Mick Foley’s Final Match Dream: A Missed Opportunity with AEW’s MJF
In a profession spanning decades, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has left an indelible mark on the sector of expert wrestling. From his daredevil stunts to his iconic personas—Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love—Foley has end up synonymous with hardcore wrestling. Despite placing up his boots after a storied profession, the fifty nine-year-antique “Hardcore Legend” recently revealed that he nearly made one closing go back to the hoop for a final fit, and the opponent he had in mind was none aside from one of the brightest stars in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF).
A Glimpse into Foley’s Wrestling History
The closing time Mick Foley stepped into the squared circle for an reliable wrestling suit became within the 2012 WWE Royal Rumble. That night, the individual that eliminated him was Cody Rhodes, a name now synonymous with greatness in the wrestling enterprise and the present day Undisputed WWE Champion. This match marked the end of an era for Foley, who, in spite of his legendary fame, had continually remained humble and centered on the destiny.
Fast forward to 2024, Foley, inside the twilight of his lifestyles and career, entertained the idea of returning for one extra match—a “Death Match” no much less—inside the 12 months he became sixty five. This revelation, made for the duration of his podcast and diverse interviews, sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. Fans and fellow wrestlers alike had been excited at the possibility of seeing the man who redefined hardcore wrestling step into the ring one last time. However, in April 2024, Foley’s goals of a final hurrah had been dashed when he announced that, because of his history of concussions and different fitness concerns, he might not pursue the suit.
Matt Cardona’s Desire to Face Foley
One of the wrestlers who expressed a keen interest in facing Foley in this potential final match was Matt Cardona, known to WWE fans as Zack Ryder. Cardona, who has rebranded himself as the “Indie God,” has made significant waves in the independent wrestling circuit since his WWE departure. His thirst for hardcore matches and his knack for storytelling made him a prime candidate for Foley’s final bout. Cardona’s desire to face Foley in a Death Match was a dream shared by many fans who had followed both wrestlers’ careers.
One of the wrestlers who expressed a keen hobby in facing Foley in this potential very last match changed into Matt Cardona, recognised to WWE fans as Zack Ryder. Cardona, who has rebranded himself as the “Indie God,” has made widespread waves in the unbiased wrestling circuit since his WWE departure. His thirst for hardcore fits and his knack for storytelling made him a prime candidate for Foley’s very last bout. Cardona’s preference to face Foley in a Death Match was a dream shared via many fanatics who had observed each wrestlers’ careers.
The Almost-Secret with MJF
Yet, in a recent panel discussion at the Nickel City Comic-Con, Foley dropped a bombshell that had wrestling enthusiasts buzzing. During the event, Foley discovered that the wrestler he turned into severely thinking about for his final match turned into now not Cardona but Maxwell Jacob Friedman, higher known as MJF, a former AEW World Champion and one of the maximum polarizing figures in professional wrestling these days.
“I had no doubt that MJF would have pulled it off perfectly,” Foley confessed. “He’s so good and in his prime that he could have worked around my weaknesses and played to my strengths. I think we could have done something pretty cool. MJF. Final answer. Take that, Matt Cardona,” Foley added with a laugh, hinting at the depth of planning that had gone into what could have been a historic showdown.
Foley’s admiration for MJF is obvious. Known for his razor-sharp promos and antique-faculty wrestling methods, MJF has taken AEW through typhoon, speedy becoming one in all its top stars. The idea of a in shape between the vintage shield and the brand new blood of wrestling, especially one with as a good deal air of secrecy and storytelling capacity as MJF, would had been a dream come authentic for wrestling lovers.
The Match That Never Was
Foley and MJF’s secret assembly—kept underneath wraps to hold the capability marvel—had fans imagining what might have been. Unfortunately, as Foley confirmed, the suit isn’t taking place, leaving the wrestling community to ponder what could have been. There has been no official phrase on where the in shape might have taken area—whether in AEW, where MJF has solidified his legacy, or another venue altogether—but one aspect is certain: it’d have been a moment etched in wrestling history.
The wrestling world will always wonder about the “what ifs” surrounding Mick Foley’s final match. His decision to prioritize his health and step away from the ring, while disappointing for fans, is a testament to his wisdom and the hard-earned lessons of a career filled with extreme highs and brutal lows. As for MJF, the endorsement from a legend like Foley only solidifies his status as one of the industry’s top talents, with a future as bright as his past is storied.
