Thanks to Mick Foley’s book publisher for arranging the below guest post from the pro wrestling star and best-selling author. His latest book, Countdown to Lockdown, is available today…
1.) Cactus Jack vs. Randy Orton, “Backlash”, April 18, 2004, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I think every wrestler should have one legitimate “comeback” match after retiring. After that, everything is going to be at least partially a grab for money. So, after being disappointed with my performance at Wrestlemania XX – feeling like I’d played it too safe, I let it all hang out in this wild bout that did wonders for both Randy Orton’s career and my self-esteem.
2.) Mankind vs. Shawn Michaels. “Mind Games” – September 22, 1996. Philadelphia, PA. I watched this match in January 2008 for the first time in several years, and wished I’d studied it more during my active years with WWE. Not only would I have been better off staying around that 280 pound mark, but there was so much innovative stuff in this one. If memory serves me correctly, this was my first real match with Michaels – I think I’d done a run-in or two on his matches – and the in-ring chemistry was instantaneous.
3.) Cactus Jack vs. Terry Funk. January 29, 2005. Guma, Japan. The more time passes, the prouder I am of this one. It’s tough to really fathom the lengths we were willing to go to for the sake of our little promotion.
4.) Mankind vs. the Undertaker. “Hell in a Cell”, Pittsburg, PA. June 28, 1998. Just because I’m tired of talking about this match doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate its significance. At least 90% of all match comments or questions I receive from fans concern this match.
5.) Cactus Jack vs. Terry Funk. “King of the Death Match”. August 20, 1995, Kawasaki, Japan. The final match of the longest day of my life. 42 stitches, second degree burns…and a can of soda as a bonus from the boss – as a bonus.
6.) Cactus Jack vs. Eddie Gilbert. “Two Out of Three Falls”. August 3, 1991. Philadelphia, PA. Who knows what Eddie Gilbert could have done if he’d had a national platform to perform on. In my book, Eddie was one of the top heels of all time.
7.) Mick Foley vs. Edge. “Wrestlemania XXII”. April 2, 2006. I finally had my great Wrestlemania moment in this brutal battle with one of the very best in the business. Edge’s back must have been killing him for days after carrying me through this hardcore extravaganza. This is the fourth of the “Winter” matches on my top ten list.
8.) Dude Love vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. “Over the Edge”. May 31, 1998. Milwaukee, WI. Yes, the Dude makes the list! This was another one I saw in 2008 for the first time in years, and I thought it held up really well. Pat Patterson, Gerald Briscoe, and Vince McMahon (in the tightest referee shirt of all time) all played integral roles in this one, and Stone Cold was just about to hit his absolute zenith as a performer.
9.) Cactus Jack vs. Sting. “Beach Blast”. June 20, 1992. Mobile, Alabama. Like many of the matches on this list, this one was symbolic of accomplishment that extended beyond the ring. In this case, it was my triumph over whooping cough.
10.) Mick Foley vs. Jonathan Coachman (with Hornswoggle as referee) November 2, 2007, Uniondale, NY. Hey why not? After all, it’s a list of my favorite matches, and if I think the memory of my own son booing me makes up for the giant stench we left behind, then that’s my prerogative.
Countdown to Lockdown By Mick Foley is available today. Foley can be followed on Twitter @RealMickFoley and his blog (where more of “Mick’s Favorite Things†as well as a list of upcoming book signing dates can be found).
