Mick Foley is not the most obvious pro wrestling superstar. He never had huge muscles or movie-star good looks. He frankly looked more like your slightly eccentric, friendly next-door neighbour.
Despite all this, Foley became one of the biggest names ever based on incredible charisma, playing unique characters and taking physical risks few others would do.
Foley was recently in Ottawa at Yuk Yuk’s, presenting his one-man show, 40 Years of Foley.
The first thing a person noticed about the crowd was that it was ninety-five percent dudes. Many were wearing t-shirts showing their fandom for Foley.
Foley came out in his trademark sweatpants, fanny pack and colourful Hawaiian shirt.
The first story Foley told was about his family’s visit to Disney World. At age sixty, Foley was not shy to don big Mickey Mouse ears for the family trip.
He quickly delved into wrestling stories. He shared how he got his big break wrestling for World Championship Wrestling. Foley and his partner faced off against the Steiner Brothers, perhaps the most fearsome tag team in wrestling history.
Foley became well-known for a specific type of match, known as Hardcore. Foley recounted a Hardcore match against Terry Funk in Japan that featured barbed wire and exploding fire crackers. Just another day at the office!
I consider myself a big wrestling fan, but the knowledge of many in the crowd was next-level. One fan in the front row seemed to know literally every match in Foley’s career and maybe even what he ate for breakfast.
Soon enough, Foley launched into what could be considered his greatest hit. I am referring to the infamous Hell in a Cell match with The Undertaker. In that match, Foley would literally risk life and limb. Even though many wrestling fans know almost every detail about the match, Foley sharing his experience gave it special meaning.
After the talk, Foley left time for a Q&A session. One obvious thing was the genuine love he had for his fans. The questions ranged from wrestling related to the more personal. Foley was gracious in answering every question with depth and thought.
Even my wife, who is not the most diehard wrestling fan, enjoyed the evening and found Foley to be warm and funny.
If Foley comes around Ottawa for a 50th anniversary tour, I would highly recommend it.
For more information about future events at Yuk Yuk’s Ottawa, visit www.yukyuks.com/ottawawest
Photo: RealMickFoley, Facebook
