Uncover the unexpected bond between a WWE Hall of Famer and the Alabama town that shares his name. When wrestling icon Mick Foley takes the stage at the Foley Civic Center this Thursday, he'll likely kick things off with a familiar line: 'It's great to be back right here in Foley, Alabama.' But this time, the sentiment is genuine. Foley, the former WWE Champion and New York Times bestselling author, has a recent and heartfelt connection to the city that bears his name. Less than a year ago, he visited Foley on Christmas Eve, not for a wrestling show, but to spread holiday cheer as Santa Claus, stopping by the local Burger King. 'The manager at the Burger King didn't know who I was,' Foley recalls. 'I just said, 'Google Mick Foley and Santa Claus.' It's a real passion of mine.' Foley's visit was more than just a festive gesture. He presented a donation to the manager, recognizing her need for 'a little extra help' during the holidays. A close friend, one of his 'elves' who lives in Foley, accompanied him. 'I knew she needed a little help, and I knew she was willing to work on Christmas Eve so others could be home with their families,' Foley said. 'It was a good amount of money, and she said, 'that is too much.' But I said, as Santa, I see that you volunteer to work on Christmas Eve so others can have a joyous time with their families. That's the kindness that deserves to be rewarded.'
Foley's connection to Alabama goes back to his wrestling days in the 1980s, particularly in Dothan, where he competed in Continental Championship Wrestling. This week, he returns to Foley not in costume, but on stage as part of his national '40 Years of Foley' tour. The show begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Foley Civic Center, with doors opening at 5 p.m. On Wednesday, Foley performs at the Dothan Opera House at the same time. He said both Alabama shows are among the tour stops he's most excited about. 'Nashville will have a big crowd as part of the tour,' Foley said. 'It will be about triple the size than what I'll have in Dothan and Foley. But I'm looking forward to these shows more than the more profitable ones.'
Foley's shows feature his signature blend of storytelling and a 45-minute Q&A, focusing on highlights from his legendary wrestling career as Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love in WWE, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Although not a traditional standup routine, the performance includes humorous and heartfelt tales from the ring and beyond. 'I plan to revisit my early days wrestling in Alabama in the 1980s, particularly in Dothan, where I competed in Continental Championship Wrestling and grappled at the Houston County Farm Center,' Foley said. 'The great thing about those regional territories as opposed to the national territories is you were wrestling in those cities every single week.'
Foley lived with his family in Navarre, Florida, during the height of his WWE career in the 1990s. He was one of the company's top stars during its famed 'Attitude Era,' sharing the spotlight with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Kane. Despite his hard-edged persona, Foley is known for his warmth, generosity, and advocacy. He said proceeds from Thursday's Foley event will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of South Alabama. Early ticket sales have already raised about $5,000, and he hopes to direct proceeds from the Dothan show to the organization as well. 'It's not an exaggeration to say this is one of the shows I'm looking forward to the most and the connection of being Santa in Foley last year,' Foley said. 'That Christmas Eve visit last year also included stops at homes selected through the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. 'It was the best night of the year for me, and I'm glad I got to spread holiday cheer for a couple of families in Foley.'
Foley's career as a Santa Claus was portrayed in the 2014 documentary, 'I am Santa Claus.' Until then, the 'Hardcore Legend' is ready to give fans a different kind of show this week. 'The first 30 minutes will be completely different based on me having lived near the area and sharing memories and then talking about Foley, and it being the home of the throwed-rolls,' he said. So, mark your calendars for a heartwarming evening with Mick Foley, where he'll share stories from his wrestling days and his recent visit to Foley, Alabama.
