WWE Survivor Series 2011: Why Return of Mick Foley Came at the Wrong Time

Mick Foley made his triumphant return to the WWE on Monday in Boston. Well, it should have been triumphant, but it turned out to be anything but.

Foley struggled to pick up steam all night and his “this is your life” segment with John Cena failed miserably. It was an unfortunate turn of events for one of the most beloved workers in the company's history.

By having him return on the same night as The Rock, Foley was doomed from the start. Nothing he could have done would allow him to win over the crowd like Rocky, which is why having the Rock 'N Sock connection return on the same night was a bad decision.

After struggling his way through that snooze fest segment with Cena, Foley was on the receiving end of a Rock Bottom. That was probably his best moment of the night.

If Foley returns to the company on a more consistent basis, and he should, Vince McMahon will look back and kick himself for wasting Foley's return without more hype. It could have been a huge event, but instead it was a footnote.

The most likely scenario would be the former hardcore hero taking over as RAW general manager. It's a position which would allow him to utilize his popularity to push storylines while not having to play a major role each and every week.

He could also come back as an announcer. Few people know more about the industry than Foley and he would a welcome addition to an announce team in Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler that has become a bit stale in recent months.

A backstage role, whether it be helping develop young superstars or creating compelling angles, wouldn't please the fans but could help the overall product. He never seemed comfortable with TNA and will thrive if given a prominent role by McMahon.

Whatever his future with the WWE may be, his less than stellar return will always be viewed as a missed opportunity. He deserved better.

Check back for more on World Wrestling Entertainment as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s WWE Page to get your fill of all things wrestling. For more on WWE/TNA, check out Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics.