Foley Is Pod #27: Jim Cornette and Smoky Mountain Wrestling

This week Mick and Conrad discuss Jim Cornette and Mick's time working in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. Hear about Mick and Jim's first introduction, Bob Armstrong, the Gangstas, traveling with the Midnight Express, Boo Bradley, and the controversial demise of Boots the cat! All this and more on another can't miss edition of Foley is Pod.
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[@jasonpdsi]

This is hands down Conrad's best podcast. And that is because Mick is such a genuinely nice guy.

[@jackson5781]

I've met Mick personally and he is the nicest guy I've ever met

[@mick16wtf]

Every time Mick comments on Cornette and viceversa its great to see the respect and love they both have for each other .

[@goby1764]

Oh shut up lol

[@zaodedong9935]

@Catcha Predator that's laughable. 🤣 He literally said he doesn't want any white supremacists as fans and they can just unfollow him.

[@dylanpiazza6358]

@Catcha Predator if youre gonna troll at least be clever.

[@goby1764]

@@catchapredator1413 how'd you know

[@dutchcalhoun5518]

@Catcha Predator I still support Jim Crow Laws. It's not a past tense issue.

[@ChuckTreble]

I needed to take a break from listening to Corny's podcasts, so I decided to listen to a podcast talking about Corny.

[@CheckmateFixit]

Me too. I get a headache everytime I hear Brian Last scream out the mother ship.... Ugh

[@matturish8448]

Bringing out the Dudester for the Blue Chew Ad was just gold.

[@MikeyBAmazing]

Mick talks about so many different subjects in these shows. God bless Conrad for keeping the train on the track. Very good podcast!

[@d-mo733]

Love The GREAT Mr. Jim Cornette!!!

[@DarthSaggezza]

Believe it or not, when I was a kid, I wanted to be Jim Cornette, and I have two friends and they were stand behind me and half like the midnight express

[@kevinbudzinski9576]

His two podcasts he does are hilarious! The Jim Cornette Experience and Cornette's Drive-Thru

[@CarmeloA.]

@@kevinbudzinski9576 a man of culture i see

[@tlbennett1973]

I love Jim Cornette & his mother!! Legend ✌️😊

[@healingchurchpotluck5352]

New to this podcast, and Mick seems profoundly warm and kind. Shocking I know.

[@trevonburtch4014]

It's mind blowing how articulate Mick is given everything he's been through.

[@williamwest9204]

Him and George Foreman both. So many headshots and such long careers

[@MADGUNSMONSTER]

Agreed, Trevon.

[@kennymadison9396]

His writing helps i think.

[@davidstronach3261]

I really hope that WWE does the right thing and induct the midnight express into their hall of fame I thought they were a year after when the Rock N Roll were inducted now especially since Bobby Eaton sadly passed away.

[@charlieward5476]

It’s still hard for me to realize this friendly and articulate man Mick Foley actually scared me so bad as a kid at the Dorton Arena I cried!

[@joshuaedwards6692]

919 stand up. 🦬

[@charlieward5476]

@@joshuaedwards6692 Don’t forget 252

[@basssix1]

I really enjoy the production of this podcast. It’s fun to see the images while Mick tells the story. The flow and energy of the conversation feels natural and fun !

[@pelicanphuucker4life]

Mick is such a sweetheart of a guy. I imagine with him talking about people deserving second chances after being young and dumb that he's a great father. The pro wrestling world is better having had "Cactus" in it.

[@derekstewart777]

You're the man Mick! You have always been one of my heroes, and I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you've done, and for all of the inspiration you've given me throughout my life.

[@kurtadams9740]

Mick and Jim need to do a video together

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

I get the feeling Jim would because it's Mick, but Brian just has a thing for Conrad. So if Brian has any say in the matter I don't think it will happen.

[@willymassey8273]

@@devinaschenbrenner2683 well that's because they are competitors.

