Real Name:
Mick Foley
Nickname: Mad Mick Foley, Mrs. Foley's Baby Boy, Nick Foley, Cactus Jack,
Mankind, Dude Love
Birthdate: 06/07/65
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 297 lbs
Signature Moves: Double Arm DDT, Running Lariat, Swinging Armdrag,
Hiptoss, Mandible Claw
Biography
Mick Foley is a man who will never be
forgotten in the wrestling world. In his masochistic heyday it seemed like
destroying himself was on the top of Things To Do Today. Mick have calmed down
since then, but he still can put up excellent matches, where he shows that he is
willing to do anything, his microphone skills are also extraordinary.
The beginning
Mick Foley wanted to become a pro wrestler even as a teenager, one of his idols
was Jimmy Snuka. Mick even hitch-hiked all the way to Madison Square Garden,
where Snuka performed a splash from the top of a cage, this inspired him to
start the career of the mad man. Foley even created a character that he wanted
to be, namely Dude Love, who was a ladies man. He also made videotapes of
himself where he performed some suicidal stunts like jumping from the top of a
roof onto one of his friends. This tape later found its way to the tape trader
market, where it became an hot item.
Dominic Deucci also got a copy of the tape, and he offered Mick to train him.
Foley made his debut on June 24, 1985 in the independent circuit under the name
Cactus Jack Manson he defeated Kurt Kaufman. Mick wrestled in the independent
circuit for some years without gaining much success, but one of Mick's wishes
came through, when he started working for the WWF in 1986, where he wrestled
shortly under the guise of Jack Foley, he only worked as a jobber, but he
learned a lot from this experience.
After competing for Titan Mick started working for the CWA, where he joined
Robert Fuller's Stud Stable in 1988. Together with Gary Young, Cactus defeated
Bill Dundee and Todd Morton in a tournament final to win the CWA Tag Team Title,
October 23rd, 1988. Fuller was mad because he didn't win the title, so the rest
of his stable turned on Jack and Young, who lost their title to Robert Fuller
and Jimmy Golden in November. Later that month they lost a loser leaves town
match on November 20th.
Jack also wrestled for the American Championship Wrestling in Virginia, here he
went up against Deathwish, who had held onto the ACW Universal TV Title for 4
years, but Jack defeated him in December of 1988 and held on to the title until
he crashed to Rolling Thunder in September of 1992.
Cactus then joined the World Class Wrestling Association, where he was quite
successful. In one of his first matches, December 30, 1988, Cactus defeated Eric
Embry to capture the WCWA Light Heavyweight Title, but lost it back to Embry,
January 4, 1989.
Cactus then joined the stable of Gen. Skandor Akbar, where he hooked up with
Super Zodiac, and they started to team on a regularly basis. They dethroned the
WCWA Tag Team Champions, Jeff Jarrett and Kerry Von Erich, May 19, 1989. June 9,
1989, Jeff Jarrett and Mil Mascaras where able to defeat Jack and Zodiac.
Cactus then found a new tag team partner in the shape of Scott Braddock, and
they defeated Jeff Jarrett and Matt Borne to win the WCWA Tag Team Title, August
4, 1989. Even though they were only able to hold on to the title for a week,
before being dethroned by the former champions Jeff Jarrett and Matt Borne, the
title changed name to the USWA Tag Team Title.
Jack continued to wrestle on the independent circuit and here he went up against
Johnny Rotten for the North American Wrestling Heavyweight Title, and after a
brutal match on December 13, 1989, Jack was victorious. Jack didn't hold on to
the title for long, as he signed a contract with the NWA, so he was stripped of
the title.
Jack's stint in the NWA isn't one of the easiest to remember, like his jobber
stint in the WWF, Jack didn't have much success. Again the promoters couldn't
see the qualities that Jack had, so he was jobbed to death. Mick got his two
front teeth knocked out, which he swallowed, during a house show match against
Sting. Cactus Jack also had a rivalry with Eddie Gilbert but the feud didn't get
much air time, but the two would butt heads later on the independent circuit.
Jack also had an feud with Norman, which also included the Road Warriors. Jack
also jobbed to Mil Mascaras at Clash of the Champions X, during the course of
the bout Jack took a sickening bump from the apron and cracked his skull on the
concrete floor - this got announcer Jim Cornette to scream Cactus Jack is Dead -
and so was his first stint in NWA.
Jack then went to All Japan Pro Wrestling to participate in their annual
Champions Carnival tournament in March/April of 1991. Cactus didn't have much
success, but he became wildly popular, due to his ability to take the sick
bumps.
Cactus then went back to the independents, where he was respected. He first
started working for the UWF, where he appeared on the UWF's only pay-per-view
Beach Brawl, where the team of Sunny Beach and Steve Ray defeated Jack and Bob
Orton. Jack clashed with Eddie Gilbert on a card promoted by WWA on November 10,
1990, they delivered a wild brawl which covered every inch of the Benaslem gym,
the match ended in a no contest. Cactus then joined the Tri-State Wrestling
Alliance, where things started to heat up.
In Tri-State Jack started a violent feud with the late Eddie Gilbert, this feud
got Jack a "cult" following, who followed Jack because of his repertoire of high
risk moves. The feud with Eddie Gilbert have been by many called the feud of
1991 and involved a lot of gimmick matches. One of their first clashes was at
Winter Challenge II, March 2, here Cactus defeated Gilbert in a heated Falls
Count Anywhere match. The feud also included a barbed wire match on May 18,
which was declared a no contest after Mick was hanging from the upper strands of
cable and spikes, medics had to cut him loose.
The highlight of the feud was when Jack and Gilbert fought each other three
times on the same card, Summer Sizzler II, August 3, 1991, in the first match
Jack defeated Gilbert in a fantastic Falls Count Anywhere Match. Jack lost the
following Stretcher Match which was extremely bloody - due to Gilbert smashing a
bottle over Jack's head. The final Steel Cage Match, which saw Jack falling from
the top of the steel to the floor, ended in a double disqualification, when Doug
Gilbert and Bam Bam Bigelow ran in.
After Tri-State couldn't handle the money, Jack moved on to Global Wrestling
Federation, where he was inducted into the heel group of the Boss, which
included Rip Rogers, Muckan Singh, and Scotty Anthony. Jack worked hard in the
GWF but was never rewarded with a title regain.
Jack's hard work got WCW interested, and they signed Cactus.
WCW
In WCW Jack debuted as a gift to Sting at Clash of the Champions XVI, September
5, 1991. Sting had just defeated Johnny B. Badd, when Cactus showed his "ugly"
face, but the Stinger was ready for Cactus, because he previously had a similar
incident with Abdullah the Butcher. Jack teamed with Abdullah the Butcher,
Vader, and the Diamond Studd to take on Sting, El Gigante, and the Steiner
Brothers In the Chamber of Horrors Match, at Halloween Havoc 1991, but came out
on the loosing end, when Jack accidently fried Abdullah..
Jack had a feud with Van Hammer, whom he defeated in a Falls Count Anywhere at
Clash of the Champions XVIII, January 21, 1992, when Abdullah unintentionally
nailed Van Hammer. Jack then took on his former partner Abdullah the Butcher.
After these feuds Sting got a shot at the WCW World Champion, Sting, and the two
put on an excellent match at Beach Blast 1992, where Cactus came out with the
short end of the stick. But Jack was still one of the top contenders and got
another chance, when Ron Simmons won the WCW World Title, but Jack wasn't able
to walk away with the title.
A
short feud with Johnny B. Badd followed, which started at Starrcade 1992 in the
Lethal Lottery, where Jack and Badd became partners, but Jack used most of his
time attacking Badd. Then came a turning point in Jack's career, for the first
time in many years, Jack was turned face. This happend at Clash of the Champions
XXII, on January 13, 1993, after Jack had defeated Badd, the two top faces Sting
and Dustin Rhodes asked Jack to be their partner in the Thundercage to go up
against Vader, Barry Windham and Paul Orndorff - Cactus agreed and ended up
winning the match for his team, when he pinned Orndorff. The self-proclaimed Mr.
Wonderful was ofcourse mad, so this set-up a feud between the two. The feud
culminated at SuperBrawl III, in a good Falls Count Anywhere Match, where Jack
defeated Orndorff ,when he nailed Orndorff with a shovel, this incident ended
the feud.
Cactus vs Vader
Jack was then named the number one contender for Vader's WCW World Title, they
had their first clash at April 6, 1993, Jack defeated Vader by disqualification,
but Jack suffered a broken nose and needed 27 stitches to close several facial
wounds. This was the set-up for a rematch 15 days later.
April 21, 1993, at a WCW Saturday Night taping, Jack and Vader went toe to toe,
during the match Vader wanted to power bomb Jack outside the ring, Harley Race,
Vader's manager, removed the protective padding of the floor before Vader
pounded Jack onto the floor. Cactus Jack was seriously injured and nearly
paralysed. Cactus then disappeared for a while, and a series of interviews
began, which involved the search for Cactus. They found him living with homeless
people, and he had no recollection of wrestling or his family. But Cactus
returned to wrestling, when he saved the British Bulldog from an assault by
Vader
Vader defeated Jack at Clash of the Champions XXIV, with a helping hand from
Race, but got a rematch when he defeated Yoshi Kwan at Fall Brawl 1993. These
events led to the infamous Texas Death Match at Halloween Havoc. Vader and
Harley Race knew that Cactus Jack wasn't an easy man to beat, so Race brought an
electric prodder to the ring. It was a brutal match, which lived up to ECW
standards using chairs and tables, both men were bleeding all over the place. In
the end Race used the prodder on Cactus Jack and this gave Vader the victory,
because Cactus Jack wasn't able to respond to the 10 count. Rumors say that
because of the brutality of the match, WCW didn't want Vader and Jack to clash
at another pay-per-view.
Jack and his tag team adventures
Jack then decided that since WCW wouldn't give him another shot at the WCW World
Title, he would focus on the Tag Team Title instead. But Jack knew that finding
a partner, which had the right stuff, wasn't the easiest thing to do, but
eventually Jack found his partner in Maxx Payne.
The team of Jack and Payne quickly showed that they could match any other team
in WCW and quickly got a shot at the WCW Tag Team Champions, the Nasty Boys,
unfortunately the Nasty Boys had Missy Hyatt as their manager, and twice she
saved the Nasty Boys from losing. At Spring Stampede 1994, the Nasty Boys won
the Chicago Street Fight and injured Payne. Jack and Payne was awarded a rematch
at Slamboree, but Payne wasn't able to make it, so Jack had to find a new
partner, which turned out to be Kevin Sullivan.
On March 16, 1994, WCW was touring Germany, Cactus had a match against Vader in
Munich. During the match Jack's head was caught in the ropes and while he was
trying to free himself, his ear got torn off. Jack then had to make a decision,
reattach the ear or go back to the States for his title shot at Slamboree, Jack
chose the latter, and that is why Jack only have 1/3 of his right ear.
Jack and Sullivan won the WCW Tag Team Title at Slamboree, and they were able to
hold on to the title in a rematch against the Nasty Boys. But then disaster
struck, at Bash at the Beach Pretty Wonderful (Paul Orndorff and Paul Roma) won
the title, after the match Sullivan blamed Jack for the loss and attacked him.
This incident lead to their Loser Leaves WCW Match at Fall Brawl 1994, which
Jack lost.
ECW and Japan
Jack started working for ECW while still under contract by WCW. Jack decided
that he would concentrate on insane matches, and in ECW and IWA, and later FMW,
he found his home. Jack's first feud in the ECW was with a man, who might is
more insane than Jack, Sabu, the two had some excellent matches, after their
first encounter, which Jack lost after interference from Paul E. Dangerously,
Jack cut a classic interview where he dissed WCW and spat on the WCW Tag Team
belt, Jack then went back to WCW and lost the title and lost the feud with Kevin
Sullivan. Jack then returned to ECW, where he lost to Sabu again in a matchup,
in which Sabu had to use 7 attempts to smash a bottle over Jack's head.
