WWE Hall of Famer and "Hardcore Legend" Mick Foley posted a lengthy article on his official Facebook page this weekend, speaking on the passing of former WWF star Matt Osborne.
"The wrestling world lost a bigger star, a finer worker, and a larger influence than many would realize with the passing of Matt Borne. Though best known for his stint as the original Doink the Clown in WWE, Matt's left a trail of hard work and tough, believable matches wherever he went – from Portland to Mid-South Dallas, to WCW, ECW and 100's of independent cards in a career that began 35 years ago.
"I remember seeing the a photo of "Maniac" Matt Borne the first day I walked into the Dallas Sportatorium – on a wall with all of the greats who had graced the ring in the historic arena. A few months later, Matt was back in World Class, scheduled to team up with one of the top good-guys in the territory – maybe Jeff Jarrett, maybe Eric Embry…I really don't remember, in a match against me and Gary Young What I do remember is Gary telling me that matches with Matt weren't likely to be easy. "He has an unusual style of selling", Young told me. "He makes you work for everything you get." Veteran World Class referee Bronco Lubich stopped by to give some friendly and very sound advice. "When you get on Matt, stay on Matt. Otherwise, he'll eat you up. He'll sell for you, but only if he thinks you've earned it." The Bronc was only looking out for my best interests. He'd seen me grow in my short time in World Class, and thought I had the potential to be very good, but until that point, the babyfaces I'd been regularly matched up against were like the stuff dreams were made of for a young heel. Guys like Jeff Jarrett and Chris Adams were great baby-faces, and sold my mediocre offense like I was the beddest man on the planet. Eric Embry, despite being an unlikely good-guy had the ability to make every encounter we had seem like a near-death experience that he barely survivied (cont…)
For the complete letter, check out Foley's official Facebook page by following the link provided above.
