Mick Foley Explains Why He Wants To End Career In Brutal Style
Mick Foley has revealed his reasons for wanting one last brutal in-ring bout.
The WWE Hall Of Fame class of 2013 inductee was renowned for his high impact, risk taking style during a 14-year full-time in-ring career that drew to a close at the age of just 34 after injuries had taken their toll on the Long Island native.
Foley made sporadic appearances thereafter, including headlining WrestleMania just weeks after his emotional farewell at No Way Out 2000, but has not competed in a WWE ring since an appearance at the 2012 Royal Rumble.
Having not laced up the boots for over 12 years, it came as a surprise to many recently when Foley announced his desire for one final bout on his 60th birthday in June 2025.
During a recent chat with Casey Hopkins, the former WWE Champion revealed that his desire for one last showdown is driven partly by his motivation to lose weight:
“One day, when I was really struggling, I realized that what used to be the best motivation for me was another match. I always got in shape with the goal of having another match, another match, another match.
Fast forward, my wrestling days are over. I’ve spent, with two small occasions, since 1999, well over 300 pounds. I got down on three different occasions below 300 and then as I saw my weight really get away from me, I thought, maybe I need that same kind of motivation and along the way I can appreciate the lifestyle changes, eating differences, exercise.
There is no reason for somebody, at my age and weight, to not be exercising for three straight years. It’s embarrassing. It’s embarrassing when you’re asked in the airport if you need a wheelchair. It’s embarrassing to be the guy who is bigger than the chair on the airline.”
Mick Foley Searching For Inner Peace After Final Bout
Foley admitted that the irony of wanting to participate in a death match to elongate his life was not lost on him, but his determination to be an active Grandfather in the future was a key factor in his decision to return to the ring:
“It’s something of a paradox that by competing in a death match, 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 learn leading up to that match are lessons I intend to carry forward for the rest of my life.
To me, it’s the difference between being a grandfather someday, or can crawl on the ground and play with their grandchildren or a grandfather who sits and watches from the sidelines. I don’t want to be that guy sitting on the sidelines.”
When questioned what he hoped to achieve from a potential 60th birthday bout, Foley opened up about his desire for inner peace by ending his career on his own terms:
“I’m just looking for catharsis. In Japan, the fans are described as being oddly peaceful when they would leave because they had seen something. When it’s done right, it can be a work of abstract art.
I’m hoping when it’s done there will be a sense of peace among the fans and a sense of inner peace for myself, even as my wounds stick to the sheets that night and for a few nights. I’m pretty sure I’m going to come out of that situation in worse shape than I was, but I believe I will pick up habits that are going to lead to a longer, better life.”
H/T: Fightful for the above transcription.