Foley's Final Match

[IrishCanadian25]

Wrestlezone announced today that Mick Foley is "yearning" for a final WWE match, a chance to go out in style before what is certain to be a career that ends in an office and in the Hall of Fame. And there is no more fitting end.

Here are my choices for who likely contenders are to be the opponent in said final match.

3-1 Odds

The Undertaker. When you look back, 'Taker put Foley on the map by agreeing to do a highly dangerous spot with him in that infamous Hell in a Cell match. I would not be shocked - at all - if Foley ended up being 'Taker's Wrestlemania opponent this year in a career vs career match. You know you'll get Foley's best effort. The caveat is that, in a PG world, you know you're getting a far different match from their old encounters, which were brutal.

5-1 Odds

The Rock. Why not have one final bru-ha-ha between the Rock and Sock connection. It was Rock who put Foley over for his first World Title.

S(h)eamus. Hear me out. Foley has taken several mid-card guys and helped turn them into top-level guys by putting them over in Hardcore matches, which in turn made sure the fans respected each guy's toughness. Edge and Randy Orton come to mind. Sheamus is the young brawler of the WWE, and he'd make a great opponent for Foley.

The Miz. Miz will need a new, fresh, high-profile feud that doesn't involve a major title. They can't let his heat cool off by keeping him with R-Truth, who at this point is so comical we can't even take him seriously as a heel. Miz has that brash arrogance that opposes Foley brilliantly. The mic work these two would have would be perfect.

7-1 Odds

Dolph Ziggler. Great wrestler, but he gets very little heel heat on his own because a) Vickie G. overshadows him, and b) I think his pretty boy looks make people think he's soft. Mick would toughen him up and allow a whole new side of Mr. Ziggles to come out, and this might be the feud that makes him a top-contender.

Christian. Why not? Foley put Edge over - why not do the same for his former partner? Plus, Foley can't come back as anything but the revered and respected face, and Christian is the perfect foil.

Alberto del Rio. The clean and scientifc heel vs the scruffy and messy fan favorite? It's formulaic, but these two could make it work.

Long shots: 15-1 or greater

CM Punk. Too much on his plate with Cena and the possibly Jericho.

R-Truth. Don't waste Foley's last match on this clown.

Drew McIntyre. Could renew Drew's career, but seems anti-climactic.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

All those are good choices but I believe the best choice is you didn't list and that is Cody Rhodes. Cody hides his face from the world because he thinks that he is imperfect. He preaches to the audience that they are ugly and are living lies. Enter Foley who did everything brutal under the sun to make the fans happy. Cody can say that Mick basically mutilated his face and body just to please them when he didn't have to or something to that effect. I think it would be a great buildup with a hardcore match where Cody will win and finally become dashing again.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

If Foley does come back for one Final Match, it will likely be a Hell in a Cell Match against the Undertaker (at Wrestlemania?). Everyone knows that THE Taker vs. Mankind Hell in a Cell Match, basically made Hell in the Cell Matches popular.

Why not have these geriatrics do it one more time? That's what I'd like to see.

Rock vs. Foley again would be awesome but that is not happening.


If he does come back, knowing WWE, it will be Foley vs. John Cena, with Cena winning.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

LJL, I hadn't thought about Cody Rhodes for some reason, and you're right. I'd put him in around 10-1.

I could see the promos about Cody trying to get away from facing Foley, and Foley vowing to "ugly him up." There could be a lot of potential in that feud and a match like that!

 

[martymcfly]

Actually, I'm going to probably go against the grain here and say that if he does return, I do not want it to be and do not think it should be against the undertaker. I can certainly understand the fond nostalgia for matches that these 2 put on back in the day, but now, they are older and honestly falling apart. I haven't seen the undertaker put on a good match in some time, and I'm not sure he has enough gas left in the tank to be totally honest.

I'd be concerned that a match pitting these 2 against each other would no doubt be compared to the hell in a cell and I think the end result of such a match these days between the two would likely be unable to measure up.

 

[shattered dreams]

I do not really see the point of Foley losing to Undertaker at Wrestlemania. If you want a big name I'll throw out Diesel and worry about the details and the quality of the match later. If they have him work with a younger guy I think it will be Miz even though that will produce a shit match without the allure of nostalgia. Sheamus makes sense but he bores me, maybe Foley could drag something interesting out of him. If he wrestles Taker I fear Foley will do something beyond stupid. I could also maybe see an argument for Vince McMahon.

