12 Things WWE Owes To Mick Foley

Would anyone else have taken those Hell In A Cell bumps with a smile!?

By Jamie Kennedy /

Mick Foley has worn a lot of hats in the World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment. Not only has he appeared as himself extensively, he's also played the roles of Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love. The latter character was one created by Foley during his youth, and it must have been impossible for him to imagine that he'd someday get to play the gimmick out on television in front of millions. These days, Foley can be found occasionally making guest appearances for the promotion. Outside of that, he also spends his time writing, performing stand up comedy, and generally lending his critical take on the current WWE product. There's a friendly vibe to the guy, one that make wrestling fans around the world smile. Mick Foley grew up just like any other passionate wrestling fan, only he got to live out his dreams. Over the years, there's been a sense that Vince McMahon has a love/hate relationship with the star. The pair haven't always seen eye-to-eye, but they have conducted a lot of great business together. Sometimes, Mick Foley has seemed under appreciated by WWE, which is a real shame. Thankfully, that was put right by a 2013 induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Even so, there are many things the company should be thankful to Foley for. This article aims to explore exactly what those things are.

12. Helped Triple H Finally Get Some Reaction From Live Crowds

Despite what WWE may like to recant to fans now, Hunter Hearst Helmsley was not over. From his debut in 1995, right up until he started feuding with Mick Foley, 'The Game' was a real struggling for the creative team to work with. Sure, Triple H had talent, but fans just didn't hate him the way they should have. That all changed once he entered a rivalry with Foley. In 1997, the pair met in the King Of The Ring final. Hunter came out on top, which wasn't a popular decision with fans. Nonetheless, it was a master stroke to place both men into a program opposite one another. Foley allowed Triple H to show more of himself, and the pair had a tremendous brawl at the following month's In Your House: Canadian Stampede event. From there, a Steel Cage war followed at SummerSlam. The duo also had a cracking tussle at 'One Night Only' in September. On that occasion, Foley played the role of Dude Love. As all 3 of his guises, Love, Mankind and Cactus Jack, Foley helped put Triple H on the map. That should never be forgotten.