10 Fascinating WWE WrestleMania 17 Facts

Before Shane was insinuated into the match with his father at WrestleMania X7, it was originally intended for the retired Foley to battle the WWE Chairman instead. Foley had been fired as WWE Commissioner by a spiteful, tyrannical McMahon in December 2000, and would've been a good choice as the noble avenger on his own behalf, as well as that of Linda McMahon, who Vince had sent spiraling into a catatonic state after angrily demanding a divorce.

Foley, however, turned the match down. He believed his in-ring retirement after WrestleMania 2000 should stick, and he chose to continue onward as a non-wrestler, taking on a guest referee spot for the match instead. Foley does, however, admit that he regrets not taking on the match when asked. He has also claimed that he doesn't feel his relationship with McMahon was ever the same after declining the opportunity.