Next in line was Terry Funk, but this feud was short, because at Hardcore Heaven
'94, the Public Enemy attacked both men, Funk then called for a chair, and the
audience threw one chair after another to ring, and Public Enemy was buried
under the chairs. Jack and Funk then decided to team up and take on PE two weeks
later, but Funk's plane ticket failed to arrive and he quit the promotion. Tommy
Dreamer then stated that he would team up with Cactus, but the Public Enemy took
him out before the match. Jack then hooked up with Mikey Whipwreck, who wasn't
much for going to the ring, but Jack made him. This team did the unthinkable,
when they relieved the Public Enemy for the ECW Tag Team Title.
Jack and Whipwreck were able to hold onto the title until November to Remember
1994, when Public Enemy regained the title. Kevin Sullivan then joined the ECW
and Jack teamed up with him, when Mikey wasn't able to compete in their return
match against the Public Enemy. During this match Sullivan turned on Jack and it
erupted into a wild feud, but this time Jack got the last laugh, as it was
Sullivan who left ECW. The same night when Sullivan turned on Jack, Cactus was
attacked by the Sandman, while Woman was talking trash to Jack - this was the
start of their feud.
In late 1994 Jack also started working for Smokey Mountain wrestling here he
showed up and Distracted Boo Bradley (Balls Mahony), who in the process lost his
TV Title. Cactus then stated that his sole purpose in SMW was to save Boo from
Tammy Sytch. Cactus tried to convince Boo to leave Sytch, but the first time
ended in a brawl, which Boo later apologized for. Boo also stated that Sytch and
Candido were his only friends, Cactus then fired back by stating that Boo wasn't
the first man, whose obsession with pussy had lead him astray. This lead to a
feud with Candido and Boo, eventually Boo left Tammy, but at that time Jack had
left SMW.
Jack then started 1995 with going to Japan to the IWA, where he clashed with
Terry Funk in one of many clashes of no rope barbed wire matches, one of their
better matches took place on January 8, the match highlights were when the two
used a chair on fire to whack each other with. Funk was victourious and wanted
to shake Cactus' hand, which he did, but Jack piledrove Funk on the floor. Shoji
Nakamaki and Cactus also had their share of matches under the IWA banner - they
clashed in some of the most insane matches the World had seen to that point,
they used drawing pins, glass, and barb wire on each other.
In ECW, Jack went after the Sandman, but the Sandman retaliated at the show
called: Return of the Funker. Jack had just defeated D.C. Drake, when Sandman
and the returning Terry Funk attacked and brutalised Jack, who got 56
consecutive cane shots, before Jack's ally Shane Douglas came to the rescue.
Jack pinned Funk at Hostile City Showdown 1995 in a totally insane and violent
match, and then went after the Sandman, whom Jack defeated in a no rope barbed
wire match for the ECW World Title, when Sandman didn't answer to a knock out,
the fans thought Jack had won the title, but then referee Bill Alfonso came and
declared that you can't win a title due to knock out. In Japan Jack's left arm
was cut open by Leatherface, who used a chain saw to do the dirty job. The two
started feuding after the lost a tag team barb wire thumb tack match to Nakamaki
and Onoo, Jack clotheslined Leatherface into the tacks, showing that no one can
trust Cactus Jack.
While working for ECW and in Japan, Jack also worked in the independent scene,
here he was very successful, he won the Ozark Moutain Wrestling Title and the
Steel City Wrestling Title, respectively from Colorado Kid an T. Rantula.
King of Death Matches
August 20, 1995, IWA did the unbelievable, they staged a one night tournament to
determine the undisputed King of Death Matches. In the first round of the
tournament Jack clashed with Terry Gordy in a barbed wire baseball bat, thumb
tack death match. The match showed that Jack is willing to do anything with his
body, during the match Gordy stomped on Jack's head, which laid in the thumb
tacks, but Jack won the match after a Double Arm DDT in the thumb tacks.
In the semi-final round waited Shoji Nakamaki, and the two clashed in a barbed
wire board, bed of nails death match. This match was sickening, Jack decked
Nakamaki with a bed of nails and the elbow dropped the bed, but Jack also got
the taste of the bed in the match, but eventually Jack won, when he used the
Double Arm DDT onto a board with barb wire.
The final was a no rope barbed wire, explosive barbed wire board, time bomb
death match. Jack went up against his old nemesis Terry Funk. This match was
brutal with the two bleeding all over the place, Tiger Jeet Singh interfered in
the match, which helped Jack to the victory. Funk got third-degree burns, and
Jack the victory after an elbow drop from the top of a ladder.
Jack had more success in IWA, as he together with Tracy Smothers dethroned the
Head Hunters to win the IWA Tag Team Title, September 29, 1995. Tarzan Goto and
Mr. Gannosuke relieved them of the title, October 1, 1995.
Hardcore, no more?
In ECW Jack team with Tommy Dreamer, but the team didn't last long because Jack
turned on Tommy Dreamer during a tag match against the Pitbulls. He became the
first man to defeat 911 on August 28. Jack then decided that the hard-core style
of wrestling wasn't him, and started to use a more restrained style of
wrestling, because the fans didn't show him the respect he deserved by putting
his body on the line. Jack then hooked up with the philosophising Raven, but
Dreamer wanted to bring back the violence and he knew that the only one who
could do it was Terry Funk. But their first match was a disaster, Jack almost
burned the arena to the ground, when he set a chair on fire.
Raven and Jack lost a tag team match to Funk and Dreamer at November to Remember
'95, which witnessed a shopping trolley as a foreign object. Mikey Whipwreck
defeated Too Cold Scorpio for the TV Title, December 29, 1995, where also the
Tag Team Title was on the line, Jack then announced that he was Mikey's partner,
but it didn't work, February 3, 1996, The Eliminators won the title.
In Japan, Jack joined FMW, after IWA went bankrupt. In FMW continued the antics
from IWA, wild brawling featuring barb wire, bombs, glass and everything else in
the book. Jack had many great matches with Wing Kanemura.
Jack then signed a contract with the WWF, and started praising the WWF on TV,
this lead to a short feud with his former ally Shane Douglas, who despises the
WWF. The feud ended with a match, where Jack in his street clothes were
handcuffed and put in the figure-four leglock, but Jack wouldn't quit. Suddenly
Whipwreck came to the ring and smashed Jack with a chair, Jack was out and lost
the match.
Cactus wrestled his last match in ECW in April 1996 against Mikey Whipwreck.
Jack won the match and did the fargo strut with Stevie Richards and the Blue
Meanie. Cactus then cut an interview, where he declared Cactus Jack dead. Almost
the same thing happened in FMW, but it was some months later in May, while Foley
worked for the WWF, under the guise of Cactus Jack, Mick defeated W*ing Kanemura
in a barbed wire barricade spider net, broken glass death match, and then
declared Cactus Jack dead.
WWF
Mick made his debut in the WWF, with his new gimmick the quite unstable Mankind,
the day after WrestleMania 12, where he defeated Bob Holly with the Mandible
Claw. Later that night Mankind attacked the Undertaker to start the feud of
1996. Mankind then aligned himself with Goldust and together the two played
their mind games on the Undertaker.
The Undertaker was programmed to have a Casket Match with Goldust, and had an
interview where he laid in the casket, when suddenly Mankind attacked. When the
Casket Match took place, at In Your House 10 and the Undertaker was about to
open the casket, so he could put Goldust in it, who was in the casket? Mankind
who put the Mandible Claw on the Undertaker and put him in the casket.
At King of the Ring 1996 Mankind and Undertaker met for the first time on TV in
a match, the match ended when Paul Bearer "accidentally" hit the Undertaker with
the urn, but this was just the beginning of the feud. The two continued to
interfere in each other business, so most of their matches against other
wrestlers ended with a disqualification, when the other interfered.
Mankind and Undertaker clashed again at Summer Slam in a special Boiler Room
Match, where the match started in the boiler room, the objective of the match
was to retrieve the urn from Paul Bearer, who stood in the centre of the ring.
The match was violent, but when the Undertaker reached the ring and was about to
get the urn, Paul Bearer turned on the Undertaker and used the urn as a weapon.
Bearer had aligned himself with Mankind.
After the Boiler Room brawl, Mankind was named the number one contender for
Shawn Michaels' World Title, the two put on one of the best matches the WWF have
ever made, with good moves and sick bumps, but the match was thrown out of the
window, when Vader and the Undertaker interfered. After the interference Mankind
and the Undertaker settled for a new clash.
In their third encounter, which was a special Buried Alive Match, where the
objective of the match was to get your opponent in the grave and shovel some
dirt on him. The Undertaker won the match, but he was attacked by Bearer's new
protégé, the Executioner (Terry Gordy), who put Undertaker in the grave and
together with Mankind and some other heels filled the grave. The pay-per-view
was just about to end, when lightning struck in one of the shovels and the
Undertaker's hand came up from the grave.
What happened at In Your House was the set-up for the fourth encounter between
Undertaker and Mankind, which took place at Survivor Series 1996, where the
Undertaker would get 5 minutes with Paul Bearer if he won the match. The
Undertaker won the match, but didn't get the enjoyment of have Bearer from
himself, when the Executioner attacked.
At the Royal Rumble 1997, Mankind ran in to his old friend Terry Funk. Paul
Bearer, who also had acquired the services of Vader, set Mankind and Vader's
eyes on the Tag Team Titles, but to no avail Vader and Mankind used just as much
time on hitting each other as hitting the Champions, Owen Hart and the British
Bulldog in their match at WrestleMania 13.
Mankind got another shot at the Undertaker and his newly won WWF World Title,
when Mankind at a Raw is War taping from March 31 blasted the Undertaker with a
fireball, when the Undertaker and Paul Bearer started arguing. But the
Undertaker was simply to much for Mankind, who lost the match at In Your House
14 to end the feud once and for all, Undertaker also blasted Bearer with a
fireball.
Revealing Mick Foley - the birth of Dude Love
With Bearer gone for a while, the WWF had to come up with something new, and
they did. Jim Ross had a series of interviews with Mankind, where they discussed
his career, here they talked about Mick's own invention, Dude Love, the
interview ended, when Mankind put on the Mandible Claw on Ross.
Around the same time Steve Austin needed a new partner to go up against the
winners of a tag team tournament, to determine the new WWF Tag Team Champions.
For weeks Mankind tried to get Austin to pick him, he even had a sign around his
neck that said: Pick me Steve", but Austin wouldn't have anything to do with the
deranged Mankind, who was the recipient of a Stunner. Mankind then promised that
promised that things would never be the same in the WWF.
The next Monday, when Austin had to go up against Owen and Bulldog for the WWF
Tag Team Title. Austin, without a partner, went up against Bulldog and Owen
Hart, when suddenly Mick showed up as Dude Love and cleaned house. After the
match Austin and Dude Love, the new WWF Tag Team Champions, in a matter of
respect shook hands.
Mick continued to wrestle as both Mankind and Dude Love, but as Mankind he
qualified for the King of the Ring tournament by defeating Savio Vega. In the
semi-final waited Jerry Lawler, who gave Mankind quite a beating, but it wasn't
enough Mankind won and advanced to the final. The final was against Hunter
Hearst Helmsly, the two had a very entertaining match, where Mankind took one of
the most savage beatings in WWF history. Hunter won with the Pedigree, but it
wasn't enough as he continued his beating of Mankind to set-up their feud.
At In Your House 16, Mankind and Hunter clashed again, this time the match was
declared a double count-out, since the two couldn't stop their brawl, where
Chyna interfered as much as she could. Because of Chyna's interference, it was
decided that Mankind and Hunter's match at Summer Slam would be inside a Steel
Cage.
The match was excellent, the two showed what they are capable of, Hunter
superplexed Mankind from the top of the cage and other crazy acts where
performed. Mankind had the match won, but then decided to go back to the top of
the cage, here he ripped of his shirt to reveal that he was Dude Love, and to
honour his childhood hero, Jimmy Snuka, he elbow dropped Hunter from the top of
the cage and won the match.
Dude and Austin had to vacate the WWF Tag Team Title at In Your House, Ground
Zero, due to Austin's injuries. Now Dude had the time to concentrate on his
singles career.