 

[boz_supernova]

I think Mick Foley v Undertaker is the worst idea ever, especially at Wrestlemania. I don't know if they're still having the Hell In A Cell PPV this year, but if so, that might be a good time for a Mick Foley match, if it has to be in a cell. If not, maybe Wrestlemania, but not against Taker.

Who I'd have him wrestle depends on if he comes back as Cactus Jack, Mankind or just himself. If he comes back as Mankind, I think having him face R Truth would be a good idea with Truth's character going crazy.

If he comes back as Cactus Jack or just himself, I'd have him face The Miz! I doubt he still has it in him, but if he can pull off a match like he had against Randy Orton, or even Edge, then a hardcore type match could get Miz's character over more seriously as even though he's been a champion, he's still taken as a bit of a joke. Even though he's AWESOME!

 

[GUMBO2ndcoming]

All the choices are actually really good


I really like the Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio matches though.

Sheamus- This could be an intense hardcore battle that would make sheamus the monster he needs to be but with the recent face turn I dont see it happening.

Del Rio- I like the storyline of the clean cut, rich guy against the flannel and sweatpants guy who hasnt shaved or gotten a haircut in years. People would really get behind Foley and it would put Del Rio over even more as a heel. I feel his character is already getting dry and Foley could bring out the best in him. It wouldnt be a 5 star match but the build up would be wonderful.

ANYONE BUT TAKER PLEASE!

I also wouldnt mind the Miz for the same reasons has Del Rio

 

[Iversen]

I think Foley's last match needs to be putting someone over. He's spent a career doing and I'm sure he'll want to do it one last time. So saying that I'd like to see him and Cody Rhodes go at it at Mania, I think Foley putting Cody over would truly cement them. Obviously it would have to be a hardcore match of some sort because as much as I love Mick no one wants to see him in a non gimmick match now adays (if they ever did). Let Foley work his magic and I seriously think it could be done to push Rhodes to that next level. Plus it give's Foley a chance to have another couple of huge moments on the Grandest Stage of them all and to become an integral part of yet another persons career.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

I do not really see the point of Foley losing to Undertaker at Wrestlemania. If you want a big name I'll throw out Diesel and worry about the details and the quality of the match later. If they have him work with a younger guy I think it will be Miz even though that will produce a shit match without the allure of nostalgia. Sheamus makes sense but he bores me, maybe Foley could drag something interesting out of him. If he wrestles Taker I fear Foley will do something beyond stupid. I could also maybe see an argument for Vince McMahon.

Let's face it, though, with the WWE "teasing" a break from the strict PG lately, and their desire for Wrestlemania to go well beyond 1 million buys (the whole reason to schedule Rock vs Cena year in advance), Undertaker vs Foley would help that a great deal. I don't think anybody is expecting to see Foley win, but short of Sting, who else would make as compelling an opponent for The Undertaker than the man who was one of just two men to have a winning record against 'Taker when 'Taker was a babyface? The man who tossed him off the cell?

I do agree with you that, vs Undertaker at Mania, Foley does risk doing something really dumb. In today's day, if Foley pitched to McMahon "I want to get thrown off the top of the cell," he'd get kicked out of Vince's office. Unprotected steel chair headshots are banned now, too. To pull out the stops the way Foley does, he'd have to take a dumb risk.

These odds aren't what I WANT to happen, mind you, they are what I think logically WILL happen...

 

[DForce]

I don't even want to respond to the quote. Just wanted to repost it.

Foley's last match should be against Andrew, the winner of Tough Enough. My reasoning is that all of the high profile superstars will be tied up in other matters and justifiably so. With Andrew, on the other hand, how do you make him relevant aside from simply being the winner of TE? You put him against a legend and allow him to win. It's a win, win. Foley gets his last match, one that should appeal to fans; Andrew (Tough Enough for that matter) receives credibility. I'm a genius; I should be a promoter.

 

[D-Man]

Wrestlezone announced today that Mick Foley is "yearning" for a final WWE match, a chance to go out in style before what is certain to be a career that ends in an office and in the Hall of Fame. And there is no more fitting end.

Here are my choices for who likely contenders are to be the opponent in said final match.

3-1 Odds

The Undertaker. When you look back, 'Taker put Foley on the map by agreeing to do a highly dangerous spot with him in that infamous Hell in a Cell match. I would not be shocked - at all - if Foley ended up being 'Taker's Wrestlemania opponent this year in a career vs career match. You know you'll get Foley's best effort. The caveat is that, in a PG world, you know you're getting a far different match from their old encounters, which were brutal.

The only thing that throw me for a loop in this prediction is that Foley already had plenty of retirement matches in high-profile situations in the past for the WWE.

