Mick Foley Says the Mandible Claw Was a Legitimate Nerve Hold

Mick Foley didn’t just create chaos in the ring—he also made you believe in it.

During his interview with Chris Van Vliet, the hardcore legend broke down the real science behind the Mandible Claw, revealing that the move wasn’t just a goofy gimmick with a sock—it was rooted in actual anatomy.

Foley explained that the move came from wrestling lore, tracing it back to Dr. Sam Sheppard—the real-life physician who inspired The Fugitive—who wrestled using his knowledge of the human body to justify his offense.

“The idea is, mandible claw—two fingers under the tongue, they press down simultaneously on the nerves lying underneath the tongue, while also simultaneously pressing up with the thumb on the nerve underneath the chin. And if you do it, you cannot move.”

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But once WWE added the now-infamous sock to the equation, the move morphed into something much more theatrical—and much less medically accurate.

“Once I put the sock on, it stopped being a nerve hold—it just started… he’s putting that sock in their mouth, you know?”

Foley joked that it became the only wrestling finisher you could try on yourself:

“It’s the only move that a wrestling fan can do on themselves… underneath the nerves of the tongue, press up—and you can’t move. You have to let go of your own hold or else.”

From legitimate nerve technique to one of the most memorable and absurd finishers in WWE history, the Mandible Claw is classic Foley—violent, weird, and somehow lovable. Mick Foley always knew how to mix brutality with brains, and this story proves that even the strangest wrestling moves can start with real intent.

Do you remember the first time you saw the Mandible Claw—and did you try it on yourself or a sibling? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know which Foley finisher you still think about today.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.