The wrestling world nearly witnessed one of the most unlikely dream matches in recent memory. Behind closed doors at a Long Island steakhouse, two generations of sports entertainment collided when AEW’s MJF pitched a retirement bout to hardcore legend Mick Foley—complete with a detailed six-week storyline that left the WWE Hall of Famer genuinely impressed.
The Clandestine Meeting That Wrestling Fans Never Saw
Speaking candidly on “The Wrestling Classic,” Foley pulled back the curtain on an intriguing chapter that almost became wrestling history. The hardcore icon revealed how MJF approached him with a comprehensive vision for what could have been Foley’s swan song.
“I had a top secret meeting with MJF about the possibility of having one last match with him, and he laid out like six really solid weeks of storytelling,” Foley disclosed.
The meeting itself epitomized old-school wrestling business—two Long Island natives breaking bread without fanfare or social media documentation. No photos, no publicity, just pure wrestling minds collaborating on potential magic.
MJF Wasn’t Alone in Pursuing the Legend
While MJF’s pitch grabbed headlines, Foley’s revelation exposed just how coveted a final match with him would be across the wrestling landscape. The response to his retirement match “feeler” showcased his enduring appeal spanning multiple promotions and wrestling styles.
“When I put out a, you know, a feeler about doing a final match, believe me, there was no shortage of guys. It was really from the deathmatch guys to MJF, to Karrion Kross in WWE—there was no shortage of guys who were willing to do that match with me,” the three-time WWE Champion explained.
This diverse interest—from hardcore specialists to sports entertainers to main event WWE talent—demonstrates Foley’s unique position in wrestling culture. Few legends could attract such varied interest across promotional boundaries.
The Storyline Pitch That Impressed a Master Storyteller
For someone who crafted some of wrestling’s most memorable feuds and moments, Foley’s praise for MJF’s creative vision carries significant weight. The Salt of the Earth’s reputation for psychological warfare and character work clearly translated into his pitch meeting preparation.
While Foley remained diplomatically tight-lipped about specific details, his enthusiasm was unmistakable. The veteran acknowledged that MJF’s concepts could have produced “a really good six-week program”—high praise from someone who helped define modern wrestling storytelling.
The respect was mutual, with both wrestlers maintaining the confidentiality of their creative discussions, showing the professional courtesy that exists between wrestling generations.
Health Concerns Trump Creative Ambitions
Despite his obvious admiration for MJF’s pitch, Foley’s response reflects the harsh reality facing aging wrestlers. The man who redefined what performers would sacrifice for their craft now prioritizes long-term health over short-term glory.
“You know, it does not look like it [will happen], but I was just flattered,” Foley admitted, suggesting physical limitations ultimately derailed the ambitious plans.
This candid acknowledgment highlights the difficult transition many wrestling legends face when their minds remain sharp but their bodies can no longer execute their visions.
Dream Matches That Remain Dreams
Beyond the MJF revelation, Foley also expressed regret about never sharing the ring with current WWE stars Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. His specific praise for Zayn’s “likability” demonstrates his continued eye for talent and character work.
These missed opportunities represent the eternal “what if” scenarios that fuel wrestling fan discussions and social media debates.
The Lasting Impact of Respectful Wrestling Business
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Foley’s story isn’t the match that didn’t happen, but how it didn’t happen. In an era of social media oversharing and manufactured controversy, both wrestlers conducted serious business with old-school discretion.
MJF’s detailed preparation and respectful approach, combined with Foley’s genuine consideration and gracious decline, exemplifies how wrestling business should be conducted across promotional lines.
While wrestling fans may never see MJF’s creative vision for Mick Foley’s farewell come to fruition, the story itself reveals the mutual respect that exists between wrestling’s past and present. What other dream scenarios might be brewing in private conversations between wrestling’s biggest names, and will any of them actually make it to our screens?
