One thing I’ve learned in this life is that everyone has a story to tell. Truth is that some people are better at it than others.
Mick Foley is one of them.
The three-time WWE champion, and member of the World Wrestling Entertainment’s Hall of Fame, was in Milwaukee on Sunday. His "Tales from Wrestling Live," was presented to more than 100 folks gathered at the Miramar Theater.
"Oddly, my connection with people is my ability to tell a story using my imagination," Foley said while sitting in the green room before his show.
We talked about how on TV, and in the ring, that the connection to the character is key to building a relationship with the audience. Foley’s personality shines, when he’s in character and not … but it was his creativity and ability to lead people along in a story that lead to success in his show.
"What I had, was the gift to be able to visualize concepts," Foley said on stage, talking about being able to get the "POP" – the term used to get the greatest audience reaction while in the ring.
"I knew when to have that far off look in my eyes … that sort of cool stuff to say and do."
He talked about elbow drops on Chris Jerico and tales of faith and odd shows of support from Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The classic match between him and the Undertaker and being asked if it hurt when he was thrown from a structure known as the cell provided times to recall pain and laughter.
Before the show I told David Herro, who booked Foley, that I wanted to ask the New York Times best-selling author about his delivery and how he put his set together.
"He does a lot of research," said Herro, who with co-host Dameon Nelson presents the Pro Wrestling Report on WCGV-TV My 24. "I wouldn’t be surprised if he studied and watched comics."
Foley said that he did study what other comics do on the stage, but said, he returned to more of just his stories because, even subconsciously, he ended up with a delivery more like them rather than being true to himself.
"What you get here is the real Mick Foley, they guy in the flannel, sweatpants and tennis shoes," Herro said, saying that despite the name recognition and fame that he has stayed close to his roots.
From the chants of "Foley, Foley" at the beginning of the show to the time spent with a meet and greet with everyone in the audience who stayed after his set, Foley showed his appreciation.
And he shared some great tales along the way.
You can catch updates from Herro and Nelson on PWR here.
Follow Mick Foley here on Facebook.
SHOULD WORK AGAIN: For those of you affected by the Time Warner Cable block out of Journal Broadcast Group stations, you will still be able to see Saturday’s Green Bay Packers preseason game against the St. Louis Rams at 7 p.m.
"Customers can watch live on WYTU (Telemundo) on channel 805/1027 (for HD)," said Time Warner Cable spokesman Mike Hogan. "The play-by-play will be in Spanish. Those that want to listen in English can tune into the local radio affiliate for the Packers Radio Network that is carrying the game."
This is the same tactic that worked for last week’s game against the Cardinals. Also, the NFL Network will be replaying the game at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Of course, those of you who have another service or get the free over-the-air broadcast from WTMJ-TV Ch. 4 in Milwaukee or WGBA-TV Ch. 26 in Green Bay, will be able to get the game from the Packers Broadcast Network the regular way.
"I actually sort of enjoyed watching the game on Telemundo. I got to brush up on my Spanish and, when, I quickly realized that my Spanish is terrible, I turned the volume down and did play-by-play myself," said WISN-AM 1130’s Dan O’Donnell.
"I'm actually dead serious about that. I think I annoyed the heck out of my wife."
Media is bombarding us everywhere.
Instead of sheltering his brain from the onslaught, Steve embraces the news stories, entertainment, billboards, blogs, talk shows and everything in between.
The former writer, editor and producer in TV, radio, Web and newspapers, will be talking about what media does in our community and how it shapes who we are and what we do.