WWF Superstar Mankind to speak at URI
KINGSTON, R.I. -- September 27, 2000 -- Under the personas of such figures
as Cactus Jack, Mankind, and Dude Love, Michael "Mick"
Foley has taken on some of the best wrestlers in the World Wrestling Federation
throughout his career. This October, however, Foley will appear as himself
at the University of Rhode Island to discuss his career as one of the most
respected competitors in the history of sports-entertainment.
Foley will speak on October 1 at 7 p.m. in URI's Keaney Gymnasium. A
question and answer session and a reception will follow. Admission is $10
for the general public and $7 for URI students.
While a student at the State University of New York at Cortland, Foley
and some friends decided to film a photographic essay. When Foley was performing
a stunt for the production, he leapt off his bed onto a teddy bear and spit
out a mouthful of red food coloring to the shock of a female viewer. Upon
hearing her disgusted reply, Foley decided: "I've got to get some more
of that response." And so began the career of one of the most well-known
wrestlers in the world today.
Foley trained at WWF Tag Team Champion Dominic DeNucci's school throughout
college and began working in independent promotions, where he competed as
Cactus Jack. He then worked as "enhancement talent" to
the WWF Superstars, but stopped when he feared he would never achieve his
own success.
Over the years, Foley competed as Cactus Jack all over the world,
and in the WCW and ECW. In 1996, he finally made his debut in the WWF as
Mankind, where he has wrestled since as several different personas.
Last February, Foley left the Federation after being pinned by Triple
H at WrestleMania. He made one return to accomplish his dream of wrestling
in the biggest show of the year with a surprise appearance in the Raw is
War competition. Foley's career as an active wrestler ended on April 2,
2000 in Anaheim, Calif.
Foley wrote a number one New York Times bestseller, Have a
Nice Day!, about his wrestling career. He currently lives in
Florida with his wife Colette, and his two young children.
Foley is brought to the University by the Student Entertainment Committee.
For Information: Jhodi Redlich, 401-874-2116
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