWF Championship on Monday Night Raw
- His title win on January 4, 1999, famously turned the tide in the Monday Night Wars
- Deeply respected backstage for mentoring young talent and promoting mental wellness
