10 Wrestling Stars Who Reinvented Their Way To Longevity
5. Mick Foley
Mick Foley made a career out of his versatility.
As Cactus Jack, he compensated for his unusual physique by using real violence to get himself over. Despite his enduring popularity, Vince McMahon decided to repackage him as Mankind - a second draft of 'Mason The Mutilator'.
Initially reluctant to play the role, Foley went all in on it regardless, using his own ideas to flesh it out and make it a success. It was he who proposed different entrance and exit themes, a wonderfully original touch which set him apart from the off.
He then reprised his backyard wrestling character Dude Love to partner Steve Austin in 1997, with whom he'd share a storied history.
He also reprised the Cactus Jack character in two separate feuds with Triple H, both of which went some way towards establishing the Game as a legitimate main event player. Foley would go on to experience huge success in the kingmaker role, embarking on a secondary career trajectory in the process.
Credited with hoisting the likes of The Rock, Randy Orton and Edge to lasting main event prominence, Foley with his engaging and witty personality has, despite being on less-than-brilliant terms with Vince McMahon in recent years, positioned himself into several offscreen roles since his in-ring retirement.