The return of Cactus Jack
Mick then wrestled as Dude Love in the months to follow, but at Raw is War,
September 22, Dude was to have a Fall Count Anywhere Match against Hunter. Dude
knew that this wasn't his kind of match so he asked Mankind, who knew a better
person to get the job done namely Cactus Jack. Jack made short work of Hunter
and ended the match with a pile-driver through a table. Cactus Jack however had
returned some months in advance in FMW, April 29, 1997, when he teamed up with
Terry Funk and the Gladiator (Mike Awesome) and lost to Atsushi Onita, Masato
Tanaka, and W*ing Kanemura in a good street fight. That match proved that Cactus
would also make an impact in the WWF.
Nothing much happened in Mick's career, until a Dude Love was attacked by Kane,
who totally annihilated Dude. This brought out Mankind to take care of business
at Survivor Series, but he wasn't up to the task as Kane also defeated him.
After his confrontation wit Kane, the New Age Outlaws (Billy Gunn and Jesse
Jammes) wanted their part of Mick. First they broke one of Dude's ribs, then
they locked Mankind in a freezer. This brought back Cactus Jack to take care of
action, and at Raw is War, December 29, 1997, he had a surprise for the Outlaws.
After defeating Jammes by disqualification, Jack brawled with the outlaws
towards the stage, here Chainsaw Charlie (Terry Funk) emerged from a huge wooden
box with the aid of a chain saw.
The team of Cactus and Funk went after the Outlaws on every occasion, but the
Outlaws also had some tricks up their sleeve. During a match with Cactus against
Funk, which was set merely because they enjoyed the pain, Cactus and Funk ended
up in a dumpster, following a elbow drop from the Titan Tron and into the
dumpster. The Outlaws showed up and shut the dumpster and then pushed it off the
edge of the rampway, which was a fall on 10 feet. According to the story line
Cactus and Funk were injured, but came back later that night and saved Austin
from an attack from Degeneration X and the New Age Outlaws.
The incident with the dumpster set-up the match at WrestleMania 14, where you
had to put the opposing team into a dumpster and then shut the lid. This was an
entertaining bout, where Jack and Gunn from the top of a ladder fell into the
dumpster. Jack and Funk won the match and the WWF Tag Team Title, when they went
backstage with the Outlaws and put them in a dumpster.
The next day at Raw is War, the WWF vacated the because they had used the wrong
dumpster, so instead a Steel Cage match between Cactus and Funk against the
Outlaws was signed. During the match Funk was handcuffed to the cage and the
Outlaws and Degeneration X started a brutal assault on Jack, as the fans started
chanting for Austin.
While wrestling as Cactus Jack, Foley got the permission to wrestle for some
independent wrestling federations, one of them was Great Lakes Championship.
Here Jack won the GLCW Heavyweight Title on April 11 by defeating Col.
Corruption. But as the official decision states Foley had to vacate the title
due to his contractual obligations with the WWF one month later - which has
something to do with the rebirth of Dude Love.
Corporat Dude Love
On Raw is War, April 6, Jack came out and stated that the fans, due to the chant
of Austin, wouldn't see Cactus for a long time because they didn't support in
him. At Raw is War, April 13th, Austin challenged McMahon to a match, because he
wouldn't say who Austin's opponent at Unforgiven was going to be. Austin had one
hand tied behind his back and was about to collide with McMahon, when Dude Love
came to the ring and asked if they could get along, Dude then attacked Austin,
and was named the number one contender for Austin's WWF World Title.
At Unforgiven, Dude and Austin had a typical brawl, where Foley as always took
some crazy bumps. The end came when Austin whacked McMahon with a chair, he then
put a Stunner on Dude, but since there where no referee to do the three count,
Austin did it himself and then left, Dude was declared the winner by
disqualification due to Austin hitting McMahon.
At Raw is War, May 4, 1998, McMahon told Foley that he could be the number one
contender again if he could defeat Terry Funk. Foley and Funk put on a brutal
brawl, which set the standard for the WWF's future hardcore matches, which Foley
dominated and won after a pile-driver through a table, then Dude Love's music
played and out came McMahon in Dude's T-shirt and with some chicks, Foley and
McMahon then embraced and danced.
The next week on Raw is War, Dude appeared in a suit and with false teeth,
acting like the perfect corporate model of a champion, just like McMahon wanted.
To make things easier for Dude, McMahon had appointed Jerry Brisco as time
keeper, the guest ring announcer was going to be Pat Patterson, and finally
McMahon wanted the honour of being referee.
Unfortunately the conspiracy wasn't enough to secure Dude the victory, as he
fell prey to the Stunner. McMahon was mad and at Raw is War the next day, he
fired Dude Love, later that night during a Undertaker against Kane match, Foley
came back as Mankind and slapped the Mandible Claw on the Undertaker, who had
confronted McMahon earlier that night. McMahon then decided that he wasn't going
to fire Foley.
Mankind also aligned himself with Paul Bearer again, and together with Kane, he
attacked Steve Austin and put him in a casket. Mankind will face the Undertaker
at King of the Ring in a Hell in the Cell Match, and they had a premiere in it,
when Mankind and Kane teamed up to take on Austin and the Undertaker, but the
duo of Austin and Undertaker got the last laugh as Undertaker pummelled Bearer,
and Austin scored the victory by pinning Mankind. The same night Kane and
Mankind also won a tag team battle royal to declare the number one contenders
for the WWF Tag Team Title, this match happened before the Hell in the Cell
match.
The Hell in the Cell
At King of the Ring, Mankind and the Undertaker put on a great show in the Hell
in the Cell match. Mankind took some amazing bumps, which made the Undertaker
look good, though he had injured his ankle. Some of the best spots in the match
was when Undertaker threw Mankind from the top of the cage and through a table.
Mankind was also choke slammed THROUGH the cage and landed in the middle of the
ring. The end came, when Undertaker choke slammed Mankind on some thumbtacks and
then Tombstoned him for the victory. After the match Foley got a standing
ovation for his performance. Foley lost three teeth during the match, one came
out through his nose.
Mankind and Kane
At Raw is War, July 6, Mankind was thanked on TV by Vince McMahon on his efforts
at King of the Ring, I believe that is first time that have happened. Kane and
Mankind will battle the New Age Outlaws on the July 13 episode of Raw is War.
Mankind and Kane defeated the NAO and won the WWF Tag Team Title with a little
help from the Nation's D-Lo Brown. Later that night they had a rematch due to
the controversy, but it ended in a draw. Mankind and Kane also had their little
confrontration when Kane stopped Mankind from hitting the Undertaker with a
chair. Then problems started in the ranks of the tag team champions, during a
handicap match against Austin, Kane hit Mankind with an elbow drop.
Mankind and Kane wasn't able to hold on to the WWF Tag Team Title for long,
because they lost the title to Steve Austin and the Undertaker at Fully Loaded,
July 26. Why is it that none of Foley's regains in the WWF are very long?
Mankind and Kane will have to patch up their differnces during a run-in on
Austin and the Undertaker, Kane hit Mankind with a chair instead of the
Undertaker.
At Sunday Night Heat, August 9, Mankind trashed the fans for their failure to
show him due respect after his performance at King of the Ring, Mankind also
stated that he will not ever wrestle again for the acceptance of the fans. Later
that night he was tombstoned on the concrete floor by the Undertaker, who was
disguised as Kane.
The next day at Raw is War, Mankind wanted an explanation and wanted help from
Vince McMahon. Mankind was told that he was a weakling, but McMahon again said
that Undertaker and Kane was working together, he even stated that they were the
same person. When it was time for the Four Corners Tag Team Match, it was
clearly that Mankind didn't trust Kane, but in the end Mankind and Kane won the
match and became WWF Tag Team Champions for a second time.
Kane has aligned himself with the Undertaker which spells trouble for Mankind,
who tried to rescue Paul Bearer from a beating, but ended on the receiving end
of a spiked Tombstone. Mankind then challenged Kane to a match in the Hell in
the Cell, which Mankind promised would contain thumb tacks. The match was OK,
but Mankind was clearly on the receiving end and got Tombstoned on a chair, when
suddenly Austin showed up and beat the snot out of Kane. It will be interesting
to see Mankind and Kane go up against the New Age Outlaws at Summer Slam for the
Tag Team Title.
At Summer Slam, Mankind lost his hearse, his sledge hammer, his tag team
partner, and the WWF Tag Team Title. Austin smashed the hearse with the sledge
hammer, and when Mankind couldn't find Kane, McMahon suggested that Mankind
faced the New Age Outlaws by himself, this would give Mankind a spot in the Hall
of Fame. The match was a No Holds Barred/Pinfalls count anywhere Match, where
many weapons were used, Mankind was on the receiving end of a spiked piledriver
on the Tag Team belts, and was then dumped in a dumpster. Kane suddenly appeared
from the dumpster and bashed Mankind with the sledge hammer.
Mankind got his first taste of revenge against Kane as he hit Kane with a sledge
hammer during a match between Rocky Maivia and Kane. This got the Undertaker to
challenge Mankind to a match. The match with Undertaker took place later that
night and it was a brutal encounter where the sledge hammer was used together
with chairs and tables, also Kane stuck his ugly head in the match. When the
Undertaker wanted to use the sledge hammer on Mankind, Rocky Maivia emerged from
the dumpster, which Foley brought to the ring, Maivia saved Mankind from further
damage. Mankind and Maivia have apparently formed a pact since they came to the
ring, when Undertaker and Kane attacked Steve Austin and Ken Shamrock during
their match.
Mankind has obviously struck a deal with Rocky Maivia and Ken Shamrock and they
protect each other to keep Undertaker and Kane at bay. During an interview with
Kane and teh Undertaker, Mankind attacked Kane, and when Undertaker protected
his brother, Maivia and Shamrock came to the rescue. But Vince McMahon tried to
split the team, when he ordered them to face each other in a triple threat match
to name the number one contender for the World Title, the match was thrown out
the window, when Kane and Undertaker attacked.
A
new Triple Threat match with Shamrock, Maivia and Mankind was announced during
Sunday Night Heat, but this time the match would also be a cage match, so no one
could interfere. The match was great and ended with Mankind brained Ken with a
chair, Mankind then started to climb out, but Maivia went for the easy way as he
pinned Shamrock. During the match Mankind again emulated his hero Jimmy Snuka
and attempted to throw an elbow drop off the top of the cage, but all he saw was
canvas.
The three teamed up at Raw is War the next day to take on the Undertaker and
Kane in a handicap match, but Mankind's team also started fighting among
themselves. I can only ask, when will Foley get the World Title that he has
deserved? Mankind and Ken Shamrock are set up for a feud, it happened at Sunday
Night Heat, October 4, where the two teamed up to take on the DOA, but during
the match Shamrock turned on Mankind and waffled him with a chair.
The birth of Mr. Socko and Corporate Mankind
At Raw is War, October 5, Mankind visited Vince McMahon at the hospital, McMahon
was sent to hospital due to an attack of the Undertaker and Kane. Mankind also
brought a clown and a sock puppet (Mr. Socko) and started making babytalk
noises. McMahon then told him to leave.
The next week at Raw is War, we witnessed the return of Mr. Socko, who helped
Mankind defeat Mark Henry in the tournament for vacant Intercontinental Title,
but the second round was the end station for Mankind as he was attacked by Ken
Shamrock, who used a chair on Mankind's ankle. Mankind and Ken Shamrock clashed
at Judgement Day in a strong encounter, Shamrock got Mankind in the Ankle Lock
but Mankind refused to submit, so he slapped on the Mandible Claw on himself,
this got him to pass out. Shamrock was declared the winner but due to the
Mandible Claw, this got Shamrock to attack Mankind, but Mankind got up and
applied the Mandible claw to Shamrock, looks like these two will clash again.
The next night at Raw is War, Mankind distracted Ken Shamrock in his match
against X-Pac, giving X-Pac the win. Mankind then paid McMahon a visit together
with Mr. Socko, who got to wear a security badge. Later that night Mankind
fought Val Venis, but Shamrock was looking for revenge, so he blasted Mankind
with a chair, the two then started a brawl which brought them into the crowd.
The next week at Raw is War, Mankind teamed up with Al Snow to take on the New
Age Outlaws, unfortunately the odd team lost, but they held their respective
companions (Head and Mr. Socko) hostage until they agreed to trade. Later
Mankind put more fire on the feud with Shamrock as he put the Mandible Claw on
Shamrock.
