10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2008
5. Mick Foley’s Commentary Issues Were Obvious
Speaking of unhappy campers.
Beaten down icon Mick Foley quickly revealed that he didn’t like being barked at by Vince McMahon over his headset once he left WWE over the summer. Who would? Others, like JR, Tazz, Michael Cole etc put up with it, but Foley wasn’t prepared to and figured he was due just a wee bit more respect from McMahon than he was getting during broadcasts.
Truthfully, Mick needed a little more seasoning behind the desk before he could be considered good. The artist formerly known as Mankind, Dude Love and Cactus Jack tried his best, but oddly acted like he was giving commentary for some DVD extras rather than live pro wrestling. He was too hushed most of the time, and never seemed to find his voice.
Maybe that would’ve changed over time, we’ll never know. Foley began commentating with Michael Cole at Backlash as a replacement for Jonathan Coachman, then formed a team with JR on SmackDown until August. He let his contract expire in September, then jumped to TNA so he could do some active wrestling again and shake the bad feeling in his mouth from being roasted by Vince whilst SmackDown raged in the ring.
Revisionist history has been kind to Mick's commentary. Some would tell you that he was sterling in the role and would've been a permanent fixture behind the desk for years to come. Hmm, perhaps, but there's no proof of that when rewatching episodes from 2008.
If anything, Mick was closer to Ted DiBiase at the 1994 Royal Rumble than Jerry Lawler.