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

@willymassey8273 no, the way Brain talks about him, it's more than just Market Competitors

[@willymassey8273]

@@devinaschenbrenner2683 Brain 😂

[@tdkirkland]

You ve done it again, you have my attention again sir, even three decades later ..these are amazing listens..I really look forward to these weekly..also liked the sit down with thunder Rosa from about a year ago..so thanks again sir

[@brandoncoit9295]

Hearing Mic talk, the world would be a better place if guys like him were the ones that ran the country

[@wrestlingwithart]

I met Chris Candido at an ECW show at the Genesis Center in Gary, IN in 1998. I had asked Axl Rotten to take a photo with me before the show and he pointed to a random fan and said "that guy will take a photo with you". Candido saw what the jerk did and came over and said he would take a photo with me. He struck the Sabu pose since I was wearing a Sabu shirt. He was such a nice guy and is so underrated. Tammy was walking around eating hotdogs and ignoring fans while Francine took photos with everyone. Such a clash of personalities in that organization. Rest In Peace Chris. Can't say the same for Axl.

[@DigitalLizardTV]

I was at this show too! I got autographs from Rotten, Candido, Francine (who was very nice), New Jack, and maybe a few others. For me, New Jack was the one kinda picking on me, but it was all in fun. I vividly remember Tammy with the hotdogs. She held them over her head to avoid talking to anyone or signing an autograph.

[@marcelmoreau2733]

Of course you can say the same for Axl, as long as it is spelled Rest in P-I-S-S.

[@bluefukingreene]

@@marcelmoreau2733 are you 12?

[@coreyhall1150]

Axl rotten Pffffft why would u WANT a picture with him. That is really great of Candido tho. Hell of a dude. Too bad he was with a bitch.

[@healingchurchpotluck5352]

Rotten seems like a low life every time I've seen an interview with him.

[@exidy-yt]

I am proud to say I saw the first few matches of Cactus Jack's WCW run where he would drop the Cactus Elbow on his ex-partners after they lost a tag match, and even the one where he went 'bang bang' into the camera for the first time. WCW had just become available in my area in Vancouver with an extended cable package and while I had heard of Cactus in the wrestling magazines I devoured in those days and such a strange name had drawn my attention, this was my first times seeing his work. Even in a semi-jobber role it was clear he had serious talent. And I never stopped being a fan.

[@corpsegrinder88]

This is beautiful to hear this with smoky thanks guys

[@NotaDrDoom]

This was my first podcast listen from y’all, was listening while on a drive. Was very entertained, y’all are very easy to listen to. Thanks.

[@mrs6968]

A man of wisdom there's more then one way to get across the finish line

[@pencilnecked1579]

One of the few people who may have been quicker with a witty retort than Cornette was Heenan.

[@scottdecowski4913]

Cornette will always agree with this statement, "We're all #2 to Bobby" is a repeated line from Corny

[@Brando-Lee3725]

Wow ! its wild to think Cactus was only 23 in that early WCW run .

[@D00MTR33]

Loved this episode. Hearing some of the stories Mick told about Corny and his Walt days were great. Looking forward to next weeks Austin episode. Hearing one of my all time favorite wrestlers talking about my number 1 all time favorite wrestler should be incredible.

[@greatesttoysevermade3693]

Absolutely loved this, Mick Foley is great to listen to.

[@shanedoucette9521]

Damn good episode this week. Good Job Fellas!

[@timothycrosby4251]

Great show guys, hell of an episode!!! 👍👍

[@Brando-Lee3725]

That match he had with Mil I LOVED as a kid ! I watched that match a 1000 times back then . It was just something about it . I see why now , but as a kid i didnt know . I just knew it was super fun to watch . The walking backwards , stumbling over the chair spot , and THE sickest bump i had seen at that point in my life ! And i already enjoyed his mathes before that , and I loved Mascaras too from what little footage id seen and all his stuff in the magazines !

[@garyhen2028]

I listen to everything Jc puts out, my favorite podcast by far!

[@LTKK]

This is my first episode I've watched of this podcast but I must say I love the production style

[@Chrisdoriya]

that advertisement at 49m was HILARIOUS!