The next week on Raw is War, Mankind again tagged up with Al Snow. Mankind was
just about to get Mr. Socko to secure the win, but he wasn't on his foot, so he
started looking for Mr. Socko. Mankind then ran into Vince McMahon, who got
Mankind to promise that he wouldn't interfere in the match with Ken Shamrock
later, after this McMahon presented the WWF Hardcore Title to Mankind for his
efforts. The belt wasn't worth a thing, but Mankind gladly accepted it. McMahon
then said that he might had gained a new son, which to Mankind replied "Thaks
dad". Guess McMahon got something to think on.
The next week on Raw is War, McMahon said that Mankind would defend the WWF
Hardcore title against Ken Shamrock, before the match took place Mankind got a
makeover, when Mankind got his toe nails he stated that he missed Mr. Socko. It
looks like McMahon has found his new corporate champion as Mankind came to the
ring in a tuxedo and his beard was shaved, and a clean hair cut. During the
match, which was a Falls Count Anywhere No Holds Barred match, the Big Boss Man
(another of McMahon's associates) nailed Shamrock to secure Mankind the victory.
At Survivor Series, Mankind's mystery turned out to be a jobber named Duane
Gill, whom Mankind squashed. In his next match Mankind took on Al Snow (Head was
wearing Mr. Socko as a headband). During the match Vince revealed that he had
made the headband for head. When Mankind discovered the whereabouts of Mr. Socko,
he ripped the headband off and took out his frustrations on Head, this gave Snow
a chance, but reunited with Mr. Socko, Mankind took the win. In the semi final,
Mankind tangled with Steve Austin, Vince encouraged Mankind during the match,
but still Mankind wanted to get out of the match, but was lead back by McMahon's
stooges. Austin had the match under control, but as he went for the pin, Shane
McMahon turned on Austin, Patterson then brained Austin with a chair so Mankind
got the win.
The Double Cross
In the final Mankind squared off against Rocky Maivia, it was a hard fought
battle, but Maivia got Mankind in the Sharpshooter and immediately Vince McMahon
called for the bell, though it was obvious that Mankind hadn't tapped. Vince had
double crossed Mankind, who said that he hadn't tapped, for this Mankind
received a Rock Bottom from Maivia. Later when Austin had scared of the
McMahon's and Maivia, Austin delivered a Stunner to poor Foley.
Mankind was on a path of rage the next night at Raw is War, where Mankind went
to the boiler room. McMahon then sent his stooges of Patterson, Brisco, and
Slaughter after Mankind, who totally destroyed them. Later Mankind tried to
attack Vince, but was stopped by Ken Shamrock and the Big Boss Man. At Sunday
Night Heat, Mankind came to the ring for an interview with a leaf blower, he
then promised that he would use Mr. Socko on Vince McMahon. Vince responded with
a three way dance between Mankind, Ken Shamrock and the Big Boss Man at Raw is
War.
At Raw is War, November 24, Mankind went up against Ken Shamrock and the Big
Boss Man, it was a typical brawl, where Mankind suddenly got help from Al Snow
and the J.O.B. Squad, Snow used Head on Shamrock, which secured Mankind the win.
Later Mankind helped Too Cold Scorpio and Bob Holly defeat the New Age Outlaws,
when Mankind whacked Billy Gunn with the leaf blower, this brought out Ken
Shamrock and the Big Boss Man. Looks like Mankind is a member of the J.O.B.
Squad.
Mankind against the Rock
Mankind will face Rocky Maivia at the Rock Bottom Pay-Per-View, and the two has
been attacking each other on various occasions. The worst case of these attacks
happened at Raw is War, November 30, as Mankind took on the Big Boss Man in a
Ladder Match. Mankind dominated the match until Maivia showed up and delivered
the Rock Bottom, the Big Boss Man then retrieved the Hardcore belt and was
declared champion, afterwards Mavia, Boss Man, and Shawn Michaels started
beating Mankind.
At Sunday Night Heat, Mankind fought the Undertaker, but the match was thrown
out the window, when Steve Austin and the Rock interfered. This resulted in a
tag team match at Raw is War, where Mankind teamed up with Austin, during the
match Mankind was handcuffed to the ropes by the Big Boss Man and received a
beating from the corporation.
Mankind got his revenge on the Rock at Sunday Night Heat before Rock Bottom, as
Mankind pasted Maivia with various foreign objects injuring Maivia's ribs in the
process. Before the match Mankind had a meeting with Vince McMahon, but he
wouldn't admit that Mankind hadn't said I Quit at Survivor Series. The match was
hard fought, but in the end Mankind with a help from Mr. Socko got the Mandible
Claw on Maivia, who passed out. Mankind won the match, but McMahon grabbed the
microphone, and stated that the Rock was still the champ, as he didnt get pinned
or submit. Mankind then took out his frustrations on Vince McMahon with the
Mandible Claw - then Shane, before Mankind was overwhelmed by Shamrock and the
Big Boss Man. Again the WWF screws Foley, either he loses the main event or he
doesn't get the belt.
The next night at Raw is War, Vince ordered a No Holds Barred Match between
Mankind and Kane. But Mankind wanted Vince, so he challenged him to a match.
During the match with Kane, Vince appeared and stated that he would fight
Mankind in the parking lot, Mankind then went after him and completely destroyed
McMahon until the Rock showed his faced and hit the Rock Bottom on a car hood.
The Corporation also got revenge on poor Mankind at Sunday Night Heat, when
Maivia, Shamrock and the Big Boss Man took on Mankind in a in a Fatal Four-Way
Match. Vince also had a surprise, since he had his version of Mr. Socko (black
sock with white eyes) and applied the Mandible Claw until Degeneration X made
the save. The next day at Raw is War, Mankind helped Road Dog win the Hardcore
Title. Mankind also took on Shane McMahon in a match, which Mankind totally
dominated until the Corporation made a run-in, but again DX came to the save.
At Raw is War, December 28, Mankind got a chance to regain the Hardcore Title
from Road Dogg, but during the match Maivia, who did commentary, delivered the
Rock Bottom on Mankind.
At Raw is War, January 4, 1999 (taped December 29, 1998) Mankind requested a
match against Rocky Maivia at the Royal Rumble. But Vince declined the request
and stated the Mankind hadn't paid his dues, but Vince then stated that Mankind
could enter the Royal Rumble if he defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley. During the
match, which had Shane McMahon as the referee, Triple H went for a sunset flip
off the apron, but Mankind held the ropes. Shane kicked Mankind's hands and
registeres a FAST three count. Hunter then delivered the Pedigree to Shane, and
left Shane to Mankind, who put him in a type of chicken wing hold. When Vince
and his associates came down, Mankind wanted a no DQ match against the Rock
later. The Corporation had to agree.
When it was time for the match, Degeneration X came down to the ring with
Mankind. It was a hard fought match, which saw the use of the stairs and
interference. Rocky hit the Rock Bottom on Mankind through the announcers table
and then hit the Corporate Elbow, but Mankind kicked out at two. Mankind then
took the advantage and took out Mr. Socko, but Shamrock creamed him with a chair
and DX and the Corporation started brawling. Suddenly Steve Austin's music was
heard and he ran to the ring and blasted Rocky with a chair, Mankind then made
the pin and was declared the new WWF World Champion. The crowd was solely behind
Foley - DX and Mankind the celebrated and Mankind held a speach, where he
declared that the belt was for his kids.
The next week on Raw is War, Mick thanked Jim Ross, DX, and Austin, he then
stated that he had a dream to headline WrestleMania XV against Austin. The Rock
and the rest of eam Corporate then made it out, Maivia then stated that he
wanted a rematch, but Mankind wouldn't grant, because he felt that he had beat
the Rock enough, but when Maivia suggested an "I Quit Match," with no Corporate
members at ringside, no countout, no DQ's, no stopping the match for excessive
blood loss, and no knockouts, which Mankind accepted after the Rock had
questioned Mankind's guts, Mankind responded by stating that the Rock shouldn't
question his testicular fortitude, due to all the crazy thing he has done.
But Vince also had his to say as he ordered a match between Mankind and Kane.
The match was hard fought, as we have become used to, with both men using the
steel steps as weapons. Kane had the match won, when Maivia made it to ringside
and hit Kane, Rocky then followed up with a couple of chair shots to both
participants. Austin then came to the ring and delivered a couple of stunners to
Mankind and Kane.
At Raw is War, January 18, Mankind started the night by brawling with the Big
Boss Man backstage, eventually the two got it to the ring, where they brought on
a violent match. When Mankind went for the Mandible Claw the Rock smashed a
chair over Mankind's head and followed it up with a Rock Bottom onto the chair.
But Mankind paid the Rock back later that night with a chair shot and the rest
of Team Corporate also tasted the chair.
January 24, the night of the Royal Rumble, at Sunday Night Heat before the
Rumble, the McMahons had ordered Mankind to take on a mystery opponent. This
turned out to be Mabel, Mankind had just put the Mandible Claw on him, when the
Rock attacked, who together with Mabel and the McMahons stomped Mankind. During
an interview on Heat, Foley had said that the Rock would say I Quit.
During the match Mankind had the Mandible Claw on Maivia, but the result was
that the Rock was too out of it to say I Quit. Rumors about Foley topping his
fall at King of the Ring proved to be right, during the I Quit Match with the
Rock both men used a ladder to climb up on a balcony, the Rock made it up and
over the railing and then punched Foley, who fell off the ladder and onto a
circuit board, taking the lights out with him as he tumbled amid the sparks.
Shane McMahon tried to stop the match, but the Rock continued and put handcuffs
on Mankind. But Mankind just wouldn't quit even though Maivia whacked him 11
times with a chair, which knocked out Mankind, eventually the Rock thrusted a
microphone into Mankind's mouth and a disembodied voice that sounded like Foley
said I Quit, I Quit, I Quit. The Rock was then awarded the title, yet again
Foley is screwed out of a title regain.
The next night at Raw is War, Mankind interrupted a Maivia dialoge and stated
that he didn't say I Quit at the Royal Rumble, Mankind then wanted a rematch
with the Rock at Halftime Heat in an empty arena with no fans in it, which the
Rock accepted.
The match took place on January 26, but wasn't aired until January 31. Mankind
got the early advantage and blasted the Rock with a double arm DDT and followed
up with the Madible Claw, but the Rock got out of the ring. Outside the ring
Mankind also retained his superiority until Vince McMahon who was doing
commentary started talking to Mick. When the Rock had the advantage the two
combatants took their battle up some stairs, but the Rock kicked Mankind, who
rolled down the entire flight of stairs.
The fight continued to the kitchen area, where the Rock threw both Mr. Socko and
Mankind into an oven. The two superstars were completely covered with food, when
they reached the loading dock area, here Mankind again got the advantage and put
the Mandible Claw on the Rock, who passed out, Mankind then used a fork lift to
place a crate with several kegs on it on the Rock. Mankind then sat on top of
the kegs as the referee counted three and Mankind thereby became WWF World
Champion for a second time.
The next night at Raw is War, Mankind gave away the Rock's money to fellow
wrestlers, this got the Rock upset, who challenged Mankind to a Last Man
Standing Match at St. Valentine's Day Massacre, February 14, which Mankind
accepted.
On February 8, which aired in the USA on February 13, Mankind and Steve Austin
was supposed to get it on, but the two stars weren't going to fall for Vince
McMahon's tricks so Mankind slapped the Mandible Claw on Vince while Austin were
holding off the rest of Team Corporate.
At Sunday Night Heat before St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Mankind met up with
Dominick Denuchi, Bob Backlund, and the Iron Sheik, who wanted to train Mankind
before the match, but this resulted in an attack from the Rock. When the match
took place it featured some good spots, among many Mankind used a DDT to put the
Rock through a table, suplexes on the concrete floor by Maivia, and the Rock
throwing the ring steps down on Mankind's legs. The end of the match took place
when Mankind went for the Mandible Claw, the Rock retaliated with a Rock Bottom,
both men then got up and knocked each other senseless with a chair, the referee
then counted to ten and declared the bout a draw. After the match both men were
carted away.
