The world of professional wrestling is renowned for its dramatic storylines, intense rivalries, and larger-than-life characters. However, behind the scenes, there are often untold stories and hidden feuds that shape the careers of even the greatest wrestlers.
In a recent podcast episode, wrestling icon Mick Foley revealed a surprising anecdote about his time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) with Steve Austin, famously known as “Stone Cold.”
According to Foley, Austin was hesitant to work with him during their WCW stint in the early 1990s. This tension peaked on October 23, 1993, when Austin was set to defend his WCW Television Championship against Foley in a high-stakes match.
Foley explained on his podcast, “Foley Is Pod,” that Austin was reluctant to engage in a storyline with him due to his hardcore wrestling style and Foley’s reputation for taking extreme risks in the ring. Austin, then in his late twenties, viewed Foley’s approach as too dangerous and unpredictable.
Foley recalled, “Steve was always a little wary of my hardcore style. He was concerned that our match could get out of hand, leading to unnecessary risks and potential injuries. He once told me, ‘I respect what you do, Mick, but I’m not sure I want to be part of it.’”
This hesitation culminated during a match on WCW Saturday Night, where Austin was supposed to drop the belt to Foley in a dramatic finish. However, the match took an unexpected turn when Austin, citing a kayfabe injury, abruptly ended the bout. Foley won the match and the title, but the victory felt hollow due to the abrupt conclusion and lack of cooperation from Austin.
The brief and tense encounter between Foley and Austin was memorable not only for its intensity but also for its behind-the-scenes drama. Foley’s unorthodox style, combined with his commitment to storytelling, helped him win over the fans, who chanted “Foley! Foley!” throughout the match.
Despite this, Foley believes that Austin’s reluctance stemmed from a desire to maintain his own in-ring persona and avoid being associated with Foley’s hardcore image. “Steve was very protective of his character,” Foley noted. “He didn’t want to be seen as someone who took unnecessary risks, especially at that point in his career when he was carving out his identity.”
This incident highlights the complexities of professional wrestling, where personal interests, character protection, and backstage politics often influence the outcomes of matches and the trajectories of careers. Foley’s revelation adds another layer to the fascinating world of wrestling, shedding light on the hidden dynamics that shape the industry.
In the end, both Foley and Austin went on to become legends in their own right, with Foley’s hardcore legacy and Austin’s “Stone Cold” persona leaving an indelible mark on wrestling history. Their brief yet impactful encounter in WCW serves as a reminder of the intricate and often unseen forces at play in the world of professional wrestling.