- Firstly, he had a Hell in a Cell match against Triple H at No Way Out in 2000. The stipulation was that is Foley lost, he would have to retire.

- Little did we know that Linda McMahon would bring Foley back at Wrestlemania to wrestle in a fourway dance for the first time under his real name, Mick Foley. He lost and was supposed to be the last nail in his coffin for his WWE in-ring career.

- Then, he returned at the 2004 Royal Rumble to eliminate himself and Randy Orton at the same time with his Foley-over-the-top-rope clothesline.

- He returned during Wrestlemania XX to team with the Rock against Evolution.

Need I go on? It almost looks plain silly to put Foley in another "retirement", high-profile matchup. The guy just doesn't seem to wanna go away. As much as I'd like to see him in the ring again, I'm not sure how the WWE would make the match something that could really MEAN something, anymore.

 

[Zeven_Zion]

I wouldn't mind seeing Foley have one more match (be it a retirement one or not). Yeah, sure, he's had like thirty of them thus far but I can ignore that. If the guy wants to wrestle again let him wrestle again, it's his funeral.

But one thing I need to ask is - how do you possibly have a Mick Foley match be a real Mick Foley match in a PG environment where blood isn't allowed? Not allowing Foley to have a hardcore match (and by hardcore match I don't mean a chair a trash can and a kendo stick) is like not allowing Flair to use knife edge chops and the figure four. Foley's never been known for his technical ability. He's known for his hardcore matches. Maybe the WWE can make an exception? Who knows.

That's the only thing that bothers me. If Foley's "last" match is not going to be hardcore then scrap it right now. If it is, and I mean TRULY hardcore (nothing too disgusting but you know what I mean), then go nuts, I'll watch.

 

[Hulk Hogan's Brother]

The Miz looks like the best option to me. He is the only heel that is cocky enough to assume that he can come out unscathed in a match between himself and Foley. Well him and Punk are, but Punk is that sort of guy who seems to like going against the grain and so it won't really be his type of feud. It's right up Miz's street though with their being no huge feud for him in the offing. Unlike the likes of Ziggler though, he is a sufficiently high profile guy in the WWE today and so it would not look like a mismatch. Also I hear that The Miz might be turning face in the near future and there cannot be a better set-up for a face turn than toughing it out in a hardcore environment with a hardcore legend like Foley.

I like the idea of Sheamus, Cody or Ziggler going up against Foley but I cannot see either of those matches taking place. Ziggler and Cody aren't big enough stars yet. One could argue that feuding with Foley is what makes you a big star but Foley generally feuds with guys who are either main eventers or on theverge of main eventing. Ziggler and Rhodes, for the time being, seem firmly entrenched in the midcard. Sheamus just turned face and it would kill Sheamus' heat if he went up against Foley as a face. I cannot see him turning heel so quickly either.

As for The Undertaker, niether him nor Foley are in pristine shape. The match for the streak has been the best match at Mania for the past three years. I am sure WWE wants another classic out of The Undertaker but I doubt if he can deliver one with Foley. Niether do I see Rock wrestling after his match with Cena. So I guess you can rule out both those guys.

 

[The Ace of Knaves]

As for The Undertaker, niether him nor Foley are in pristine shape. The match for the streak has been the best match at Mania for the past three years.

Actually, it's been the last 5 years starting from WM 23 with Batista/

I am sure WWE wants another classic out of The Undertaker but I doubt if he can deliver one with Foley. Niether do I see Rock wrestling after his match with Cena. So I guess you can rule out both those guys.

People also underestimate Taker prior to his match with Triple H at Wrestlemania 27 this year, but look what happened.

Taker gives the best no matter what; Foley is known for his out of boundary insanity. And their in-ring psychology aspect and u got yourself a favor.

Besides, if a match that was deemed to make Undertaker vs Giant Gonzales look like 1993 MOTY like Miss Wrestlemania Battle Royal, Vince vs Bret, and Cole vs Lawler actually happened at Wrestlemania, then Taker vs Foley has to happen even for just the sake of it having its place in Wrestlemania history.

Besides, big marquee match like this will be considered a legendary match due its existence alone (regardless of its quality), like Vince/Shane at WM 17 & Hogan/Vince at WM 19.

I wouldn't mind seeing Foley have one more match (be it a retirement one or not). Yeah, sure, he's had like thirty of them thus far but I can ignore that. If the guy wants to wrestle again let him wrestle again, it's his funeral.

