Recently, Mick Foley made an announcement that he would not be re-signing his WWE Legends deal with WWE. Foley made the following statement:

"To deal..or not to deal – that is the question. As some of you may have heard, at this point, I am opting not to sign my Legends Marketing Deal, which gives #WWE the right to market my likeness on video games and action figures. I'll be writing in more detail about this in the next week or so, but it would be fair to say that, despite strong sales, I have found the payoffs for the past two video games to be extremely weak – in the 25% range of what most talent was expecting.

Last year, the explanation had something to do with the video game company going bankrupt – a real shame for me, since I was heavily featured as three characters from the "Attitude" era, complete with voice work. I haven't heard this year's explanation yet, but, personally. I think the #WWE just wants to see if the talent will accept a far lower percentage than had previously been given. If so, it would probably be a good business move for #WWE, since very few current wrestlers are going to jeopardize their standing with the company by offering resistance – and most legends will probably come to feel like anything they get from merchandise is better than nothing.

As for me: until I hear a valid reason, I'm opting out."

Creating controversy and speaking his mind has always been something Mick Foley isn't afraid to do, and he has done so again with his opt-out of a WWE Legends deal after famously criticizing WWE Creative for their handling of Daniel Bryan and his quest for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. For Mattel WWE wrestling figure fans, this opt-out has dramatic implications.

With a limited run in the Mattel WWE Elite Series, collectors have only seen Mankind in Mattel WWE Elite 17, complete with Mr. Socko and removable Mankind mask. Since, the only Mick Foley release has been the Ringside Collectibles Exclusive Mattel WWE Cactus Jack figure, including steel steps, a stop sign, handcuffs and a spot on likeness.

Once showcased at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con, a classic Mattel WWE Mankind figure thrown back to his more insane days in a brown outfit was seen and rumored as a Toys R Us exclusive, but unfortunately has since not been released.  

We have some GOOD NEWS, Mattel tells WrestlingFigs that we will see this figure in some form later this year!  This will be the final Mattel Mick Foley figure until he signs a new deal with WWE.

This means no classic versions of Mankind or Mick Foley, whether it be a referee version, other decidedly wild outfit or even a throwback to the Attitude Era days of 'Commissioner Foley,' fans should not expect these from Mattel in the immediate future based on Foley's announcement. Perhaps the most requested Mattel WWE version of Foley that hasn't been released is his third 'face,' that of Dude Love.

A Mattel WWE Dude Love would showcase the wild, colorful tie-dye outfits that Dude Love used to be famous for wearing despite his short lived existence. It is also the final piece to completely recreating the long, stellar career of Mick Foley, other than a figure of Mick himself.

While it seems Mick Foley is standing his ground due to a disagreement with WWE's contract offer, the famous mantra of 'never say never in this business' certainly applies. If the two sides can come to a reasonable agreement, no doubt plenty more versions of a Mattel WWE Mick Foley and his three faces will be developed.

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