The next night at Raw is War, Vince McMahon and the Rock begged commissioner
Shawn Michaels to make a match between Mankind and the Rock, since now winner
was declared at the pay-per-view. Shawn agreed to it and made it a Ladder Match.
The match took place later that night and again the Rock worked on Mankind's
injured leg, but also got planted with the Rock Bottom through the Spanish
announce table. Eventually both men made it back to the ring and started
climbing up, but Mankind go the Mandible Claw on the Rock, but then Paul Wight
came to the ring and he chokeslammed Mankind from the top of the ladder to the
mat. The Rock then retrieved the belt to win the title and end the feud.
Mankind - a referee?
At Sunday Night Heat, February 21, Mankind stated that he felt naked without the
title and that he wouldn't wrestle anymore. He then wanted Chattanooga,
Tennessee to sign a petition for Commissioner Shawn Michaels, to let him to be
the Guest Referee match between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin at
WrestleMania XV.
Raw is War, February 22, during an arguement between the Rock and Paul Wight,
Mankind appeared and offered to officiate a match between the two, which they
agreed to. When the match was about to take place the Rock and Wight attacked
Mankind, Vince McMahon then entered the ring and knocked Mankind down.
The next week on Raw is War, Mankind again wanted to officiate a match, but
Vince would only allow it if he could beat the Undertaker. The match was
declared a double countout, so again Mankind missed an opportunity to be a
referee.
Raw is War, March 8, problems between the Rock and Paul Wight again brought out
Mankind, who wanted to officiate the match, but McMahon wouldn't allow it and
neither for him to referee the main event at WrestleMania. McMahon then promised
that he would go to WrestleMania if he could defeat Austin. Mankind tried to
talk Austin into letting him win, but Steve Austin would have none of it. When
the match took place, Paul Wight was the special referee, during the match
Austin was outside of the ring, Wight then made a fast ten count and declared
Mankind the winner, which Wight followed up with a chokeslam on Mankind.
At Sunday Night Heat, Vince McMahon stated that Mankind and Paul Wight would
take on each other to find out who should referee the main event at WrestleMania,
Mankind was sick and tired of McMahon's games so he shoved Mr. Socko in Vince's
throat, but Wight attacked Mankind. Officials then attended Mankind but he
attacked them, and he continued to attack various wrestlers just to get Paul
Wight in the ring. Later Mankind used a chair on Wight, but ended up being
chokeslammed.
The next night on Raw is War, Mankind together with Steve Austin took on Paul
Wight and the Rock, but Mankind had to fight most of the match himself as Austin
showed up way late. The match ended in a no contest when a brawl between all
four started.
Raw is War, March 22, McMahon appointed the Rock to officiate the match between
Steve Austin and Paul Wight, this immediately brought out Mankind, who wanted a
match against the Rock to decide who would officiate the match. At first Team
Corporate didn't care, until Mankind showed them a letter from commisssioner
Shawn Michaels, which stated that the match would take place. The two delivered
a brawl which we have come to expect from them, during the match the referee was
knocked out, this brought down Wight, who chokeslammed Mankind, but the referee
saw it and disqualified the Rock, which meant that Mankind would be the referee
in the main event. During the match between Austin and Wight, Mankind more than
once took a shot at Wight, which helped Austin gain the win.
At Sunday Night Heat before WrestleMania, Mankind ran into Paul Wight, the two
started to insult each other which lead to a brawl. When the match took place
Wight used his size to gain the advantage, but eventually Mick got him out of
the ring - where Foley is supreme. Mankind got the Mandible Claw on Wight, but
he escaped. Wight then sensed that he had to do more extreme things to get the
win and started wielding a chair, Wight then setup two chairs and chokeslammed
Mankind on them, which got the referee to disqualify Wight. Mankind then won the
honor of officiating the main event, but it didn't look good as he was carted
away on a stretcher. But during the main event Mankind returned and counted the
decisive three count to let Austin win the WWF World Title.
Raw is War, April 5, Mankind defeated Val Venis. Foley completely dominated
Venis and scored the win after a double- arm DDT followed up with Mr. Socko. At
Sunday Night Heat it was announced that Mankind would take on Paul Wight at the
Backlash pay-per-view in a Boiler Room Brawl and followed it up by celebration
Mr. Socko's birth place with the crowd.
The Union and the Corporate Ministry
The following day at Raw is War, Mankind immediately went for his old home - the
Boiler Room. Shane McMahon sent some of his buddies to take out Foley, but they
didn't succeed, as Mankind got the better off them. Later Ken Shamrock came
looking for his sister in the boiler room, and Mankind helped him find her, but
then they were attacked by the Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness. The Ministry
hauled Shamrock away and wanted to sacrifice him, but together with the Brood,
Mankind and Shamrock got the better of the Ministry.
At Raw is War, April 19, Mankind took on Triple H from Team Corporate, but
Chyna's interference became to much as she low blowed Mankind as he went for Mr.
Socko. Mankind was then declared the winner by disqualification. Team Corporate
then ran down and started beating on him, but Paul Wight came to his rescue.
Mankind then told the Big Show that he appreciated the help, but that he would
beat him at Backlash. Later that night Wight was attacked by the Ministry of
Darkness, and this time Mankind came to his rescue to even the score.
At Backlash, Mankind was back at home in the boiler room. Here he surprised
Wight and used it to gain the advantage. During the match Mick took some good
bumps, the match ended when Wight destroyed a pipe which spewed something into
his face, Mankind then made it to the fire exit and was declared the winner,
then he was attacked by the Big Boss Man and Test, but Mankind took care of it
himself.
The next night at Raw is War, Mankind teamed up with the Big Show to take on the
Big Boss Man and Test, who were easily beaten. At WWF Smackdown, April 29,
Mankind defeated the Big Boss Man, who during the contest tried to escape, but
were stopped by Test and the Big Show, Paul Wight. At Sunday Night Heat, Mankind
was challenged by the Big Boss Man in the boiler room, but Mankind took care of
him, until the rest of the Corporate Ministry took him out, until the Big Show
Paul Wight came to the rescue.
At Raw is War, May 3, Mankind, Test, Ken Shamrock and Paul Wight formed the
Union to take on the Corporate Ministry, as they interrupted an interview with
the Ministry with 2X4's. For his disturbance in the interview, Mankind had to
face the Acolytes in a Hardcore Match. The Acolytes proved to be too much for
Mankind in a hard fought match.
The next week on Raw is War Cactus Jack made his long awaited return and took on
Mideon and Viscerea in a handicap hardcore match. Although the two members of
the Corporate Ministry were dominating, Jack won the match when he performed the
Hipbuster with a chair on Viscera. Unfortunately it doesn't look like Jack will
become a permanent part of the WWF's roster as moments later Foley came to the
ring as Mankind, who along with the rest of the Union beat up Viscera with
2X4's. Mankind lost to Billy Gunn at the No Mercy ppv. And at Sunday Night Heat,
Mankind together with the rest of the Union defeated DOA and Too Much.
Over the Edge, May 23, the Union went up against the Corporate Ministry in a
survivor series matchup. Mankind became the sole survivor when he eliminated the
Big Boss Man. Later when Triple H and Chyna was attacking the Rock, Mankind came
to his rescue.
The next day at Raw is War, Mick along with all the other of the wrestlers paid
tribute to their friend Owen Hart, who sadly lost his life at Over the Edge.
After defeating Bart Gunn, Foley that the victory was dedicated to Owen and did
one of Owen's trademark Whooo's.
The next week on Raw is War, Mankind challenged Triple H to a Hardcore match,
because Chyna has been checking him out, but as he stated, he is a married man
and she couldn't touch his manhood (if you can tell-ll-ll.. where the sock is
hiding). After his monologue the Big Boss Man attacked Mankind, but the Road
Dogg, who was scheduled to take on the Boss Man, then came and started brawling
with the Boss Man. Of course Triple H brought Chyna to the ring, and she proved
to be the deciding factor. When Mankind had the Mandible Claw on Triple H, Chyna
delivered a low blow to Mankind with a sledgehammer. Mankind then responded by
putting the Claw on her. Triple H then used the hammer on Mankind's dodgy knee
and took the victory. As Mankind was assisted back to the locker room Triple H
and Chyna continued their assault on him, until the Rock came to the rescue.
Mankind was then taken to hospital. Finally it looks like Foley will get
something done to his bad knees.
The WWF have stated that Triple H smashed the kneecap of Foley. Actually it
isn't true, Mick has had trouble with his knees for a long time and finally he
will get the surgery that he needs, he should be out for approximately 2 months.
At Raw is War, June 14, the new CEO of the WWF, Steve Austin, awarded some Vince
McMahon's zeros from his salary to Mick, so he could pay his medical bills.
While Mick is out healing he is writing his autobiography.
Mick has recovered from his surgery and have perfomed a couple of times at the
house shows in late July and early August.
Mankind returned on TV at Raw is War, August 16, when he whacked Triple H with a
steel staircase in a bout to determine the number one contender between Chyna
and Triple H. Mankind then requested a match against Chyna to determine the
number one contender, but she denied, but commissioner Shawn Michaels made her.
The match was short and sweet as Mankind quickly was able to stick down Mr.
Socko down Chyna's throat to gain the victory. But the time for celebration
wasn't long as Triple H and Chyna stomped a mudhole in him. Shane McMahon then
announced that there would be yet another number one contender match as Mankind
would take on Triple H with Shane as the special referee, Shawn Michaels agreed
to the match but stated that he also would serve as a special referee. The match
was a typical Mankind vs Triple H all out brawl, but in the end both men fell
down and were counted by Shawn and Shane, after some arguements it was announced
that both Triple H and Mankind would go on to Summer Slam and face Steve Austin
in a Triple Threat Match. Triple H and Mankind then continued their brawl as the
show went off the air.
When it was time for the Triple Threat Match at Summer Slam, Mankind and Steve
Austin started to team up to beat on Triple H, but when Mankind wanted to make
friends with Austin - the Rattle Snake started beating on Mankind. Chyna
interfered several times in the match and was eventually sent back to the
dressing room. After Steve Austin had had an altercation with Shane McMahon,
Mankind presented him to Mr. Socko, Triple H also got to taste the Mandible
Claw, but Austin kicked himself loose. Steve Austin then nailed HHH with the
Stunner, but Mankind stopped the pin. Shortly after it was Triple H's turn to
hit his finisher, but again Mankind stopped the pin. Mankind then took out
Austin with a Double Arm DDT to secure the win and thereby becoming WWF World
Champion for a third time – I certainly hope that the WWF will give Mick a
longer title regain this time around.
The next night at Raw is War, Triple H threatened to break the arm of Jim Ross
if he wasn't awarded a shot at the title, Mankind agreed, but Triple H "broke"
the arm of Ross anyway. Mankind then wanted to break his promise, but Shane
McMahon held him up on his words, so the match was signed. Mankind was at a
disadvantage from the start as Shane McMahon served as the referee. Mr. Socko
was put in throat of Shane and Triple H and also Chyna received the same
treatment, Mankind then nailed HHH with the Double Arm DDT, but Shane missed the
count as he was still suffering from the Mandible Claw. Triple H fought back and
brained Mankind with a chair and followed up with the Pedigree to win the match
and the WWF World Title. I don't understand why the WWF again degrades Mick, he
always get terrible short regains and never gets to defend a title successfully
against another main event competitor.
At Smackdown, August 26, Mankind was assigned to take on Shane McMahon. Later in
the show Mankind came to the aid of Test and Stephanie McMahon, who were being
attacked by Shane and his Posse. After the ring had cleared Mankind and Shane
started on their contest. Mankind had the match won, but then Chyna distracted
the referee, while Triple H blasted Mankind with a chair, so Shane won the
match.
The People's Partner
Mankind came to the rescue of the Rock at Raw is War, August 30, when the Great
One was being assaulted by Triple H, Chyna, and Shane. The young McMahon then
promised both Mankind and the Rock a shot at Triple H's World Title if they
could win their matches. Mankind had to defeat the Mean Street Posse with the
stipulation that if Mankind touched Shane, who would be the referee, Foley would
be disqualified. The match immediately started and Mankind started dominating
and had the three members of the Posse down, but Shane refused to do the three
count, so he ended up receiving Mr. Socko and got disqualified. After the Rock's
match, Mankind wanted to come to the aid, but the Undertaker and the Big Show
teamed up on him. Later the Rock came out and started talking trash about the
Undertaker and the Big Show, but he was interrupted by Mankind, who wanted to
tag up with the Rock and take on the two monsters. During this hilarious
dialogue Mankind used many of the Rock's catch phrases, this didn't sit well
with the Rock, but it was damn funny.
