WWE Hall Of Famer Mick Foley Explains Why He Wants One Final Death Match

WWE

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has shared his reasoning for wanting to compete in one final death match, 12 years since his last in-ring appearance.

The legendary hardcore icon recently laid out his plans to return to the ring for one final time in June 2025 – the month of his 60th birthday.

While this would be enough of a shock in of itself, it was Foley’s choice of stipulation that turned heads even further, with the former three-time WWE Champion revealing that he planned to compete in a death match.

Speaking with Casey Hopkins, Foley addressed why exactly he was planning to return to the ring after so long – revealing that despite the risks involved with a death match, he believes it will have far longer lasting positives on his health.

Foley explained:

“One day, when I was really struggling, I realized that what used to be the best motivation for me was another match.

“I always got in shape with the goal of having another match, another match, another match. Fast forward, my wrestling days are over. I’ve spent, with two small occasions, since 1999, well over 300 pounds.

“I got down on three different occasions below 300 and then as I saw my weight really get away from me, I thought, maybe I need that same kind of motivation and along the way I can appreciate the lifestyle changes, eating differences, exercise.

“There is no reason for somebody, at my age and weight, to not be exercising for three straight years. It’s embarrassing. It’s embarrassing when you’re asked in the airport if you need a wheelchair. It’s embarrassing to be the guy who is bigger than the chair on the airline.

“It’s something of a paradox that by competing in a death match, I will have a much better life. That day, or night, is going to be tough. It’s going to be tough, but the lessons I learn leading up to that match are lessons I intend to carry forward for the rest of my life.

“To me, it’s the difference between being a grandfather someday, or can crawl on the ground and play with their grandchildren or a grandfather who sits and watches from the sidelines.

“I don’t want to be that guy sitting on the sidelines. I know having a wild match involving barbed wire and thumbtacks…we’re going to bring in a bed of nails. These are going to be tools of life for dad.”

On what he hopes to gain from competing in one last death match, Foley said:

“Catharsis. I’m just looking for catharsis. In Japan, the fans are described as being oddly peaceful when they would leave because they had seen something. When it’s done right, it can be a work of abstract art.

“Some people will just see human beings putting each other into terribly inhuman situations while others will see two human begins working together to create surreal art.

“I’m hoping when it’s done there will be a sense of peace among the fans and a sense of inner peace for myself, even as my wounds stick to the sheets that night and for a few nights.

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to come out of that situation in worse shape than I was, but I believe I will pick up habits that are going to lead to a longer, better life.”

Although Foley stated his intention to compete in the match near the time of his 60th birthday in 2025, no official plans or announcements have been made as of right now.

Since putting out his plans into the world Foley has received two offers from fellow former WWE stars: Matt Cardona and Rob Van Dam.

To find out what Foley had to say in response to Cardona’s challenge follow this link here.

Transcript via Fightful

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• Death Match
• Mick Foley
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