WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley recently revealed a surprising anecdote about using The Rock’s iconic catchphrase during a live WWE broadcast without asking for permission. Speaking on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Foley shared the story behind the memorable moment where he fired back at The Rock with the phrase “It doesn’t matter,” turning the Brahma Bull’s own weapon against him in a rare display of playful rivalry between the two legends.
The Origin of the Moment: No Script, Just Spontaneity
Foley recalled that the idea to use The Rock’s catchphrase on-air wasn’t pre-planned or approved in advance. Instead, it was a spontaneous decision made during their time as the duo known as The Rock and Sock Connection on WWE Monday Night RAW in 2000. According to Foley, there was no formal script that dictated their interactions, allowing for natural back-and-forth moments that felt fresh and authentic.
He said, “I’d like to say it was his idea. I don’t know if I would have been bold enough to say, ‘Can I use your catchphrase against you?’” Foley added that this unscripted approach was part of the fun working alongside The Rock. Using the catchphrase live energized the segment, as they fed off the crowd’s genuine reaction, something that might have been lost had it been strictly rehearsed or requested beforehand[2][4].
Why The Rock’s Catchphrase Was a Perfect Choice
The Rock’s catchphrase, “It doesn’t matter,” became synonymous with his charismatic and cocky persona throughout the Attitude Era and beyond. Mick Foley seizing that phrase to jab at The Rock added a layer of meta-humor that fans found delightful. It showed how Foley could cleverly play with The Rock’s trademark taunts while maintaining the camaraderie that made their partnership so beloved.
Sources close to WWE described the moment as a classic example of the chemistry between Foley and The Rock, where both men’s immense improvisational skills created moments that still resonate with fans today. One backstage insider told us, “Foley knew how to flip the script on The Rock in a way that entertained everyone, including The Rock himself. It was playful but perfectly timed — the kind of moment that live wrestling thrives on.”
The Backstory of the Iconic “I Quit” Match
Foley also touched on his infamous “I Quit” match against The Rock at the 1999 Royal Rumble, which was featured in the documentary Beyond the Mat. This brutal match saw Foley take multiple unprotected chair shots to the head, a shocking sight for fans and Foley’s family who were reportedly distressed watching it unfold. The match ended controversially when a pre-recorded audio of Foley saying “I Quit” was played, a finish designed to protect Foley while capitalizing on The Rock’s rising heel persona at the time[1].
Foley reflected on the motivation behind that extreme match, explaining that The Rock’s charisma and crowd appeal made it inevitable that fans would cheer him despite his villainous role. Therefore, WWE creative had to find ways to make The Rock unlikable for a short period leading up to WrestleMania. Foley’s hardcore punishment of The Rock was part of this strategy to paint the Great One as more vicious and less likeable[1].
Foley’s Catchphrase Legacy: “Have A Nice Day!”
Besides borrowing The Rock’s phrase, Foley also discussed the origins of his own famous catchphrase, “Have A Nice Day!” which became a hallmark of his character. This softer, more approachable phrase contrasted sharply with Foley’s hardcore wrestling style, showcasing his versatility.
Foley described the evolution of his catchphrase during the same conversation with Van Vliet as part of his broader effort to connect with fans in multiple ways, both through his in-ring persona and his promos[2].
The Rock and Sock Connection: A Team Built on Chemistry
The collaboration between Foley and The Rock — The Rock and Sock Connection — remains one of the most memorable tag teams in WWE history, partly because of their ability to blend humor, charisma, and impressive in-ring storytelling. Their ability to riff and play off each other’s personalities without a rigid script allowed for memorable moments like the catchphrase usage.
A WWE editorial from insiders highlighted how their dynamic kept audiences engaged and allowed room for improvisation that would otherwise have been lost in a more strictly scripted environment. This chemistry set the stage for some of the most entertaining segments on WWE’s flagship shows in the early 2000s[3].
Why This Story Still Matters
Mick Foley’s revelation about borrowing The Rock’s catchphrase without permission resonates because it highlights the collaborative and spontaneous nature of wrestling storytelling. Unlike many scripted sports, pro wrestling often relies on in-the-moment creativity, trust between performers, and an understanding of the audience.
In today’s wrestling landscape where scripted promos and social media battles dominate, Foley’s story is a reminder of an era when moments were created not just from a script but from genuine interaction and quick wit — a key reason why Foley and The Rock remain legends.