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Mick Foley: I Wasn't Good Value For TNA

Posted: Sep 13th 2011 By: CMBurnham

Mick Foley admits he flopped during his three-year stay with TNA ? but is ready to re-establish himself in WWE.

The four-time world champion ? who embarks on a multi-date UK Stand Up Comedy tour in November ? joined Dixie Carter's organisation in late 2008, vowing to make an immediate impact with the wrestling firm.

But in an exclusive interview with SunSport, Foley conceded: "I cannot look back and say I did everything I wanted to do in TNA.

"I would have liked to have been considered a good investment that Dixie Carter made. I don't think that she or I would think that the investment they put into me paid off for them.

"I think I could have contributed more and in a better way, but it did not work out that way."

Foley parted ways amicably with TNA in June, having only just been given the role of 'Network Executive' on the Impact Wrestling TV show. But he felt it was time to move on.

He said: "I was very honest with (Head of Talent Relations) Terry Taylor, and told him I just kind of lost faith in the company and that I really shouldn't be one of the guys that they centred their future around.

"The Network role was a great role for someone that really believed in the company. I wish they would have allowed me to leave a couple of weeks earlier or allowed me to stay another six or seven weeks, to make something out of that role."

Yet despite being out of the business for just three months, Foley is already being linked with a shock return to WWE.

After leaving in acrimonious circumstances prior to his TNA run, Foley was endorsed by the company on several occasions despite working for their main rivals, with his TNA-themed book even publicised on WWE television.

And the 46-year-old legend refused to quash rumours he is set to return to Vince McMahon's organisation before the end of the year.

Foley said: "I'm open to doing any number of things. It's a very good company with a lot of ways for a guy like me to make a contribution.

"Without knocking Impact Wrestling, your contribution was largely limited to what you could do in the TV show. WWE is a bigger company with a bigger infrastructure and a lot more ways to make a contribution."

Foley was semi-active as a wrestler during his time in the Impact Zone and revealed he would be open to a return to the ring in WWE ? should the right opportunity present itself.

But he indicated that should the lacing of his boots not be required, he is satisfied with his body of work, and his last match particularly.

Foley said: "I was really happy with that last match I had with Ric Flair. If that turns out to be my last match ever that would be a really good way to go.

"But if there is something big, if there is one or two matches I could have with WWE, to elevate one of the younger talents or does big business for the company, then I would certainly do my best to give people a memorable match."

Despite displaying an imaginative mind for the inner working of the wrestling business, Foley does not believe that working with creative teams backstage is one of the many role he could fulfil in WWE.

He said: "That's the one thing that's not on the table. I wouldn't want that pressure and I couldn't take that pressure.

"Having to come through with ideas every week. I think Brian Gewirtz and Michael Hayes deserve some type of special peace prizes for being able to it on a weekly basis. I couldn't do it and wouldn't do it."

After years in the wrestling wilderness, Bret "The Hitman" Hart returned to WWE in January 2010, and has featured sporadically ever since.

He has made one-off appearances on TV, helped to further angles and hosted house shows. Would this be the kind of role that appeals to Foley?

He said: "That would be a pretty neat role and that's something that has been talked about.

"Back in 2004 Vince McMahon basically told me to consider WWE to be my playground, and that I could come and play any time I wanted to.

"It has been pointed out that I have a couple of days off on my tour when WWE just happens to be in the UK. So you never know. I may ask if I can play around for a little while."