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WWE News: Mick Foley's Return Is Genius Marketing Move by Vince McMahon

Posted: Dec 17th 2011 By: mikeiles

Mick Foley only returned to the WWE a couple weeks ago, but the effect is already quite apparent.

Foley is universally loved by wrestling fans and in some ways he even transcends the world of wrestling. Because of that, Vince McMahon made an excellent decision in bringing him back into the fold.

Foley appeared on the Boomer & Carton radio show in New York City today to discuss his career as a wrestler, as well as growing up on Long Island. While that may seem like an insignificant thing, huge amounts of sports fans in the New York area listen to that show, so Foley plugging the WWE goes a long way.

In addition to the media appearances he has made since his return, Foley has also already been a fixture on WWE programming. He reprised his famous "The is Your Life" segment that he did with The Rock in 1999, only he dedicated it to John Cena ahead of Survivor Series.

Also, Foley hosted a live holiday edition of SmackDown. While the show was a bit lame in some ways and Foley was a little cheesy, it was still quite endearing and it was fun to simply see him on television again as a member of the WWE.

McMahon has had a lot of success recently bringing Attitude Era stars back. Not only does that include Foley, but McMahon also tabbed "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to host Tough Enough and make periodic appearances on WWE programming.

On top of that, The Rock's return has created tons of buzz. He helped generate over 1 million buys for WrestleMania 27 as the guest host, and presumably helped with pay-per-view buys at Survivor Series as he teamed with Cena against The Miz and R-Truth.

Foley isn't currently in line to get in the ring like The Rock, but he has suggested that he would be ready if called upon. Foley's true worth lies in being a comedic on-screen character as well as a great ambassador away from the squared circle for the company.

The current fans who enjoy the likes of Cena and Randy Orton may not care as much about somebody like Foley, but the simple fact that he is once again involved with the WWE is sure to help bring in some fans who may have grown jaded with the product.

Compared to what McMahon likely pays Foley, I'm sure the publicity and buzz he creates far exceeds it in value. McMahon isn't stupid by any means and any type of business move he makes is done with a cool head and a steady hand because he knows how important it can be.

Because of his experience and his following, however, bringing Foley back was really a no-brainer. Say what you will about McMahon being narcissistic or conniving, but he is a very smart business man and he hit another one out of the park by bringing back Foley.