But one thing I need to ask is - how do you possibly have a Mick Foley match be a real Mick Foley match in a PG environment where blood isn't allowed? Not allowing Foley to have a hardcore match (and by hardcore match I don't mean a chair a trash can and a kendo stick) is like not allowing Flair to use knife edge chops and the figure four. Foley's never been known for his technical ability. He's known for his hardcore matches. Maybe the WWE can make an exception? Who knows.

That's the only thing that bothers me. If Foley's "last" match is not going to be hardcore then scrap it right now. If it is, and I mean TRULY hardcore (nothing too disgusting but you know what I mean), then go nuts, I'll watch.

Undertaker can provide him with that like Taker provided HHH in WM 27 this year. They played the in-ring psychology with some hardcore elements, which is why I think it should be Taker vs Foley at WM 28 next year.

Foley vs Taker HAS to happen at WM 28 next year!!! It's a travesty how Gonzales, Bundy, A-Train, Boss Man, and Henry got a Wrestlemania match with Taker but Foley never had one!!! Taker vs Foley is one of the greatest feuds to never make it to Wrestlemania, and this may very well be the last chance for it to ever finally happen. I know people would say 'push youngsters' but for God's sake does it really have to be at Wrestlemania? If insipid matches like Goldberg vs Lesnar, Big Show vs Akebono, Khali vs Kane, Ms. Wrestlemania Battel Royal, Bret vs Vince, and Cole vs Lawler could happen at Wrestlemania, then by all freaking means Taker vs Foley CAN happen!!!

I mean Rock's gonna face Cena & Triple H has been discussed to take on Punk while Sin Cara has been rumored to go against Rey. And I think we've had enough of rematches on The Streak, so no Orton or Kane ever again. Lesnar is with UFC while Jericho hasn't expressed any interest to return. Angle, Sting, Hogan, Jeff, and RVD are with TNA. So, who better to take on The Streak than Foley? Because let's face it, Foley's got legendary credibilities compared to any available youngster you can name in WWE ATM.

Foley, despite being Undertaker's top 3 opponents in his career (alongside Kane & HBK) has surprisingly missing from The Streak list. Vince had the opportunity to book the match at WM 15, but he opted for Boss Man to go against Taker at that time hoping Taker could carry him to a legendary match and established him as a permanent main eventer. But we knew how Vince's hope went out to become.

I know Taker & Foley are no longer in their prime, but for God's sake Vince vs Bret & Cole vs Lawler were actually booked so by all means why shouldn't Taker vs Foley? Who cares if the match doesn't live up to its potential, this is one of those matches done for the sake it has to be done so it has its place in history (exactly like Bret/Vince & Cole/Lawler). Besides, with Punk/HHH, Rey/Cara, and Cena/Rock on the card, it's unlikely Taker/Foley would hurt the card on a great deal (at least compared to matches that made Sid vs Hogan look like 1992 MOTY like Bret/Vince or Cole/Lawler). And who knows if they can actually surprise us by pulling a Wrestlemania classic like Taker/HHH did this year?

Not only it has the benefit of being Legend vs Legend or Career vs Career, it's a win-win for everyone: if WM 28 doesn't turn out to be Taker's last, then Taker still adds a very credential name to The Streak (Foley being a new addition to The Streak with all his hardcore accomplishments and status as one of Taker's greatest foes). If WM 28 does turn out to be Taker's last, then who better to send Taker out than Foley? Who by feuding with him literally made Taker a legend? Not to mention Foley still holds the best win/lose record against Taker.

As much as many people in IWC hoping for Rhodes vs Foley at WM 28, I think it's clear Taker vs Foley is the bigger marquee in every aspect than Rhodes vs Foley. It pains me to look at The Streak list and see Foley's name glaringly missing. I understand the need to push youngsters, but Money In The Bank 2011 proved to all of us that you don't need to ruin the last chance for a legendary match to ever happening at Wrestlemania to actually get pushed!! If Rhodes is that damn good, he will reach the level he deserves without ruining the last chance Taker & Foley to finally have a Wrestlemania match after so many years.

 

[hhh420]

Cody Rhodes isn't a bad choice, but i was also thinking John Morrison. Whats the one knock against him besides his promo skills..it's his "toughness". Well a program with foley to me would take care of that just like it has for others such as edge and orton. Heck you could throw melina in the program to since she has had dealings with foley in the past.

 

[poppycock]

I would love for Foley to return and have one final match. Against what most posters feel I would love Micks final match to be against The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. The Mankind Vs Undertaker fued is in my top two favourites of all time. The only thing it was missing was an encounter at Wrestlemania so it would be fitting and something I personally would be all for. The relationship between a returning Foley and "New Owner" Triple H is something I would be eager to watch develop seeing as they have a history together. I am sure Edge and Foley would work together in some form also.

