Posted on 4/02/125 by Chuck Langermann
Foley's wrestling career was marked by a series of
physically demanding and often brutal matches, leaving him
with lasting consequences. He has openly discussed the
impact of concussions and head injuries sustained throughout
his time in the ring, notably referencing the 1999 Royal
Rumble match where he endured eleven chair shots to the head
from The Rock.
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Foley has also detailed the ongoing precautions he takes to
manage his health, acknowledging the cumulative effect of
these injuries on his daily life. One particularly infamous
match, the Hell in a Cell encounter against The Undertaker,
resulted in a staggering list of injuries, including a
concussion, dislocated jaw and shoulder, bruised ribs,
internal bleeding, puncture wounds, and several lost teeth.
Despite this physical trauma, Foley has consistently
maintained a positive outlook, stating that he feels "pretty
well" overall. However, he has also admitted to modifying
his lifestyle to cut down on the risks associated with his
past injuries.
Foley made his initial appearance in WWE in 1996, adopting
the persona of Mankind, a disturbed, masked figure involved
in intense rivalries with The Undertaker. He demonstrated
remarkable adaptability, portraying other distinctive
characters, including Cactus Jack, a fierce and aggressive
fighter reminiscent of his time in WCW and ECW, and Dude
Love, a cheerful, counterculture-inspired individual.
Foley's ability to seamlessly transition between these
diverse roles, coupled with his unwavering commitment to
physical sacrifice, earned him widespread popularity among
fans. His career reached its pinnacle in 1999, when he
captured his first WWE Championship by defeating The Rock on
an episode of Raw, a pivotal moment that significantly
impacted the ratings competition between WWE and WCW.
Foley has revealed that he exercises caution in his everyday
activities, avoiding jarring movements and amusement park
rides. Furthermore, he has developed a sensitivity to bright
lights, a direct result of head trauma. Last year, he
briefly considered participating in one final death match as
a motivational tool to improve his physical fitness.
However, he ultimately decided against it, prioritizing his
long-term health. This decision was influenced by a recent
concussion that he initially failed to recognize,
underscoring the ongoing challenges he faces due to his
wrestling-related injuries.