Retro Wednesday: Cactus Jack Retires

After establishing himself in WCW and ECW as Cactus Jack, 1996 presented an entirely new character for followers of Mick Foley. Appearing in the WWE as the deranged Mankind, his hardcore style took a turn to more of a maniacal fashion. Feuding with the Undertaker and shockingly aligning with "Uncle Paul" Bearer, he immediately made a mark in the WWE. As his character started to need more layers, he slowly became a fan favorite, had one of the oddest – but successful – teams with the Rock, and eventually won the WWE Championship in 1999.

Throughout his career in the WWE, the Cactus Jack character return in various angles, most namely against Triple H, and briefly teaming with Terry "Chainsaw Charlie" Funk. Particularly, in the beginning of 2000, Foley renewed his long-term rivalry with Triple H. Establishing himself as a staple main-event star with the McMahon-Hemsley regime, Mick Foley was opposed to Triple H's antics. Moreover, Foley was vying to become the WWE Champion for the fourth time.

In hopes to win the championship on his terms, Foley challenged Triple H to a Hell in a Cell match at the No Way Out PPV. Triple H agreed, but with the terms that he put his career on the line. Foley obliged, but lost the match which forced him to retire.

Although he returned as Mick Foley the very next PPV, his "retirement" from Cactus Jack only lasted four years. While there are those who heavily scrutinized his in-ring style, there is no doubt that he can create memorable moments, as he showed by this brutal bout with Triple H.

Classic feud. Classic match.