During the match the Undertaker left the Big Show to do the fighting himself,
this of course gave the Rock and Mankind a huge advantage, but the big man
fought with all he had, and nailed the Rock with a chokeslam, Mankind then got a
chair kicked in his face, but the Rock kicked out at two. When the referee went
down the Rock blasted the Big Show with a chair, the Rock and Mankind then
delivered a double People's Elbow to win the match and the WWF Tag Team Title.
September 2, at Smackdown Mankind stated that he was happy to be the People’s
Partner and started to use the Rock’s catch phrases again, this got the Great
One to react by telling Mankind never to use the phrases again. The two then
complimented each other in way that made it clear that their partnership is
based more on respect than friendship. Shane McMahon made his way out and stated
that the two would clash in a match to determine the number one contender for
the WWF World Title, if they didn’t accept, they would be suspended for 60 days,
Mankind and the Rock had no choice but to agree. The two got it on in a match
were Shane served as the special referee, during the contest Triple H and Chyna
attacked both men so it ended in a no contest. Later Shane announced that a
rematch would take place between the Rock and Mankind, but Linda McMahon changed
it to a tag team match, where the champions would face Shane and Triple H. The
match turned out to be a pretty interesting match with a hot crowd, the heels
were pretty dominant thanks to the outside interference from Chyna. However Mr.
Ass came to the ring and nailed Triple H with Famouser, so that the Rock could
secure the victory with the People’s Elbow.
At Raw is War, the Rock and Mankind were scheduled to take on Kane and X-Pac,
but X-Pac never made it out to the ring. Instead Kane signaled for the bell and
wanted to take on the Great One and the Deranged One. Triple H however made his
way down, and soon Chyna followed with a sledgehammer, Triple H wanted to be the
partner of Kane. Triple H had to tag himself in as Kane wouldn't do it, but Kane
responded by knocking him out the ring. Triple H then retaliated by using the
sledgehammer on Kane, who was then pinned by the Rock. Later in the show the
Undertaker and the Big Show challenged the champions to a Buried Alive Match at
Smackdown, which was accepted.
The Buried Alive match at Smackdown, September 9, was absolutely fantastic, the
Undertaker had his hands full with the Rock, while Mankind and the Big Show
battled it out. During the match Triple H attacked the Rock, which gave the
advantage to the Undertaker and the Big Show, but they just couldn't keep
Mankind down. Big Show was ready to bury Mankind, when Triple H made his second
apperance and whacked the Big Show with a sledgehammer. Triple H then buried
Mankind, which meant that the Undertaker and the Big Show became WWF Tag Team
Champions. At Raw Linda McMahon announced that Mankind, the Rock, Kane, the
Undertaker, and the Big Show would face each other to determine the number one
contender. This didn't sit well with Triple H, who came to the ring with some
police officers, but before he could issue a statement a meele started between
the officers, Mankind, Kane, the Rock, the Undertaker and the Big Show started.
The match itself wasn't special as it contained outside interference and
numerous attacks on the referees, it ended when a ton of the other WWF
superstars entered the ring.
At Smackdown, September 16, a five-way battle royal was held to decide who would
begin in the ring with the champion at Unforgiven. The participants were
Mankind, the Rock, Kane, the Undertaker, and the Big Show. The Rock and the Big
Show started out, with the big man dominating, until Mankind made his entrance.
Kane was the next, but when it was time for the Undertaker, he simply joined the
commentators. Mankind eliminated Kane, but then the Rock ousted Mankind.
The Undertaker sent his flunkies, Mideon and Viscera, after Mankind at Raw is
War, September 22. Mankind took good care of himself, until the Big Show also
joined in on the attack, but luckily the Rock came to the rescue. The Rock and
Mankind then challenged the Undertaker and the Big Show to a match for the WWF
Tag Team Title, which was accepted under darkside rules. The Undertaker decided
to do commentating for the match and had the Big Show, Mideon, and Viscera fight
the match. Mankind and the Rock won the match and for the second time the team
became WWF Tag Team Champions. Later in the show Undertaker and his flunkies
wanted to set Kane on fire, but Mankind and the Rock came to his rescue.
The following Thursday at Smackdown, the Rock and Mankind were entertaining
themselves and the crowd, when they were challenged to a match for the WWF Tag
Team Title by the Road Dogg. Mr. Ass then joined the Dogg and the match was on.
It was a back and forth match, which ended when Mr. Ass nailed Mankind with the
famouser for the title change. Later in the show Mankind took on Triple H in a
wild Boiler Room Brawl, Mankind was on his way to victory, when some one pushed
him off a ladder, Mankind then fell through a table of led pipes, which let
Triple H take the victory, when he escaped the boiler room.
The Six-Pack event at Unforgiven proved to be a match, which was hard to call,
because of all the action that took place. Two men were in the ring, while the
four others were waiting to be tagged in. There were no friends in the match and
both Mankind and the Rock were getting it on, and so was Triple H and the
Bulldog. The match ended when the Bulldog nailed the Rock with a chair, Austin
who was working as the special enforcer took the chair and nailed the Bulldog,
but Triple H were quick to capitalise and nailed the Rock with the Pedigree, so
Austin had no choice but to make the count for the victory.
The next night at Raw, Mankind wanted to make it up to the Rock for his attack
the night before. Before this confrontation could take place Stevie Richard came
up to Mankind dressed up as Dude Love, which got Mankind to laugh. Mankind tried
to apologise to the Rock by presenting him with people from his past and with
gifts, he even brought a clown and together they sang Happy Birthday. The
segment ended when Triple H tried to attack the Rock. I don't have a clue what
they wanted to do with this segment.
Val Venis
At Smackdown, Mankind confronted Val Venis, who had taken the sock (Mr. Rocko)
which Mankind gave to the Rock. Venis promised that Mankind would get it back
later in the show. During the show, Stevie Richards, who again was dressed up as
Dude Love, told Mankind that Buh Buh Ray Dudley had the jacket, whom Mankind
gave to the Rock. Mankind confronted Dudley, but he got away. Mankind then
confronted Buh Buh Ray in the ring, Venis also made his entrance. Stevie
Richards also followed, he took care of the Dudleys. Venis then wanted to
present Mankind with Mr. Rocko, but told him to close his eyes, which Mankind
did. Val then put a testicular claw on Mankind. The Dudleys then entered the
ring and tore up the jacket.
At Raw is War, October 4, Mankind tried to tell the Rock, that he wanted to
break up the Rock N Sock connection, but the Rock didn't have the time to listen
to him. Mankind finally got the Rock to listen, he told him that he wanted to
fight for the Rock. Just as the Rock was about to answer, he was interrupted by
Chris Jericho. While talking with Stevie Richards, Mankind was attacked by the
Dudley Boyz to set -up a match for later. The tag match with Dude Love
(Richards) ended with a loss, as Mankind was busy tangling with Val Venis.
At Smackdown Mankind became happy when the Rock challenged Val Venis to a match,
so to return the favour Mankind challenged the British Bulldog to a match. The
match with the Bulldog was fought all over the arena, when the referee went down
the match ended but not the fight as the two battled through the crowd.During
the Rock's match against Venis, Val wanted to hammer the Rock with a chair, but
Mankind stopped him and went on to whack Venis, but he ducked and Mankind ended
up nailing the Rock. When the Rock recovered he nailed Mankind with the Rock
Bottom and then did the same to Venis, whom he covered for the pin. After the
match the Rock and Mankind exchanged heated words.
At Raw, Mankind was waiting for the Rock to show up, so they could settle their
differences, while waiting he was attacked by the British Bulldog and Val Venis.
Mankind finally caught up with the Rock and the two started arguing, but the two
had to get along as they later that night would face the British Bulldog and Val
Venis. The match was a big brawl, where Mankind got back Mr. Rocko from Venis'
pants, Val then made a run for it with Mankind following. Meanwhile the Rock
nailed the British Bulldog with the Rock Bottom and then left, causing the match
to be declared a no contest.
At Smackdown, Mankind asked Vince McMahon to book one last match involving the
Rock 'n' Sock Connection, which was granted, as Mankind and the Rock took on the
New Age Outlaws for the WWF Tag Team Title. The New Age Outlaws were on the way
to victory, when the Holly's appeared and clobbered Mr. Ass with one of the tag
team title belts, so Mankind had no problems pinning him and win the WWF Tag
Team Title - so apparently the Rock 'n' Sock Connection will live on.
At Sunday Night Heat before No Mercy, Mankind was looking for the Rock and found
him at the bathroom, where Mankind smelled what the Rock was cooking, but while
talking, Val Venis ran in and attacked Mankind. In the match Venis surprisingly
dominated, but as Mick started to get his thing going Venis fell on top of him
and pinned him for the big upset.
The next night at Raw is War, Foley gave the Rock a pre copy of his biography.
Later Al Snow showed up and he had found the book in the trash, which didn’t
make Mankind happy. Mankind confronted the Rock, Mick was really pissed off and
called the Rock an egotistical son of a bitch and told him to grow up. The Rock
N’ Sock Connection later faced the Holly’s, but Mick didn’t participate in the
match, he just sat at the stairs, without his mask. So the Rock had to battle
alone and was on his road to victory, when Triple H stormed the ring and
delivered a Pedigree, the Holly’s then pinned him to win the WWF Tag Team Title.
At Smackdown, Foley wanted a match against the Rock for the number one contender
spot, which the Rock accepted. Mick and the Rock delivered a back and forth
match, where Foley twice had the Rock caught in the Mandible Claw. As the match
spilled to the outside, where Mick was attacked by Val Venis causing the
disqualification.
Mankind clashed with Triple H at Raw is War, October 25. The Champion started
off dominant, but after a Double Arm DDT, Foley was back in the game and nailed
Triple H with the belt and then put on the Mandible Claw, but Val Venis showed
his ugly face and whacked Mankind with a chair to cause the disqualification. Al
Snow came to the rescue of Mankind.
At Smackdown, October 28, Mankind took on Val Venis in a pretty even contest.
Venis worked on Mankind’s injured arm. During the contest Mankind went for Mr.
Socko but couldn’t find him, later in the match Al Snow brought it to Mankind,
who used it to secure the win.
At Raw is War, November 1, Mankind was signing copies of hi autobiography for
the other wrestlers, while Al Snow was reading excerpts from the book. Later
Mankind and Snow teamed up to take on the Big Boss Man and Prince Albert in a
hardcore match, which Mankind and Snow won. Val Venis meanwhile set fire to
Foley's book, so Mankind used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Later
Mankind went after Venis, who escaped through the crowd.
At Smackdown, November 4, Mankind and Al Snow teamed up to take on Crash and
Hardcore Holly for the WWF Tag Team Title. It was a very entertaining match,
which featured good work, Mankind and Al won the match and became WWF Tag Team
Champions. After the match the two celebrated, but Mankind wanted to find Val
Venis and left, he went to various places including a strip bar, but had no luck
in finding Venis.
Mankind and Al had a short reign as WWF Tag Team Champions as they lost them to
the New Age Outlaws at Raw is War, November 8, but it was due to Venis attacking
Mankind, so he couldn't help Snow. Mankind later went after Val Venis and the
two brawled through the crowd. At Survivor Series Mankind and Al Snow took on
the New Age Outlaws. Snow and Mankind dominated for most of the match, but the
Outlaws came out victorious, when they finished off Mankind with a spiked
piledriver.
The next night at Raw is War, Mankind clashed with his nemesis Val Venis again.
This time around Foley dominated, Venis had a small comeback, but Mankind hit a
Double Arm DDT, which was followed up by the Mandible Claw for the victory.
After Al lost to the Road Dogg Mankind came down an began to sing "For he's a
jolly good fellow" and then revealed that he and Snow would take on a vacation
to Las Vegas. I hope this will give the time for Foley to loose some weight, he
really needs it.
