Shawn Michaels Reflects on His Match with Mick Foley That Showcased a Tougher Side

WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels is known for his versatility in the ring, adapting his style to complement the strengths of his opponents. Unlike many wrestlers who have a signature style, Michaels has excelled in various forms of in-ring performance, from high-flying maneuvers to technical wrestling and brawling. One notable match that highlighted this adaptability was his encounter with Mick Foley, wrestling as Mankind, at WWE In Your House: Mind Games in 1996.

In a recent interview on "Busted Open Radio," Michaels discussed how this match marked a pivotal moment in his career, allowing fans to see a different aspect of his wrestling persona. He recalled previous matches that demonstrated his toughness, such as the memorable cage match with The Rockers against Buddy Rose and Doug Somers. However, he emphasized that the bout against Foley was significant in putting him on the map as a versatile competitor.

Michaels stated, “I think that’s the one where people looked at Shawn Michaels and said, ‘Okay, he’s a dude that can go to that rougher, more rugged level that we didn’t know.’ He’s a good wrestler, he’s a good technician. He can fly, he can do all of these things, but can he get down and dirty? And I think the match with Mick at Mind Games is the one that sort of made people think that.”

In their 26-minute clash at Mind Games, Michaels defended the WWE Championship (then known as the WWF World Heavyweight Championship) against Foley, ultimately winning by disqualification. Despite the finish, Michaels has consistently praised this match as one of the most underrated of his career, placing it alongside his 1995 Intercontinental Championship bout against Jeff Jarrett.

Michaels' ability to blend different wrestling styles has solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling, and his match with Foley remains a standout moment that showcased his capacity to adapt and perform at any level.