Foley is Blog: WrestleMania nerves

It’s 1 a.m., about eight hours before this entry is due. As usual, the WWE computer has sat idle this week — not counting the CDs and Batman video games that Little Mick has accessed with it.

I’ve reached the conclusion that it’s much more difficult for me to write these things when I’m an actual participant in the WrestleMania proceedings. I think I’m a pretty good analyst and can be reflective following an event, but giving my thoughts during the actual buildup makes me a little uncomfortable.

I just don’t know if “Foley is Blog” is supposed to add to the hype itself. So, rather than walk that fine line between fact and hype (a line that I am completely comfortable with on our TV shows), I’m just going to avoid it altogether by sticking strictly to reality in these entries. From a writing standpoint, I can’t wait for WrestleMania to be over so I can write about things that really matter, such as Candice Michelle and why I will positively refuse to look at her Playboy issue. Although there is part of me that would really, really like to see it. From a wrestling standpoint, I can’t wait for WrestleMania to be here.

I can usually tell if something is working based on the response I get from wrestling fans in non-wrestling scenarios. Of course, fans at RAW are going to be fairly interested in what we’re doing — that’s what they are there for. I believe the feedback I get at other events such as tonight’s New Jersey Nets game is far more telling. And the feedback is telling me that whatever we are doing is working. They all seem to know my current situation.

“Kick Edge’s hind end!” was the big one — although they didn’t say “hind end.”

“Get Edge! Get even with Edge!” The list goes on and on.

I’ve been lucky to have fans who feel comfortable talking to me. They feel free to tell me what they like and don’t like. For a long time it was: “Things got stupid when the WCW guys came in.” Or, “I stopped watching after they separated the two shows.” I don’t get that anymore. Then general feedback is as high as it’s been since the Austin vs. McMahon glory days when we, (or more accurately, Austin), could do no wrong in fans’ eyes. Maybe that’s why ratings are up. Maybe that’s why the stock price is up. Maybe that’s why this WrestleMania has a chance to be the biggest of them all.

There is no one “dream match” this year. There’s no legend vs. legend showdown like The Rock vs. Hogan. There’s no long-term, well-done breakup like Triple H vs. Batista. But one of the keys to success in most business and personal endeavors is timing — peaking at just the right time. And I have a good feeling about WrestleMania — the show in general, and my own match in particular.

At this point, McMahon vs. Michaels seems to be running away from the pack. It’s been a hell of a ride, a genuinely twisted and interesting soap opera. And it’s got the Spirit Squad, which along with Melina and Mickie James are on my short list of new favorite things. More about the Spirit Squad after WrestleMania. (As much as I like them, I just can’t dedicate much time to the Squad right now.)

As athletes, entertainers and competitors, we need that frontrunner. We need someone to set a tremendous pace. It’s good for everyone. I’ll be doing my damndest to catch them, starting with what I hope will be the promo heard ‘round the world at Saturday Night’s Main Event. As a college student in the mid-’80s, I was a huge fan of those classic WWE events. Now it’s my turn — my first real shot on network TV, (not including the heartwarming Foley-Couric interviews on The Today Show). And I intend to make the most of it. I know Edge will, too.

Two years ago, I was fired up beyond belief for WrestleMania XX. It was my first wrestling match in a few years. I was possibly too fired up. A month before WrestleMania, I would literally have to pull off to the side of the road to let my thoughts — and heart rate — slow down. By the time the day itself arrived, I just wanted to get it over with … without embarrassing myself. I guess that’s kind of like Michael Jordan taking the last shot in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, hoping to only hit the rim.

I peaked too early in 2004. I don’t intend to let the same thing happen again.

This feels like the first blog that may not be Foley's honest opinion and more along the lines of the company line.  Just something sbout this one strikes me as not straight up.

Then general feedback is as high as it’s been since the Austin vs. McMahon glory days when we, (or more accurately, Austin), could do no wrong in fans’ eyes. Maybe that’s why ratings are up. Maybe that’s why the stock price is up. Maybe that’s why this WrestleMania has a chance to be the biggest of them all.Mick Foleye

I don't know.  Maybe I'm just excessively jaded and really am out of touch with the majority fanbase.  Maybe this is Foley's honest opinion and maybe this Wrestlemania will be the biggest of them all, but I just don't see either.

It just seems to me that there is a contrast between statements like that and the reality and what Foley has said in previous blogs.

This feels like the first blog that may not be Foley's honest opinion and more along the lines of the company line.  Just something sbout this one strikes me as not straight up.

[QUOTE="Mick Foleye"]Then general feedback is as high as it’s been since the Austin vs. McMahon glory days when we, (or more accurately, Austin), could do no wrong in fans’ eyes. Maybe that’s why ratings are up. Maybe that’s why the stock price is up. Maybe that’s why this WrestleMania has a chance to be the biggest of them all.The_Dude14

I don't know.  Maybe I'm just excessively jaded and really am out of touch with the majority fanbase.  Maybe this is Foley's honest opinion and maybe this Wrestlemania will be the biggest of them all, but I just don't see either.

It just seems to me that there is a contrast between statements like that and the reality and what Foley has said in previous blogs.

I think you're right.  WWE is a business, afterall.  They respect Foley enough to let him express his true opinion, but not if it could cost them money.  Let's face it, if Foley outright said "Wrestlemania will probably suck", it's gonna cost WWE a lot of buys.

This feels like the first blog that may not be Foley's honest opinion and more along the lines of the company line.  Just something sbout this one strikes me as not straight up.

[QUOTE="Mick Foleye"]Then general feedback is as high as it’s been since the Austin vs. McMahon glory days when we, (or more accurately, Austin), could do no wrong in fans’ eyes. Maybe that’s why ratings are up. Maybe that’s why the stock price is up. Maybe that’s why this WrestleMania has a chance to be the biggest of them all.The_Dude14

I don't know.  Maybe I'm just excessively jaded and really am out of touch with the majority fanbase.  Maybe this is Foley's honest opinion and maybe this Wrestlemania will be the biggest of them all, but I just don't see either.

It just seems to me that there is a contrast between statements like that and the reality and what Foley has said in previous blogs.

I agree with you.  I really don't think anyone should be surprised though.  I mean WWE is going to do everything to make this WM look awesome.  And if that means manipulating what Foley says then of course they are going to manipulate it.  I guess Foley could truly believe that, and if he does then that is great.  I just don't see him honestly feeling that way.

And it’s got the Spirit Squad, which along with Melina and Mickie James are on my short list of new favorite things.hbk91

This feels like the first blog that may not be Foley's honest opinion and more along the lines of the company line. Just something sbout this one strikes me as not straight up.

[QUOTE="Mick Foleye"]Then general feedback is as high as it’s been since the Austin vs. McMahon glory days when we, (or more accurately, Austin), could do no wrong in fans’ eyes. Maybe that’s why ratings are up. Maybe that’s why the stock price is up. Maybe that’s why this WrestleMania has a chance to be the biggest of them all.The_Dude14

I don't know. Maybe I'm just excessively jaded and really am out of touch with the majority fanbase. Maybe this is Foley's honest opinion and maybe this Wrestlemania will be the biggest of them all, but I just don't see either.

It just seems to me that there is a contrast between statements like that and the reality and what Foley has said in previous blogs.