Mick Foley, the WWE Hall of Famer known for his hardcore matches, memorable promos, and unique look, has recently shared some wonderful news with wrestling fans: he has lost a significant amount of weight. Unlike many pro wrestlers, Foley was never considered a “body guy,” but his style worked for him. This article delves into Foley's weight loss journey, exploring his motivations, methods, and the impact it has had on his life.
Foley's Wrestling Career and Weight Fluctuations
For most of his wrestling career, the man who wrestled as Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love weighed over 300 pounds, and that continued when he retired from the business. Foley's weight has been a topic of discussion among fans for years. While he was never defined by his physique, his health became a concern as he entered his late 50s.
The Motivation Behind the Weight Loss
Over the last year, Mick Foley said he wanted to have one more Hardcore Match at 60 years old. In February 2024, Foley said that he was thinking about doing one more match, as it would be a good incentive to lose weight. The desire to compete again, combined with health concerns, served as a catalyst for change. However, he suffered a concussion while barely doing anything and made it clear that it wouldn’t be happening.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, the 59-year-old Foley (he’ll turn 60 on June 7th) spoke more about his plans to have one more match and why he didn’t go through with it.
“I weighed in at 360 and I was looking to get down to 280 by June 7th and do a death match on my 60th birthday. Unfortunately, training a little bit in the ring, I got a slight concussion and I thought, ‘If I got a concussion from that little bit that I did, what I plan do to in the deathmatch would likely kill me.’ It wouldn’t likely kill me, but I thought there was a great likelihood that if I were to drop the elbow that I always wanted to drop, off a TV truck onto the hood of a car, it seriously could undo all the benefits of having my hip replacement, and that’s been a game changer for me. The hip and knee. I thought, ‘I don’t want to take that chance of feeling numb and having a serious concussion or losing the ability to walk away without discomfort,’ which the hip replacement really helped. I started to gain weight because no matter how much weight I gained, I still felt so much better than I had.”
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In March 2024, Foley weighed 360 pounds, and his all-time high was 377 pounds. Foley revealed that he weighed 377 pounds at his heaviest and he’s at 279.9 pounds now, which means he lost nearly 100 pounds from when he was at his heaviest. “I couldn’t walk up a slight incline getting off my plane without having to sit down for 5 or 10 minutes."
The Three-Step Weight Loss Process
When describing his weight loss journey, Foley credited healthy eating, working out and “cheating” with Wegovy medication. Foley emphasized that his weight loss was achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes and medical assistance.
“I did it the old-fashioned way. It was really a three-step process: healthier eating, working out, and, I’ll admit, I cheated a bit. A doctor suggested Wegovy after seeing me at over 370 pounds. I know some people see it as cheating, but I felt like it leveled the playing field. My strength was gone, my metabolism had tanked.”
Healthy Eating Habits
Foley adopted healthier eating habits, focusing on balanced meals and portion control. This dietary change was crucial in reducing his calorie intake and supporting his weight loss goals.
Regular Exercise
Foley would go on to credit DDP Yoga and swimming as important parts of his fitness routine. Incorporating regular physical activity into his routine helped him burn calories, build muscle, and improve his overall fitness level. Foley credited DDP Yoga and swimming as key components of his fitness routine, adding that he’s mindful of his age, saying, “I’m not 21 anymore. I can’t jump into things like I did back then."
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Wegovy Medication
Foley acknowledged using Wegovy, a medication that aids in weight loss. “I thought, ‘I’m a heart attack waiting to happen.’” He felt it leveled the playing field, especially since his metabolism had slowed down and he was gaining weight despite his efforts.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals
Despite the challenges, Foley remained committed to his weight loss journey. He set realistic goals and celebrated his progress along the way. In a video on his YouTube channel, Foley shared that he weighed 360 pounds a year ago and set a goal to get down to 280. Despite hitting a peak of 377 pounds, Foley achieved his target, clocking in at 279.9 pounds during a live weigh-in.
A Royal Rumble Tease?
The former WWE Champion revealed he participated in Ohio Valley Wrestling’s (OVW) Nightmare Rumble and felt strong after his performance. Foley initially said with a laugh. He later took a call from someone implied to be Triple H. During the call, he joked, “You saw me in the Nightmare Rumble? I’ve lost some weight, yeah. I’ve been working out. Royal Rumble? “I wouldn’t say I’m not entering the Royal Rumble, but I’m not entering the Royal Rumble."
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