40 Greatest Stories Wrestling Ever Told

Using the ECW crowd's own bloodlust against them in a bid to shame attendees for their behaviour was genius. Mick Foley furrowed his brow and chastised the audience for ridiculing young wrestlers like Tommy Dreamer for being clean cut. Then, going a few steps further, Mick quit his trademark brawling style. He even started wearing a fanny pack, which was the last straw.

Seriously though, Foley was finding new ways to get heat, but he didn't fully turn on the extreme hoards until they started holding up signs saying things like: "CANE DEWEY". Dewey was Mick's young son, and that was too much for daddy dearest to take. Why should he keep sacrificing his health and wellbeing for people who'd turned into such monsters that they'd advocate taking a weapon to his baby boy?!

ECW's own wild west style became the biggest talking point throughout every Foley promo. His internal struggle between wanting to passionately put forth his skills by winning matches the only way he knew (by brawling) and biting back against the callous brutality of a bloodthirsty gathering who demanded everything from wrestlers on Paul Heyman's dime was gripping to watch play out.

Mick left for the WWF shortly thereafter too, which only added to the story. Cries that he was a sell out for taking Vince McMahon's money only showered more scorn on the future Mankind/Cactus Jack/Dude Love. As if realising they were the ones to blame, ECW's audience greeted Foley warmly right before he darted for the exit doors.

It was an intoxicating example of the niche ECW sit snugly within. On one hand, they craved mayhem. On the other, they appreciated each and every wrestler who laced up a pair of boots. That was true even if said wrestlers wanted nothing to do with them.