Mick Foley further addresses possibility of having AEW match
Though he’s open to the possibility, it doesn’t sound like a return to the ring is particularly imminent for Mick Foley.
Foley, after signing with AEW, left the door open for one more match while appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show earlier this month. He spoke with Going Ringside shortly after that interview and gave the impression that fans went a little overboard with his comments. The 61-year-old Foley feels like he still has work to do to get in better shape before an in-ring return could happen.
“I had this great, 30-minute conversation with Ariel Helwani,” Foley said. “He asked me about the possibility of one more match. I said, ‘Hey, you never know.’ I did say, ‘If the stars are aligned.’ But we have to see how the stars align, and I’d have to be in really good shape and feel like I could have a match that wouldn’t disappoint people.”
Losing 100 pounds and undergoing hip and knee replacements have greatly improved Foley’s mobility. If he were to work another match, it would need to be structured in a way that does not jeopardize those improvements he’s made. Foley would also need to limit head trauma as much as possible given his history of concussions.
Going Ringside’s interview with Foley was conducted at River City Wrestling Con in Florida on June 5-6 but not uploaded until today. When asked about potential opponents if he were to wrestle again, Foley mentioned Darby Allin as a dream match for him.
“I pointed out to Darby that I am on record as saying he would be a dream opponent,” Foley said. “You never know what the future may bring. I’m down a lot of weight, but my cardio is suspect at best. And I’d still have to lose another 30 pounds just to be in poor condition. So we’ll see if there’s some changes in the next year.”
Mick Foley’s AEW role —
Foley made his debut at AEW Double or Nothing 2026 as a co-host of the preshow. He will be continuing in that role but was not at Forbidden Door this past weekend due to a scheduling conflict concerning a one-man show he already had booked. Foley did appear in a pre-recorded video discussing the legacy of Owen Hart.
During his interview on the Helwani Show, Foley said he could see himself contributing in a variety of roles, including serving as an on-screen manager for some of the talent. He thinks he can also be useful in promoting the AEW product through media appearances.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.