Mick Foley has claimed that AEW has “that little bit of magic” that WWE has lost under TKO.
For most of its existence, WWE was a family-run business under the stewardship of the McMahons. That all changed in 2023 when Vince McMahon led the sale of the promotion to Endeavor. Following the acquisition, Endeavor merged WWE with another of its assets, UFC, to form TKO Group Holdings.
Since then, fans have believed WWE has become noticeably more focused on profit than on the wrestling product itself. This has been most evident in the aggressive advertising partnerships that have seen much of the ring as well as tables, ladders, and more used as space for sponsors’ logos. Ticket prices for events have also increased dramatically, with many now feeling priced out of attending WWE shows.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, WWE Hall of Famer and AEW’s newest signing, Mick Foley, gave his thoughts on the matter, saying that WWE is making it clear that making money is more important than the actual in-ring product.
“What I feel from watching the two shows is that AEW has that little bit of magic, and WWE has kind of lost it. I think when you’re part of a corporation, and the bottom line is everything, you take away from your midcard by making it clear that what you’re selling is more important than the product in the ring.”
Foley feels that this also extends to commentary. In his heyday of the Attitude Era, The Hardcore Legend says Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were focused entirely on what was happening in the ring, while now it seems that the announcers have too many distractions.
“Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler were locked in on the matches. There weren’t so many things they had to go to that would take people out of that suspension of disbelief.
“That’s just a theory on my part, but I think 10-20 years down the line, the matches that JR called, whether it was with The King or whether it was with Jim Cornette in WCW, they’ll stand the test of time, I think, better than the current matches in WWE because it seems like the matches are a means to an end instead of something to be enjoyed for themselves.”
Under Tony Khan’s leadership, Foley believes AEW has a feeling of magic that WWE doesn’t match.
“So I just feel like at this point, AEW has — the personal ownership shows, and a love and a feeling of magic, that I don’t think the corporate ownership of WWE displays nearly as well.”
Will Mick Foley Wrestle In AEW?
During the same interview, Mick Foley addressed whether he plans to compete in AEW. The three-time WWE Champion said the thought had crossed his mind, with the advent of cinematic matches opening the door for someone “whose cardio may be suspect” to wrestle again.
While he does think he has one last good match in him, though, Foley said, “all the stars would have to align.” For now, the star is planning to put all of his effort into his new role as part of the AEW broadcast team.
H/T to F4Wonline for the above transcription.
