Wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley recently expressed his concerns over a controversial moment in the wrestling world.
During a Texas Death Match between Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page at AEW Full Gear, a spot occurred where Page drank Strickland’s blood.
Foley, known for his hardcore wrestling style and understanding of the industry’s evolution, shared his thoughts on this incident.
Foley’s Perspective on Wrestling’s Evolution and AEW spot
Mick Foley, a legend in the wrestling community, is no stranger to extreme and hardcore matches. However, he believes that certain practices, such as drinking an opponent’s blood, should be left in the past.
Foley reminisced about times when such acts were more common, citing examples from Japanese wrestling and noting that even heels (wrestling villains) would engage in such dramatics.
However, he firmly stated that this time and place for such acts is over: “I wish people would not drink each other’s blood in this day and age. Heels used to do that, I remember Tracy Smothers in Japan would do the deal where they’d suck the blood out of the opponent’s head and spit it into the air. I was like, ‘Nah, maybe that had a time and a place,’ but that time and place is over.”
The Balance Between Showmanship and Responsibility in AEW and wrestling
The incident brings to light the ongoing debate in professional wrestling between maintaining an entertaining show and ensuring the safety and well-being of both performers and fans.
Foley’s comments highlight the need for wrestling promotions to consider the impact of their storytelling and the actions of their wrestlers.
While wrestling has always involved a level of showmanship and over-the-top antics, there’s a growing call for responsible storytelling, especially in an era where viewers have easy access to content and may try to replicate what they see.
Foley’s Legacy and Influence
Mick Foley’s legacy in wrestling is marked by his willingness to push boundaries in the ring. However, his recent comments show a more reflective and cautious side, emphasising the need for evolution in how wrestling stories are told and how performers engage with each other in the ring.
His perspective is particularly relevant given his experience and the respect he commands in the wrestling community.
FAQs
- What was Mick Foley’s reaction to the AEW blood drinking spot?
- Foley expressed concern and wished that such acts, like drinking an opponent’s blood, wouldn’t occur in modern wrestling.
- Why is Foley concerned about the blood drinking spot?
- He is worried about safety and the potential for viewers, especially younger ones, to emulate such dangerous acts.
- Did Foley enjoy the match between Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page?
- While he didn’t watch it live due to travel, he acknowledged hearing that it was an epic match.
- What does Foley’s reaction signify for wrestling entertainment?
- It highlights the need for a balance between entertaining and responsible storytelling in wrestling.
- Has Foley been involved in similar extreme acts during his wrestling career?
- Yes, Foley is known for his hardcore wrestling style but now advocates for safer practices in the industry.