[@mikeplumer7687]

Brian Lee did not quit. He told McMahon he was available anytime he was needed. McMahon said arent you under contract? Lee said so? Vince immediately told Corny who fired him on the spot and Vince no longer wanted him

[@TaterUNC420]

This was a great interview. Enjoying all these podcasts you guys deliver on a weekly basis. Keep up the great work and keep them coming. This by far the best cause of course it's Jimmy Cornette. The greatest pro wrestling figure to ever hold a microphone 🎤 God bless!

[@williamwest9204]

I always remember the conversation between him and bobby heenan. Bobby Heenan-" your the greatest manager in the history of business" Jim Cornette-" Number 2, only behind you bobby"

[@miltonjoyner4201]

I wish they could actually have Mick and Jim in the room together for a podcast. Do a “simulcast” for both guys podcasts.

[@koolkeiths]

Conrad and Mick really like working with each other

[@79thPenn]

Another Friday another Mick Foley podcast!!

[@bxsolx5086]

Anyone else notice in last weeks episode especially, Conrad drops a lot of Corny-isms? I'm a massive fan of both men's podcasts and I can't help but wish, and wonder if Conrad could get Jim to do a show with the Foley Is Pod format. Cornette is so effervescent when taking the trip down memory lane the Ad Free Shows specialize in. Brian Last is a good host but the new show reviews dominate Jim's podcast, and it comes off as doing it cuz he is paid to. The magic is in Cornette's passion.

[@chico1680]

It's a shame Last has heat with Conrad and doesn't want "his" talent having anything to do with Conrad's podcasts. Cornette would be a fun guest on Micks for sure.

[@bxsolx5086]

@@chico1680 Well, it is a business, and Cornette is probably the MVP of wrestling podcast personalities !s

[@chico1680]

@@bxsolx5086 he definitely is for sure

[@gregweisal5542]

I agree but it's so fun to hear him rip apart modern wrestling and even more fun when he actually has something positive to say. Also aew is garbage

[@FIXTREME]

I don't think Conrad could, but Sean Oliver definitely could

[@81ghale]

How “dudin’ it up” isn’t the promo code for blue chew is one of the biggest misses ever lol

[@Gullyman23]

Back body drop makes more sense than waiting for your opponent to dive on you so you can catch him.

[@deathcrewappareldesign]

Lmao that Candido promo is one of my all time favorites! "You'll leave a skid inside your speedo" 😆😆

[@timothymiller5284]

We soooo need an AL Snow episode.

[@MS-it9vv]

I look forward to these episodes, and same for Cornette’s.

[@delbertprince5302]

I remembered JimCornette as a manager for the midnight express….

[@chuck1804]

48:57 Conrad is the undisputed champeen of the commercial break segue!

[@jasonlane1528]

Conrad sounds so much different here talking to Mick than with other people. This whole interview is amazing but dear God the Bluetooth promo almost made me choke to death from laughing so hard.

[@CarmeloA.]

Wow this production valueb is amazing

[@Brando-Lee3725]

Hell yeah Mick ! Late 80s early 90s AJPW is STILL to me some of the best wrestling EVER ! For epic matches and IN RING storytelling . NWA and Crockett was fire angles and wrestling ! Memphis and Smokey i enjoyed a lot too tho

[@FOLEYisPOD]

Crockett was good sir!

[@Brando-Lee3725]

@@FOLEYisPOD YES ! yes it was !!! I watched and loved it more than WWF at the time !

[@davem6735]

Mick said he is a "Stan" guy. Stan had a great run in the early to mid 80s with Steve Kern as the "Fabulous Ones". In the mid to late 70s, Phil Hickerson and Dennis Condrey were the premier bad guy tag team in Tennessee and the first wrestlers I remember "hating". Cornette calls them his favorite tag team as a kid. Some of the Midnight Express antics came from Hickerson and Condrey.

[@jonathanwingo13]

Great to see & hear Mick after all the years of abuse he put his body through. A living legend

[@ThymeKeeper]

Mick has really been putting Corny over STRONG lately.

[@d-mo733]

Bobby Heenan matches Jimmy on the quick witted mind! Both are VERY quick witted, but Bobby was a genius Comedy act and Corny was more for the “cut downs” and anger stuff with his quick wittedness!