At Smackdown, November 18, footage of Mankind and Al Snow on vacation in Las
Vegas aired. During these clips a guy, who used the Rock's catch phrases were
harassing the two wrestlers.
At Raw is War, November 22, Mankind and Al Snow clashed against Hardcore and
Crash Holly in a major brawl. The Holly cousins ended up victorious after
Hardcore nailed Crash with a drop kick, while Al was ready to deliver the Snow
Plough to Crash. Later Mankind passed the Rock, who confessed that he never
threw the book in the trash, can, by reciting a paragraph from the book. Later
in the show the Rock decided to go up against the Big Boss Man and Prince Albert
alone, since he had the People behind him. Of course the strength in numbers
proved to be too much for the Rock, but Mankind came to the ring, and the Rock
tagged him in. Mankind and the Rock then cooperated to win the match – it looks
like the Rock 'n' Sock Connection is back to stay.
Al Snow asked Mankind if he was going to turn his back on his best friend at
Smackdown, November 25. Mankind said no because he had a match with the Rock
tonight. This got Al Snow to proclaim, that he hated the Rock. Later Mankind
apologised to the Rock for yelling at him. Mankind and the Rock then took on
Hardcore and Crash Holly for the number one contender spot for the WWF Tag Team
Title. Here the Rock 'n' Sock Connection proved that they are a heck of a team
as they defeated the Holly's.
At Raw is War, November 29, Mankind, the Rock and a mystery partner would take
on X-Pac and the New Age Outlaws. Al lobbied to be the mystery partner, but
Mankind wasn’t interested – Snow then stated that he hated the Rock. Al tried
later to convince Mankind again, but spoke badly about the Rock, unfortunately
for Al, the Rock was standing behind him the whole time, so he laid the smack
down on Al. The Rock and Mankind teamed up with Kane, but this didn’t lead to
victory, as Al Snow interrupted, giving the victory to the heels. The Rock was
furious, so he planted Al with the People’s Elbow.
While Mankind was talking about his autobiography at Smackdown, Chris Jericho
interrupted him and bashed both Mankind and the book. Jericho then challenged
Mankind to a match, which was accepted and the match was on. The match was good
and went back and forth. Chyna and Miss Kitty then hit the ring, and Chyna
nailed Jericho with the Intercontinental Belt, meanwhile Mankind bumped together
with Miss Kitty, so that Jericho could roll him up for the victory. Later
Mankind came to the aid of the Rock, who was being laid out by Al Snow and the
New Age Outlaws, Mankind delivered a chair shot to Al Snow. The Rock ‘n’ Sock
Connection came to the aid of the Big Show, when the Big Boss Man and DX
attacked him.
At Raw is War, Mankind wanted to address some issues - first of all he thanked
the fans for making his book number one. Then Mankind talked about the problems
between the Rock and Al Snow, so he called Snow out. Snow talked about that the
fans, who would only remember Foley for the Hell in the Cell match and nothing
else, and that the fans wouldn't be there when he retires. Mankind then stated
that together with Snow, the team sucked - so Al challenged the Rock 'n' Sock
Connection to a match - Mankind wouldn't grant it though, but Snow then revealed
that he had thrown the book in the trash and then attacked Mankind and a brawl
erupted. When it was time for the match Al revealed his tag team partner to be
Chris Jericho, who bashed both the Rock and Mankind on the microphone, but Chyna
and Miss Kitty attacked him - this started the match as Mankind and the Rock
charged out of the ring. Jericho and Al worked well together and had the Rock
'n' Sock Connection on the run, but Mankind applied the Mandible Claw to Snow,
while the Rock nailed Jericho with the Rock Bottom on the ramp - this brought
out the New Age Outlaws, whom Mankind and the Rock will face at Armageddon, the
Outlaws attacked the Rock and Mankind. The Rock fought back and helped out
Mankind, but Al Snow used Head to plant Mankind as the show went off the air.
Mankind clashed with Al Snow in singles competition at Smackdown. It was a good
match, which went back and forth, Mankind tried his best not to hurt Snow, but
that didn't matter to Al. Mankind was declared the winner by disqualification,
when Al brained him with a chair. Snow then repeatedly slammed Mankind’s head
into the steel chair.
The Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection clashed with the New Age Outlaws at Armageddon,
December 12. The match lasted many minutes, but contained solid action. Al Snow
came to the ring and nailed Mankind with Head, but the Rock took care of the
referee. Mankind made the tag to the Rock, who was a house on fire. Snow again
interfered, which got the referee to call for the disqualification – the Rock
then took out his frustrations on Snow with a Rock Bottom and of course the
People’s Elbow.
The Rock 'n' Sock Connection took on the Dudley Boys the next night at Raw is
War. As the Dudley Boys wanted to bring a steel chair into the ring, the referee
promptly disqualified them. Triple H and Stephanie then entered and declared the
match a no DQ, so the match continued, and the referee was knocked won - Triple
H and Steph entered again followed by a man with a Vince McMahon mask, who would
serve as referee. The guy made a quick count in favour of the Dudley Boys. The
Rock 'n' Sock Connection then ripped the mask of and it turned out to be Al
Snow, who then got a beating. The Rock then planted Bubba Ray Dudley with the
Rock Bottom - the original referee then got up and did the count in favour of
the Rock and Mankind.
The Rock 'n' Sock Connection tricked Al Snow at Smackdown - Mankind and Al was
going against each other in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. Before the match Al
was seen talking with some on in the DX locker room and stated that he would
bring Mankind back there. The match was an all out brawl, which utilised various
foreign objects - including a bowling ball, which Al got between the legs. Al
and Mankind then took the match backstage and into the DX locker room, both men
stumbled out and Mankind got the pin - the Rock then came out of the room and
took off the DX sign and revealed that it was his locker room. Later Mankind
came to the aid of the Rock and the Big Show, who were being attacked by most of
the heels in the federation, together the faces cleaned house with a shopping
cart full of weapons.
The Deranged One stopped a segment at Raw is War, December 20, when Triple H had
Jim Ross in an arm bar. Mankind stated that he didn’t like what Triple H and
Stephanie were doing to the WWF, so he wanted to take on Triple H in a match.
Triple H responded by booking Mankind in a Boiler Room Match against an unnamed
opponent. Triple H later announced that Mankind would take on Santa Claus, as
Mankind was being interviewed about this, the Mean Street Posse attacked him and
threw him into the boiler room. Here Santa Claus waited, Mankind didn’t want to
hurt him, so he told him to leave. Three more Santa Clauses arrived and attacked
Mankind, but he took care of them and wanted to leave, but two more attacked
(New Age Outlaws). As Mankind wanted to use glass picture frame to whack Road
Dogg with a new Santa Claus arrived and smacked it into Mankind’s face. This
Santa Claus turned out to be Triple H, who then escaped the boiler room to be
declared the winner.
At Smackdown, December 23, Mankind called the other wrestlers together and
stated that he was sick and tired of Triple H and Stephanie calling the shots
and that he wasn't going to take it anymore. Stephanie then entered the room and
booked Mankind to go up against the Big Show, where Triple H would be inside a
cage above the ring. The match went back and forth, but when Mankind caught the
Big Show in the Mandible Claw, both men fell over the top rope - at the same
time the cage was lowered, while a huge fight broke out between many of the
wrestlers at the stage. Triple H got out of the cage and held Stephanie in front
of him as a shield, as Mankind wanted to get a hold of him. Stephanie kicked
Mankind and Triple H followed up by knocking him silly - the referee was also
knocked out. The New Age Outlaws then entered and started to beat up on the Big
Show and Mankind.
At Raw is War, December 27, Triple H talked about Mick Foley and what he had
done to create an Union against the McMahon/Helmsley Era - this brought Foley to
the ring without his Mankind mask. Foley brought up the fact that 364 days ago
he was paraded around on DX's shoulders because he won his first WWF World Title
- he then talked about how low Degeneration X in his mind had fallen. Mick also
insulted Stephanie, which got DX to attack him, but the Rock came to the rescue
and the Rock 'n' Sock Connection cleared the ring. Triple H then angrily booked
a Pink Slip on a Pole Match between Mankind and the Rock, where the loser would
be fired. During this heated contest Al Snow came down and nailed the Rock with
Head, after the Rock had hit the Rock Bottom, he then revived Mankind and wanted
him to go after the pink slip, but Mankind threw him out of the ring instead.
Mankind then applied the Mandible Claw, but it wasn't enough to hold the Rock
down, as the Rock 'n' Sock Connection battled it out on the top rope - Mankind
was knocked off and the Rock got a hold of the pink slip and won the match.
Mankind then got on the microphone and stated that he was planning on retire in
2000, but not 1999, he then called Degeneration X a farce and told everyone to
have a nice day. Mick then went on to say goodbye to the wrestlers, the crew,
and the officials, but during this Triple H and Stephanie told him to leave -
eventually they got him thrown out. Mankind however returned and whacked Triple
H with a steel chair, during Triple H's match against the Big Show for the WWF
World Title - the Big Show then got the victory after a Showstopper.
At Smackdown clips were shown of an interview between Mick Foley and Jim Ross.
Here Foley stated that the perfect way to end his career was in the main event
at WrestleMania and go out as the champion. Mick also said that he will be the
person to decide how he goes out. Mick stated that he would do something about
this, in some way, at some time.
At Raw is War, January 3, Degeneration X had made some skits, which made fun of
Mankind, but Foley would get his revenge later in the show, as he laid out every
member of Degeneration X, including Triple H, in their match against the Rock,
which helped the Great One win it and avoid being fired.
At Smackdown more of the Mankind skits were shown, here the fake Mankind made
some unflattering remarks about Foley's wife. Mick then showed up and beat the
fake Mankind and left him lying.
At Raw is War, January 10, the entire locker room of the WWF surrounded the ring
and the Rock got in the ring and called out Triple H and Stephanie, and the two
made their way out. The Great One stated that Mick Foley should be reinstated if
not, the entire roster would walk out. Triple H granted the Rock's wish. The
Rock then stated that there would be no more matches with special stipulations,
nor would there ever be fired a wrestler unless there was justice to do it,
Triple H and Stephanie had to agree. Mankind then made his return, who condemned
Triple H and Stephanie for mocking him and his family. Foley then suggested that
he and Triple H would clash at the Royal Rumble for the WWF World Title, Triple
H had to agree or the roster would walk away, Foley then stated that the match
would have a couple of special stipulations, which would be added later. The
Rock then put himself in the battle royal and promised to win it. Mick and the
Rock then booked a couple of matches including Triple H vs. X-Pac, and
Degeneration X against the Acolytes and the Rock 'n' Sock Connection.
During the rest of the show Mick "tortured" the fake Mankind by throwing coffee
in his face and got him beat up by Kane. During the eight man tag team match it
was obvious that there were problems in DX, and it became apparent when none of
the members wanted to tag in, when Mankind was laying a beating on Triple H,
instead they left the ring, this got the Rock and the Acolytes to run after them
and a huge brawl erupted. Triple H and Mankind continued to fight, Mankind went
for the Mandible Claw, but Stephanie stopped him by holding on to his foot.
Mankind then wanted to put to the Claw on her, but Triple H stopped him and used
a foreign object. A whack with the ring bell then followed, but Triple H then
Pedigreed Mankind through a table and did another one in the ring to get the
pin. A bloody Mankind then took of his mask and continued to brawl with Triple
as the show went off the air. After the cameras went off, Mick did the Bang Bang
routine.
The return of Cactus Jack
At Smackdown, Triple H mocked Mick Foley and told him to bring it on right now.
The fake Mankind then made his way to the ring, he stated that he was pathetic,
but then the real Mankind made his way out and stated that it was enough. Mick
then stated that he got a severe beating on Raw is War, and he really wasn't up
for the Street Fight at Royal Rumble, but he knew someone who was, he then tore
of his shirt and mask, underneath he had a Cactus Jack shirt on and Cactus had
made his return. Jack then stated that he wanted to beat Triple H right now and
the two slugged for a moment until the fake Mankind whacked Cactus with a chair.
Jack then brutalised the fake Mankind, while Triple H got out of the ring.
Cactus Jack then stated he would take the WWF World Title from Triple H.
