10 Most Powerful Items In The WWE Universe
5. Mankind's Mr. Socko
Via his podcast, Steve Austin revealed that he laughed when first hearing about Mick Foley's plans to use a regular sweat sock as part of his act. Introduced in 1996, the Mankind character had been a violent, psychotic individual with real menace. By 1998, the guise had softened to become more delusional and almost fun-loving.
That's precisely why Foley began using the sock. Mankind's finishing move was the Mandible Claw, during which the wrestler would jam his fingers into an opponent's mouth in painful fashion. Now, whenever Foley uses that finisher people expect to first see him pull a sock from his trousers.
Dubbed 'Mr. Socko', the item has become infamous in WWE lore. Trust Mick Foley to get something as ridiculous as a simple sock over with fans. Crowds collectively lose their minds whenever Socko makes an appearance in front of them.
Even though Austin (and likely others) may have laughed, Foley continues to bust out Mr. Socko whenever the occasion calls for it. For close to 20 years, that sock has been one of the most enduring things about his character.