[@williammitchell4417]

As Corny has said, Bobby is the teacher. Corny was his star pupil. As Anakin would say last we met I was a learner Now I am the Master!!

[@CheckmateFixit]

Another excellent episode! I am so glad Conrad does not act like or yell "the mother ship" like Brian Last. I get a migraine everytime and it just gets really old. Have a nice day!

[@gojirajenkins8528]

Love Mick Foley

[@gojirajenkins8528]

and Corny

[@delbertprince5302]

| agree with Mick Foley about the the promotions that came on TV in the New York area in the 1970’s and 1980’s. s a kid growing up in Brooklyn,I was able to watch WWF and World Class Championship Wrestling……

[@curtisburgdrof8618]

Great podcast about Jim cornette great Jim cornette good job comrade Thompson and Mick Foley you are awesome man great show

[@Nbflowers1989]

Absolutely love this podcast. Conrad, Mick and Grillo are so great together.

[@leoh1191]

Let's be honest...the goat..corny..JR..Mick foley

[@McGomezAddams]

Great pod

[@glitchsister]

I love the new beats to study bumps and relax too theme song

[@zakarshahwrestling]

Great podcast

[@gangrel7674]

What happened to the live cameo? Great show as always.

[@FortunateJuice]

Corny will never make shots for AEW. He knows how much money there could be made, but it's not about that anymore.

[@isaacshaver6218]

Foley is a good dude

[@N0tsaved]

My favorite wrestler talking nearly 2 hours about my favorite person in wrestling that isn't Mick: this couldn't have been better unless Corny was also on the interview.

[@bradpeterson7957]

Great episode.......and Buff Bagwell lol

[@waxoftriple9]

Wrestling mags were our internet and as a young kid during this time this was how I was becoming a fan of Cactus Jack and how I first heard about Chris Candido, Brian Lee, and Tammy Sytch. I was a fan of Tammy before she was Sunny just from the pics.

[@fishhookism]

Used to love watching Jim Cornette at the dark matches in Little Rock during the early eighties.

[@nichnet]

Lol on the music drowning out Mick talking.

[@LongBeachCityCAJoe]

Long Live JC!!

[@johnwindsor2511]

Mick’s face from his first WCW run is giving me mad Sleepaway Camp vibes

[@johnsawh1867]

Love lis to Mic

[@ryanloy412]

I’m new here. When Connie mentions grillo this isnt the same Howard stern grillo right?

[@CornPop2]

I didn't know Conrad was from N Alabama. Shout out from Boaz

[@gojirajenkins8528]

don't turn your back on the Wolfpac....

[@mrs6968]

My favorite episode yet and that point star suck it story I will tell till the day I die hilarious

[@scottreardon6697]

Boo Radley. One of Robert Duvalls earlier roles.

[@briansherrick1708]

Can you ask Mick about the Larry King interview from march 17th 2000 that included Hulk Hogan Roddy Piper Mick himself and others. It seemed like a very lively discussion that night which included topics such as “Should wrestling have a union?”. A question asked by Larry King in the direction of Hulk Hogan who appeared via satellite.

[@djangofett4879]

"You have ball this big" 😂

[@MattGouldburn]

"Connoisseur of the adult arts" Scotty 2 Hotty catching strays here

[@coreyhall1150]

Dont get the joke.....

[@ojmcclanahan689]

I'm glad to see that there's at least a couple of people that understand that Cornette's joke on NWA Power had nothing to do with race. People acted completely ignorant over that.

[@jeremiahhamilton2501]

Damn you Mick Foley, stop making me want cheeto"s 😂 good stuff

[@willymassey8273]

Stan Lane took a paternity test in 1990 that ruled him out as Boberts father. Her mom just don't know who it was, classy lady.

