WWE RAW Results (05/12/08) Jim Ross welcomes us to the Joe Louis Arena as we go into the show with the lights out in the arena. The lights come back on and William Regal is in the ring...
Welcome back inside the Dog Pound everyone. First and foremost I would like to apologize for my lack of columns in the past three weeks, and thanks to everyone who has responded with their thoughts almost on a daily basis. Now, time to get right back into business.
The Royal Rumble is nearly here, and it is always one of the premeire events for wrestling fans every year. Last time I discussed this topic, I chose three wrestlers who I felt were good candidates to win. Today, I want to talk about one Rumble participant in particular, and what may be left for him on up through Wrestlemania.
I speak of the "hardcore legend" Mick Foley. Foley has become a staple of the wrestling world and both his presence and contribution to the sport is undeniable. The question is however, what's left for the man with three personalities? If you recall, his last match in the WWE was under his Mankind persona against none other than Coach. Then, not to long ago, Foley came back again teaming with Hornswoggle against Coach and William Regal, and earned a spot in this years Royal Rumble.
Chances are, Foley won't win. So what can he contribute to the show this time around, other than just his name value? I have a few ideas that could make what could be his last run with the company a bit more memorable. The latest word of course is that Foley is getting ready to hang the boots up for good soon, and i doubt he would want his last "officiak" match to be against Coach.
One of the first things the WWE could do is to put a bit more emphasis on his involvement in the Rumble; make it seem as though Foley may have one more shot in him. Foley of course is not set to win. After the Rumble they could have him jump on over to Smackdown. It seems like smackdown gets shafted of all the talent throughout the year and it would be good to have a big name star want to go there as opposed to Raw. Foley arrives on Smackdown and thus, can go one of two directions.
Going to Smackdown opens the possibility of doing a program with Edge. Playing of their past (particularly their great 'Mania match awhile back) they could have a fued leading to a match at No Way Out between the two. The program could stretch all the way to Backlash where Edge could win in a match where Foley retires if he loses.
Another possible direction would be for Foley to turn heel upon coming to Smackdown and laying down a challenge to the Undertaker. There is a lot of history between the two and a final match would be something to see. Especially if Foley donned the Mankind persona one last time.
There is no mistaking what Mick Foley has done for the company and when it comes to Wrestlemania, he has a history of just letting loose! The hardcore match with Edge remains one of my favorites because of the story it tells. That is one thing Foley is and has always been exceptional at is the story-telling and the ring psychology work. That alone (and the fact that he is just off the wall) is enough to make Foley a legend.
The last time Foley wrestled at Backlash, he put Randy Orton over. Now, Foley may be on his last run and deserves to have the best run he can. Whether you know him as Cactus Jack, Mankind, Dude Love, or just plain 'ol Mick Foley, chances are he has inspired you in some way!
What's left for Mrs. Foley's baby boy? Only time will tell, and as we all know in the wrestling business...never say never! That does it for now, I plan on being back next week with another column as the road to Wrestlemania kicks into high gear. Until then, remember that you're always welcome...at The Dog Pound.
