When it comes to wrestling, the story can never be complete without mentioning Mick Foley. He is one of the greatest figures of all time in the Wrestling Business. He is not just a WWE Hall of Famer and a Hardcore Legend but also an unbeatable showstopper. It is no surprise that he is always on the list when the absolute best wrestlers are discussed. He has shown the stuff he is made up of, and here is my list of 10 of his greatest matches.
10. Cactus Jack vs. Sting (1992 – Beach Blast)
Beach Blast was the inaugural Beach Blast professional wrestling pay-per-view event presented by World Championship Wrestling (WCW). It took place on June 20, 1992, in the Mobile Civic Center in Mobile, Alabama.
Sting was relishing his reign as WCW World Champion when he ran into a wrestler named Cactus Jack Manson.
It was Foley’s first significant event, and he did more than take hold of the opportunity, winning more fans in the process. Not exactly a technical wrestling masterpiece, but perhaps the best WCW brawl of that era that goes all over the arena.
9. Mick Foley vs. Vader (1993 – Halloween Havoc)
The moment Foley chose to work with the Cactus Jack character, his fights were noticeably more challenging and more brutal. Hence, when you blend that with the fairly energetic Vader, there will be no surprise that the result was an atomic one.
8. Mick Foley vs. Randy Orton (2004 – Backlash)
That was incredibly wild. I thought the match was outstanding for both hardcore and casual wrestling fans. It was also a memorable match because Foley put Randy Orton over huge. The biggest win of Randy Orton’s career. It was excellent stuff. Major props to Mick Foley for being so good in his first singles match in over four years and to Randy Orton for putting on the best show of his career. Keep in mind that Randy Orton was only 24 years old at the time, so it’s remarkable that he was part of such a great match early in his career.
7. Mick Foley vs. Sabu (1995 – Holiday Hell)
Understandably, many of Mick Foley’s fans remember his WCW and WWE events; there is no doubt he unleashed exceptional brutality at his ECW days too. When he battled Sabu in 1995, it was violent. Mick commenced gently, then built up energy. If there was an event that indeed established him as the Hardcore Legend, it is this one. Thank you, Paul!
6. Mick Foley vs. Triple H (2000 – No Way Out)
Not many writers pay much attention to this bout, but it is most interesting considering how he handled the much-touted Undertaker. It was not the first time Mick Foley crashed right through the roof in his professional career, but he made the best of it. I guess Triple H became Triple H due to his rivalry with Mick Foley.
5. Mick Foley vs Edge (WrestleMania 22)
I loved how they came up with imaginative ways to have the most hardcore match ever in WrestleMania history. It started with Edge going for his signature move, Spear, but Mick had barb wire (barbie) wrapped around his waist. Who does that kind of thing? Only a Hardcore legend like Mick Foley. That led to Edge visually bleeding by the arm, and Foley followed that with a clothesline on Edge while Lita was trembling on his back. What an incredible start to this match. The ending was fantastic. I’ve run out of words to use to describe it. This was indeed the highlight of Wrestlemania 22.
4. Mick Foley vs. The Rock (1999 – Royal Rumble)
Those who were lucky enough to watch this match at that time can never forget it, and that is primarily because of its outstanding level of brutality. It is one of the most brutal Mick Foley matches to watch; it was just too gory and violent. The Rock proved he can turn hardcore when needed by destroying Mick Foley in the ring.
3. Mick Foley vs. Shawn Michaels (1996 – In Your House: Mind Games)
It’s an excellent match that is arguably the greatest match in WWE history that doesn’t have a clean ending. Mick Foley engaged Shawn Michaels all through the bout, delivering unmatched entertainment and suspense to the audience.
2. Mick Foley vs. The Undertaker (1998 – King of the Ring)
This is a list that shows that Mick Foley is always in his element as a wrestler, but it cannot be said to be full without mentioning this shocking and brutal match. Foley took many hits in this match, but viewers will never forget the fact that Foley did not give up. JR on commentary was gold.
1. Mick Foley vs. Triple H (2000 – Royal Rumble)
This is his most fantastic bout with Triple H. Mick Foley was an exclusive Cactus Jack in this fight, and they battled wildly and even made use of dangerous items. This was such a successful fight for Foley that it ended with the crowd chanting his name, FOLEY, FOLEY, FOLEY!
