In the annals of professional wrestling, Mick Foley carved out a niche for himself as a hardcore icon, utilizing brutal implements and unorthodox methods to leave an indelible mark on the industry both within and beyond the confines of WWE.
At 58 years old, having not stepped into the squared circle since the 2012 Men’s Royal Rumble, the former WWE Champion has publicly declared his intention to whip himself back into shape, aiming to compete in one final match upon reaching the milestone age of 60.
In a recent Instagram video, the WWE Hall of Famer candidly expressed his motivations for returning to the ring, articulating his desire for a deathmatch showdown.
“It’s something of a paradox that by competing in a deathmatch, I will have a much better life. That day, or night, is going to be tough. It’s going to be tough, but the lessons I learned leading up to that match are lessons I intend to carry forward for the rest of my life. I know having a wild match, involving barbed wire and thumbtacks…We are going to bring in a bed of nails. These are going to be tools of life for dad,”
Foley remarked.
From his legendary encounters with the likes of Terry Funk, The Undertaker, Randy Orton, and Edge (Adam Copeland), Mick Foley has etched his name into the annals of hardcore wrestling lore.
However, while fans clamor for Foley’s return to a WWE ring, it appears increasingly improbable. Instead, Foley seems destined to ply his trade in the independent circuit.
And there, awaiting him, is a former WWE Superstar eager to share the ring in what could be Foley’s swan song: Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Cardona made his intentions clear: “It’s no secret, I’ve been politicking for this match. If he wants a deathmatch, it would be fitting to have won against the Deathmatch King. It would be the biggest match in the history of independent pro wrestling.”
Since venturing into the independent wrestling scene, Cardona has enjoyed a resurgence, generating considerable buzz around his name and arguably experiencing the zenith of his career.
As Foley gears up for what could be his final foray into the ring, the anticipation mounts, setting the stage for a showdown that promises to be nothing short of legendary.