At Raw is War, Cactus Jack stated that it was Triple H who woke him up, when he
used a ring bell at Mankind to let him taste his own blood. Cactus then called
out Triple H and demanded a match right here right now, the WWF World Champion
made his way out, he stated that Mick was afraid of being Cactus Jack, since
every time he gets sadistic a little bit of Mick dies. Triple H stated that he
was not afraid of being sadistic and together with the rest of Degeneration X,
he stormed the ring and started to beat up on Jack. The Rock came to the rescue,
but the Big Show also entered and hammered on the Rock. After this the Big Show
got in the ring together with the Acolytes and started to beat on Degeneration
X. Later Cactus tried to convince the Rock and the Big Show that they could work
together, but to no avail, as the two ended up fighting during their tag team
match against the New Age Outlaws.
At Smackdown, Triple H talked about last years Royal Rumble, when Mick Foley was
beaten into a bloody pulp by the Rock. Triple H stated that it would be nothing
to the things Triple H would do to him. The Game also made fun of Mick’s
children and stated that Foley was a failure. Suddenly Cactus Jack’s music
blared over the speakers, Jack entered and stated that he too would do things to
Triple H, that he wouldn’t have his children to see and that he was going to
bring thumb tacks to the match. The two then started fighting, Triple H wanted
to bring Cactus through a table with the Pedigree, but Jack reversed it and pile
drove Triple H through the table.
Triple H and Cactus Jack clashed in a real gusher at Royal Rumble. The two stood
face to face before they started to slug it out. As Triple H started bleeding
from the leg, Jack went under the ring and came out with a two by four wrapped
in barb wire, but the referee wouldn't allow the use of it, but Triple H took it
and whacked Jack. Cactus fought back and whacked Triple H in the face with the
barb wire and followed up with and elbow drop, this got Triple H to juice big
time. The Game wasn't finished however and hand cuffed Jack, exactly as in last
years Royal Rumble, the Rock then entered the arena and nailed Triple H with a
chair, just as Cactus was asking Triple H to nail him with a chair. A cop then
freed Jack from the handcuffs, and he was now back in the match and delivered a
piledriver to Triple H on the announce table, which didn't break. Jack went
under the ring again and came up with thumbtacks, which was dumped in the ring.
However it was Jack, who tasted the tacks as he was back dropped onto them.
Triple H then hit the Pedigree, but surprisingly Cactus kicked out. Triple H
however remained in control and hit another Pedigree in the thumbtacks to get
the duke. EMT's came to the ring and put the Game on a stretcher. Jack wasn't
finished with Triple H and pushed him back to the ring, where the Game tasted
the barb wire again.
The next night at Raw is War, Cactus came to the ring with a two by four, when
the Big Show and Triple H were beating on the Rock. Cactus and the Rock then
used the two by four to oust the Big Show from the ring.
At Smackdown, Cactus Jack complimented Triple H on his efforts at the Royal
Rumble, but also stated that it was Triple H, who looked like he had been
through hell, while Jack himself looked like he had a pretty good time. Cactus
then wanted to go another round with Triple H and asked him to find testicular
fortitude to enter the ring. Triple H’s music hit, but it was Stephanie, who
made her way out. Stephanie couldn’t see why Cactus and Triple H should fight
again, Jack then stated that Triple H and Stephanie would never have a child,
since Triple H didn’t have testicles. This got Stephanie to slap Jack, who
wanted her to do it again, so she would find out, what happens when you slap
Cactus Jack twice. This scared Stephanie out of the ring and she ran to the
back, while Cactus told the crowd that he would get to Triple H and beat the
living crap out of him. Jack then shortly after left the arena.
At Raw is War, January 31, Cactus met up with some old friends of his, namely
Chris Benoit, Perry Saturn, Dean Malenko, and Eddy Guerrero. Jack showed them
the WWF locker room, and let them beat up the Mean Street Posse. Cactus Jack
then took the four to Triple H and Stephanie to get them a job with the WWF, but
Triple H didn't quite think they were ready for the WWF and told them leave.
Later Triple H was scheduled to take on Kane, but he didn't show up due to Tori
joining X-Pac, so while Triple H was making fun off it, Cactus Jack's music hit
the speakers. Jack was furious that Triple H had thrown out four of his friends,
so he attacked the Game. The two fought, but as Jack was holding the advantage
Triple H tried to escape, but Benoit, Saturn, Malenko, and Guerrero stopped him
and took him down to the ring, where they beat the hell out of the WWF World
Champion.
At Smackdown, Cactus Jack and the Radicals kicked off the show. After running
down WCW for a while, Jack stated that he wanted Triple H out there and give
Benoit, Malenko, Guerrero, and Saturn contracts. Triple H and the rest of DX
then showed up, Triple H stated that the Radicals didn’t have what it takes to
be in the WWF, but he was willing to give them a tryout. Malkeno would take on
X-Pac, Saturn and Guerrero would face the New Age Outlaws, while Benoit would
have to tangle with the Game himself. If they could win 2 of the matches, Triple
H would grant them a contract. The Radicals ended up losing all three matches,
so no contract for them at this point.
The Radicals kicked off Raw is War, February 7, they stated that they weren’t
good enough at Smackdown, but still thanked the fans for their support, they
also wanted to thank Cactus Jack for giving them the opportunity. Jack then made
his way out and hugged the four, then Triple H’s music hit the speakers. Triple
stated that he was sick and tired of Cactus Jack and he wanted to finish it once
and for all. He challenged Jack to a match at No Way Out, Cactus could choose
any match he wanted as long as he didn’t bring any of his sadistic toys (barb
wire/thumb tacks). The two settled for a Hell in the Cell match, but Triple H
wanted Jack to put his career on the line. Jack agreed to it with the
stipulation, that Triple H couldn’t scratch the win, should Jack win the match.
Triple H then gave the Radicals two options, show their appreciation for the
man, who gave them an opportunity or the man, who gave them their contracts. The
Radicals then attacked Cactus Jack and Triple H and X-Pac joined in. Triple H
later decided to team up with X-Pac, Benoit, Saturn, and Malenko to go against
Jack and whomever he could find. When it was time for the match Jack’s teammates
turned out to be the Rock, Rikishi, and Too Cool. It was a huge brawl, which of
course ended when all the wrestlers got in the ring, but Triple H nailed the
Pedigree on Grandmaster Sexay, and Benoit finished him off with the Swan Dive
Headbutt. After the match the New Age Outlaws came to the ring and joined in on
the beating, but then the lights went out and Paul Bearer returned with Kane,
who cleared the ring.
At Smackdown, February 10, Cactus Jack and the Rock took on the New Age Outlaws.
A back and forth match, which ended when Jack knocked the Road Dogg out with a
lead pipe and then hammered him to the mat with a piledriver.
At Raw is War, February 14, during a match pitting the Big Show and Triple H
against Kane, the Rock had tried to attack the heels, but they got the better
off him. Triple H, the Big Show, and X-Pac then worked over Kane and the Rock,
until Cactus Jack made his entrance, and immediately Jack and the Game got it
on. Meanwhile the Rock whacked the Big Show with a chair, Kane followed up with
a chokeslam to get the victory. Triple H and the Big Show then double teamed the
Rock, but Cactus Jack used a huge wrench on both of them to chase them from the
ring.
At Smackdown, Cactus Jack guaranteed that he would fly from the top of the cage
once again, but this time it wouldn’t be through a table, but Triple H instead.
Jack then took on X-Pac in a Hardcore match. X-Pac tried his best to injure
Cactus, but his attempts were useless, so X-Pac took off. Jack followed after
but it was a trap by Degeneration X – Jack fought the best he could, but the
four men threw Jack into the Degeneration X bus, which then raced off.
As usual Triple H and the rest of Degeneration X kicked off Raw is War with the
microphones, but this Triple H was stopped by the Rock, who later was seconded
by Cactus Jack and Kane, who challenged Triple H to a six man tag team match.
The faces then stormed the ring, but the Big Show came down with a chair and
took out Kane and the Rock, while Triple H delivered the Pedigree to Cactus
Jack. Later in the show Triple H teamed up with X-Pac and the Big Show to take
on the Rock, Cactus Jack, and Kane. The match went back and forth and contained
the use of the ring bell, a chair, and a fire extinguisher. It was the fire
extinguisher, which proved fatal for the match, as Triple H nailed Jack with it
to score the pin. After the match DX went for their bus, but Cactus Jack
followed them and rammed a pipe through the window of the bus.
At Smackdown, February 24, Cactus cut an excellent promo for No Way Out - here
he stated that should he lose, he would never come back to wrestling. Shortly
after Cactus was arrested for vandalising the DX bus.
At No Way Out, February 27, Cactus Jack and Triple H clashed in the Hell in the
Cell to determine who would be the WWF World Champion and if Mick Foley had to
retire. Jack started as soon as the cell was lowering – he wanted to start the
match at the top of the cell, but the door was chained shut. The brutality level
soon increased when Triple H used a chair on Jack, then the stairs was put on
top of Cactus’ head and more chair shots followed. Shortly after Jack got in
control and catapulted Triple H into the cell, which busted him open. Jack then
threw the steel steps after Triple H, but he moved out of harms way, but the
cell was destroyed by this action. Cactus then threw Triple H out of the cell
and proceeded to deliver a piledriver on the announcer’s table. As Jack was
scaling the cell to get to the top – Stephanie stopped him, Triple H also
attacked but Jack stopped him and started searching for a weapon, which he found
a 2X4 wrapped in barbwire. Triple H made a run for it through the audience, but
Jack caught up with him and nailed him right in the face. The Game then crawled
on top of the cell and Jack followed suite. As Cactus was making his way up
Triple H pounded on him with the barbwire, so Jack fell from the side of the
cell through a table. Cactus was now a bloody mess, but tried to throw a chair
on the top of the cell, but didn’t succeeded – so he climbed back up. On the top
of the cell Jack was getting back on track with some of his trademark moves – he
then proceeded to light the 2X4 on fire and nailed Triple H in the face. Cactus
Jack then went for his piledriver, but Triple H back body dropped Jack, who then
fell through the top and into the ring, which caved in as a result. Jack hadn’t
moved an inch as Triple H made his way down and kicked to Jack’s hand – Cactus
then came alive, but it didn’t last long as a Pedigree from Triple H ended the
match and thereby Mick Foley’s career. After the match EMT’s came to Mick, but
he didn’t want their help and he left the ring to a huge ovation.
I
can only thank Mick for all he has given to wrestling, he surely will be missed,
but in my mind he made the right decision by thinking about his health.
A wish granted
At Raw is War, March 20, after Triple H had defeated the Big Show and the Rock
in a three way dance - Linda McMahon showed up. She congratulated Triple H, then
she stated that she also had some one, who wanted to be a part of WrestleMania,
she then stated that the main event at WrestleMania would be a Fatal Four Way
Elimination match pitting Triple vs. the Big Show vs. The Rock vs. Mick Foley.
Mick then made his way out and attacked Triple H and also the Big Show tasted
the gold in his face - thanks to Foley, who finally will get his wish granted -
namely to main event WrestleMania. Foley's return will only be for one night
only, so he will not return full time to the ring.
In an interview at Smackdown, Foley stated that Linda had pleaded with him to be
in the main event, and since it was a dream of his, he couldn't resist. Mick
also said that he would take the belt.
At Raw is War, March 27, Triple H along with Shane attacked Vince, when Linda
tried to stop Shane, Steph graved Linda, this brought out Mick Foley, who
dominated until the Big Show floored him - The Rock then hit the ring, but he
was taken out with the Showstopper, while Foley received the Pedigree. Later in
the show the Rock and Vince McMahon took on the Big Show and Shane McMahon in a
match were Triple H and Mick Foley served as special referees. The two referees
fought among themselves and the contestants in the match. Foley stopped the Big
Show from chokeslamming Vince, so the Rock hit the Rock bottom on Shane, and
Foley counted the three count, so the Rock and Vince took home the victory. At
Smackdown, Vince McMahon made the main event at WrestleMania a no DQ, no count
outs match, where falls would only count in the ring, this pleased Foley, who
then came out with a 2X4 wrapped in barb wire, Mick then had a goodbye speech
and stated that after WrestleMania the fans shouldn't expect to see him in a
long time.
