Wrestling legend Mick Foley has revealed he has lost over 110 pounds after his weight reached what he called 'dangerous territory'. The 61-year-old, who joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) earlier this year, told Metro in an exclusive interview that he now weighs 260 pounds, down from 372 pounds, and is 'doing surprisingly good'.
Foley, known as the Hardcore Legend for his influential career in ECW and WWE, said the weight loss has made a dramatic difference to his health. 'This sounds crazy, but I feel better now than I did 20 years ago,' he said. He recalled that in 2005, when he was 40, he needed anti-inflammatories just to walk, but now at 61 he is 'getting around a lot better'.
Weight hit 'dangerous territory'
Foley admitted that his weight had become a serious concern. 'I was 372. You know, that's some dangerous territory. Lugging that kind of weight around at my age was really not healthy,' he said. He described an incident where he had to stop to catch his breath after walking up an incline when getting off a plane, calling it 'not a good situation'.
He had previously discussed his weight with WWE chairman Vince McMahon, saying that he believed his size was a reason he was rarely on television. 'I think there was a time in WWE – I did ask Mr. McMahon; he didn't verify it or deny it. I said I think part of the reason why I'm rarely on TV is that it's difficult to watch me get around,' he said. He had planned to lose weight over a decade ago, but put it all back on during the pandemic.
Possible return to the ring?
Despite his improved fitness, Foley is cautious about a full-time wrestling return. 'There's a big difference between dropping 110 pounds and being in ring shape,' he pointed out. He mentioned the possibility of doing something cinematic or appearing in a Stadium Stampede match, but said he does not think he is capable of participating in an AEW main event match. 'I really don't think I am. But we're going to see how the conditioning goes. We'll see. We will see if the stars align. It might happen!'
Foley joined AEW after leaving WWE, citing its 'close relationship with Donald Trump'. One consequence of that departure is that he is now footing the bill for ongoing dental treatment stemming from his 1998 Hell In A Cell match with The Undertaker. He told Metro in 2020 that the cost was around $15,000, but now estimates it will be more. 'Oh, probably more than that,' he said. 'These two [teeth] have to be replaced, but also this one's rotting out because of the impact, and this one will have to be removed. So it's four teeth, and then there's the three on the top that were not Cell-related. But yeah, I imagine it's probably going to be a hefty bill.'
Upcoming projects and biopic
Foley is staying busy with AEW's All In London show at Wembley Stadium on August 30, and his Forty Years of Foley live tour, which comes to the UK on August 27, 28 and 31 with dates in Birmingham, Cardiff and London. He has promised 'something special' for All In, noting that the fans will sense it's special for everyone competing that night.
He also discussed a potential biopic starring actor Paul Walter Hauser. 'I don't want Paul to be doing an imitation. I want him to do an interpretation,' Foley said. 'He'll do a great job. We're still shopping it, but we're hopeful that it's going to land. And if it does, I think people will enjoy that story.' Foley plans to be 'hands on' as a consultant on the project.
