15 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: Mick Foley's Hell In A Cell
13. He Still Thinks HBK’s Performance Is Unmatched
It's well-known that Mick Foley confided in The Undertaker and Terry Funk that he was worried about matching what Shawn Michaels and 'Taker had achieved during the first Hell In A Cell match at Badd Blood 1997. Mick, like many others, looked on at HBK's performance in that match with an open mouth and slack jaw. It was performance art, and the occasion even got topped off by Kane's in-person debut near the end.
Foley knew he couldn't better Shawn's body of work, but he could produce something more shocking. "I literally can't do any of the things that these guys are doing", he told VICE when reminiscing about formatting his own King Of The Ring 1998 epic. His only choice was to use his body as a tool. Psychology and athleticism would have to take a back seat for now.
However, despite aiming to out-shock the first HIAC match, Mick still thinks it's the pinnacle of the gimmick's run. He'd consider Shawn vs. 'Taker the best Cell showdown in WWE history. Drew McIntyre and CM Punk might have something to say about that one after their heroics at Bad Blood 2024! Or, perhaps they'd relent that Foley is right. Who knows?
When people think Hell In A Cell, they think of Mick and The Undertaker. Shawn Michaels doesn't actually come into the convo that much at first, but Foley sees things differently. To him, that 1997 original remains the absolute best match that's ever taken place inside the fearsome 'cage with a roof on it'.