[@johnsawh1867]

I wonder if there is a nicer person than Mic in the world 🌎

[@aaronholman8288]

1:43:00 I'm glad someone finally brought up that badass pig squeal he used to do. Made that match vs taker in the boiler room more interesting

[@tdkirkland]

I also think that Connie and your -self have fantastic chemistry

[@screamingbaboon664]

That crap with Boots the cat, I bet PETA got involved 😒😒and I bet the TV station got thousands of complaints. MORE HEAT THAN THE GANGSTAS

[@jackson5781]

I'd love to see Corny in AEW

[@whatsoperadoc7050]

Rick Ruben has worked with so many great artists. Cash, Jay Z, Eminem, RHCP. Never knew he was a wrestling fan.

[@Rjensen2]

Watch him on Joe Rogan...Rogan gives him no quarter at all on that front. 🤣

[@ojmcclanahan689]

From what I hear Rick Rubin don't really "work" with anyone when it comes to making music. He lays his fat ass on a couch and just listens what time his engineer does all the actual work. Rick Rubin produced Slipknot's third album and their singer, Corey Taylor said he would never work with Rick Rubin again.

[@Rjensen2]

@@ojmcclanahan689 Guess what? That's literally what a producer does. That's what the job description is.

[@ojmcclanahan689]

@@Rjensen2 Horse shit. A producer collaborates the artist to produce a record. They don't just lay there and pretend to be in some fictitious "zone" while someone else does everything. I call that getting paid stupid money to do absolutely nothing.

[@Rjensen2]

@@ojmcclanahan689 lmao, keep believing that if you like.

[@younggrinch2826]

@12:30 grillo? Like the grillo?

[@runawayuniverse]

I don't know if anyone connected to Mick reads the comments here but in the off chance that they do please let him know that I'm still bummed out that I missed getting my copy of Have a Nice Day signed by him because he had to cancel. He was supposed to be in Phoenix but Vince made him cancel because that was the same night that The Rock hosted Saturday Night Live (March 2000) To make it even worse was that I had already paid to get into the venue before I learned that Mick wasn't even there and when I asked for a refund they wouldn't give me one. Oh well ... I love listening to these by the way.

[@coreyhall1150]

He mentions making things up to ppl he hurt and now ppl like u come out of the wood work pretty much saying MICK MICK MAKE UP FOR NOT SIGNING MY BOOK.

[@runawayuniverse]

Please point out where I asked Mick for anything. All I said was after all these years it still bugs me that I missed out because Vince had him appear on SNL instead of the show he was originally scheduled to be at.

[@Speculativedude]

I find it interesting that whenever Jim Cornette talks about Mick, he almost always calls him Cactus. Even when someone writes a letter and asks about "Mick" he answers, "Cactus". Of course there's nothing wrong with that, just interesting.

[@troystaunton254]

13:55 What exactly did Jim have to apologise for. Weak peoples feelings shouldn’t dictate what can and can’t be said.

[@travisdonohue8826]

Hey y'all dont forget to hit the like button for the g.o.a.t the man the legend

[@jackson5781]

He thinks of Corny the way I do. Agree to disagree. But thinks of him in a very high regard

[@scottwebb2781]

What's funny about the corny joke is fried chicken and black people is an American stereotype, not an Ethiopian one. So those who make the logic jump to be offended by an Ethiopian fried chicken joke are the racist ones, IMO

[@piscinaiv7937]

"Is there anything I can do to talk you out of it?"

[@cultureshock5000]

u realize the first 3 mins of audio ar fd right

[@TheBaitShopGuy]

Wrestling is so bad in the 20s that guys telling 90s stories is better than actual wrestling today.

[@jakeinator722]

Obviously you don't watch Roman Reigns or MJF.

[@TheBaitShopGuy]

@@jakeinator722 The point isn't that there aren't talented individual wrestlers like John or Roman. It's the PG kindergarten product of WWE overall that stinks. WWF in the late 90s was rated R for grown ups

[@jakeinator722]

@@TheBaitShopGuy AEW is the best wrestling today as a long-time fan for 30 years. It never insults my intelligence, authentic promos and great wrestling.

[@carlosr6462]

@@jakeinator722 it never insults your intelligence? how doesn't Orange Cassidy and his best friends and The Bucks insult your intelligence? Do you really think the booking is good?

[@riprogerssmokeyjohnson5912]

Any shot we can get mick and corny in the same room someday just to shoot the shit about the old days??