WWE: Mick Foley Is Bringing Fun Back to the Company

I’ve recently read some reviews of Mick Foley’s appearances on WWE programming over the past couple of weeks, and to be honest, it’s not been very positive.

The nostalgic “This Is Your Life” segment that Mick hosted—featuring John Cena—didn't get over well, for obvious reasons.  

Many fans felt that a mere rehashing of a classic WWE moment was too easy, and that Foley’s approach to Cena’s face/heel issues was nothing more than another attempt by the company to put John over.

Foley got the guest hosting gig on Tuesday's edition of SmackDown, but again received criticism. Some fans were of the opinion that, overall, the program did not deliver.  

Simply put, people are saying that Mick is just not funny now. They're saying he’s become a goofy clown who’s just not all that entertaining anymore.

Who are these people?

Opinions are great—we all have them—some are spot on, some are lousy. As wrestling fans, we live to voice those opinions, engage in debate and do all we can to prove our point. As a Featured Columnist, that’s kind of my thing.

Therefore, in response to those opinions, I will say that not only did I personally enjoy Mick being back on WWE TV, but I hope he sticks around for a long time to come.

For a long time, we have all been discussing this company about how it can improve. We have discussed what steps it can take to not only become more entertaining, but to somehow regain the fun aspect that it used to have.

This is Mick Foley, people. This is what he’s best at.  

Foley puts over everyone he comes into contact with, and puts smiles on the fans’ faces while doing it. Granted, he can be a shameless self promoter, especially when he has a new book to sell. However, as far as the business is concerned, Mick basically shows up and says, “Here I am, guys. How can I help?”

We spend so much time on the negative points of WWE. We focus on all of the drama. The discussions between ourselves can get very heated and usually do. On the surface, there’s nothing wrong with that. We’re all adults, after all, or at least most of us try to be. Healthy debate on the business we love can be both fun and intellectually stimulating.

Even so, every once in a while, it’s nice to just sit back and enjoy a spot. Have a laugh. Let go of the crazy intense disagreements that plague fans and just smile.

Again, this is what Mick Foley does.

Not only does he provide a much needed break from the drama, he is also doing it while fulfilling the need that many fans have in order to see WWE become fun once again.

CM Punk wanted it. His rise to the top of the company has gone a long way to seeing it become a reality.

Mick Foley is just continuing that trend.

The fact is that Mick is one of the best to ever pick up a mic. His ability to articulate—to verbally dissect a situation—is second to none, as is his knack for pulling you in and making you hang on his every word.

When he was still an active in-ring performer, this ability allowed him to get over and draw the crowd into his match. By the time the bout actually took place, it almost felt anticlimactic because of the groundwork laid by Foley’s promos beforehand.

He may not have an upcoming match to hype, or an opponent to psychologically dismantle, but he still has every ounce of power on the mic that he ever had.

Only now, he’s using it for some harmless comedy.

Some fans may look at Mick and ask why. Why does he keep coming back? What makes him want to still be a relevant part of the business, even though he’s likely done in the ring?

The answer is simple.

Professional wrestling—and specifically WWE—has been very good to him. Now it’s time to give something back.

Foley has instant name and face recognition. He is a solid link to the company’s wildly popular Attitude Era, and many fans long to experience some of that nostalgia. He loves the sport and is likely willing to do whatever he can to put over the WWE product that put him on the map in the first place.

Foley still has something to offer. He’s not done just yet. For me, he is still as entertaining as he ever was.

Then again, this is just one more opinion, to throw onto the pile with everyone else’s.  

Right here, on Bleacher Report!