 

[EVILCZW]

id pay 1000 bux for the PPV alone to see Taker vs Mankind one more time at WM as we know hell go 20-0, taker retires, Foley retires, its an end to a LONG feud with closure and the best part, ID RATHER SEE THESE TWO GO AT IT FOR THE LAST TIME BY RETIRING EACH OTHER WHO HAD ONE OF THE BEST RIVALRIES IN WWE HISTORY THEN HHH OR KANE TRYING TO SEE IF THE 3RD TIME IS REALLY THE CHARM. UNLESS TAKER GOES 1-1 WITH VINCE AT MANIA, NOBODY IS WORTHY ENOUGH TO HAVE HIS LAST MATCH AND, ITS NEVER BEEN DONE AT MANIA.


VIN.....i mean HHH, BOOK THIS NOW

 

[Rising Savior]

I do not really see the point of Foley losing to Undertaker at Wrestlemania. If you want a big name I'll throw out Diesel and worry about the details and the quality of the match later. If they have him work with a younger guy I think it will be Miz even though that will produce a shit match without the allure of nostalgia. Sheamus makes sense but he bores me, maybe Foley could drag something interesting out of him. If he wrestles Taker I fear Foley will do something beyond stupid. I could also maybe see an argument for Vince McMahon.

Diesel? I know your a Tna fan and I know Tna did a match between Nash and Foley not too long ago. But come on Diesel really? Diesel Foley would be okay but Foley and Miz would be shit that makes no sense when Miz had a match with Jerry Lawler that made Lawler look great. Miz knows how to tell a story in the ring and is pretty good in the ring and I'm sure Foley and Miz would have a damn good match together. If Foley was to wrestle one more match in wwe I'd probably pick Cody Rhodes, Christian, Miz, Alberto Del Rio, or Dolph Ziggler I feel any of those guys would be great choices.

 

[a member of wwe universe]

why not JACK SWAGGER? I mean this guy was praised heavily by the IWC he is the future of the wwe last year. Now hes a jobber and the IWC have abandoned him. Cant believe no body mention him.

 

[LoudClearVoice]

If he does fight in one more match, they'll go really big with it. While there are a lot of guys I'd like to see Foley put over, I don't think that will happen. It will more likely be some major star at the match will be hyped at a PPV.

Have Undertaker vs. Mrs Foley's Baby Boy in a HIAC Match at the HIAC PPV. They could hype the shit out of that with clips of the legendary original HIAC match between the two.

 

[Dowdsy McDowds]

If Foley does come back for one Final Match, it will likely be a Hell in a Cell Match against the Undertaker (at Wrestlemania?). Everyone knows that THE Taker vs. Mankind Hell in a Cell Match, basically made Hell in the Cell Matches popular.

Why not have these geriatrics do it one more time? That's what I'd like to see.

Seriously? "Geriatrics" in a Hell in a Cell match? Sheesh...

I like the prospects of either Miz or Rhodes as I haven't seen anything from Ziggler to convince me that he can hang on the mike with Mick.

Miz can even bring up the fact that last year he main-evented but now he's booked against a stuntman/quitter/crazy old loon which he doesn't deserve. While Rhodes and Mick share the whole mask thing for different reasons so there's good material there.

Just for the love of God, no mentions of Mick and Taker in a HITC please.

 

[JBShakes]

What about Wade Barrett? If the plan is to have an up-and-coming heel end "the streak" at WM28, a warmup "retirement" match with Mankind would be a great build to it. Have Barrett announce his intentions to challenge the streak at RR, then a "retirement" match at Elimination Chamber, and then take on Undertaker at WM28 with the streak on the line.

 

[chenandlerbong]

Ive only seen 1 other person mention it, but what about John Morrison? I think that Foley being how he is, he would prefer to have one match and put an up and comer over, rather than go with an established main eventer. I know there is probably 6 or 7 people you could go with, but Morrison comes across as not having the 'toughness' for a main event guy, feuding with Foley could push him over the top in this respect, similar to how Edge and Randy Orton came across after feuding with Foley.

 

[The Future Rises]

Yeah Cody Rhodes is a good pick. I remember mentioning a feud between him and his Mankind character in the Mick Foley returning to WWE thread. I think putting Cody over as the new top freak in the business is the best way to go for Foley. Maybe a hardcore retirement match at Wrestlemania would be good. Mankind vs "Disfigured" Cody Rhodes is a dream feud that can actually happen and I hope it does. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. If it's not Cody then I would like to see him put over The Miz or Dolph Ziggler. Just like he put over Randy Orton in 2003/2004.