Mick Foley shares his thoughts on Vince McMahon's return to WWE.
McMahon retired on July 22, 2022, amid a WWE board investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and hush money. He officially returned to the WWE Board of Directors on January 6, and he was voted the Executive Chairman of the Board on January 10. Foley worked for McMahon for many years throughout his career, both as an in-ring performer and later in non-wrestling roles. He was one of WWE's top stars in the Attitude Era, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
Speaking on his Foley Is Podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer shared his thoughts on McMahon's return. He recalled how Jim Ross had told him years ago that he was worried about McMahon's potential retirement. The legend noted that McMahon doesn't have the same hobbies as many people his age, as his life revolves around WWE. He stated that he couldn't imagine McMahon not running the show at the Gorilla Position, as he had been for many years.
“It’s the second-shortest retirement in WWE history [laughs], following only mine, which lasted for six weeks. Hey, look, I know JR had told me years ago that he was worried for Vince in retirement because it’s safe to say that JR is a workaholic. There is a negative connotation because you apply so much of yourself to working. But even JR, he’s got the Oklahoma football, he has stuff that he loves in his life. I don’t think Vince, Vince loves his family unconditionally, but I’m talking about hobbies. There no golfing, none of the things that you usually associate with men of his age. No scrap-booking for Vince. No birdwatching. Business was very, very personal, like his life revolved and his family revolved, around the business. So that was one of my concerns. What is he doing to do? He loves working. I don’t imagine him not being there in that Gorilla Position. It would seem like something was amiss if he wasn’t there," Foley said.
Foley continued by noting that changing up the booker can be helpful, as it lets someone with a fresh set of eyes make their mark on the product. He stated that WWE has been "really fun" with Triple H at the helm, and he noted that there have been many improvements. Foley also made it clear that he has always respected McMahon, and he wants him to be happy.
"The company has been in a really good direction. There’s a reason why Jerry Lawler and Jerry Jarrett changed up the book every six months. Whether it was needed or not, it was a pair of fresh ears and eyes on the product, and they all put their own stamps on it. I think Hunter has had a chance to do that, and it’s a really fun show, with a lot of improvements made. I don’t know. I wouldn’t to be there because this is family, and now it’s become competition. I don’t know. It sounds like it has the possibility of getting ugly. I do feel for Vince, and I care very much about Vince as a person. I’ve had my ups and downs with him over the years, but that’s been largely business. Always respected him, always genuinely liked him, and I want to make sure that this guy who meant so much to my life is happy. Let’s see what happens. I was given the iggy a few months ago that something might be happening, and now it’s happening. It’s going to be interesting, for sure. But Vince coming around, you’re talking about a guy who literally stole last year’s Mania with the Stunner for the ages. Sorry Steve [laugh]," Foley said.
The WWE Hall of Famer went on to emphasize that he wants the best for the company and everyone involved. When asked whether he thinks McMahon will make substantial changes now that he's back, Foley admitted that he didn't know. But he pointed out that it's in McMahon's nature to shake things up, as he has demonstrated in the past.
"I don’t know. He’s Vince. It’s in his nature to shake things up, right? It may not have been the most efficient way to write a show and perform a show where a gentleman takes a sharpie through six days of hard work. But I believe that’s how Vince feels he works best, under pressure. That’s his way of doing things. I think he loves the idea of shaking things up so he can thrive. I don’t know if that means he would shake things up after the Rumble, before Mania, or wait untitled afterwards, but it’s going to be interesting for sure," Foley said.
Nick Khan recently stated that Vince McMahon won't be back on TV "at this moment," but plans can change. Check out his comments here.
Khan also discussed the allegations against McMahon. Click here to see what he had to say.
Eric Bischoff described how he believes McMahon will do what's best for business. More information is available here.
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