Scarcely believable as it may be, WWE legend Mick Foley appears to have struck up a friendship with Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp.
It all began back in January when Sharp caught Foley's attention by celebrating his goal against Norwich by paying homage to the wrestler's famous "Mr Socko" gimmick.
Oh, this is TREMENDOUS! Thank you @billysharp10 & @SoccerAM https://t.co/fSEhpm68IJ
- Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) 26 January 2019
This led to the pair exchanging messages of mutual gratitude on Twitter, with Foley thanking Sharp for getting his name trending and Sharp thanking Foley for the sock-based inspiration.
THANK YOU @billysharp10 for single-handedly getting this broken down dude trending! You just passed those @NYCosmos greats of my youth - Beckenbauer, Tueart...even PELE as my FAVORITE FOOTBALLER EVER! @SoccerAM pic.twitter.com/dZE9hMf3D4
- Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) 27 January 2019
Inspiration @RealMickFoley Thankyou for the sock 🧦🧦🧦
- billy sharp (@billysharp10) 26 January 2019
The unlikely conversation eventually culminated with the Blades extending an invite to Foley to come and meet Sharp at one of their upcoming matches.
Would love to catch a game sometime! https://t.co/590CsqW9gK
- Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) 27 January 2019
We'll get it sorted Mick 💪@billysharp10 would love to show you around Bramall Lane ⚔️#GetMankindToTheLane https://t.co/H9GTXHEtvo
- Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) 27 January 2019
Lo and behold, the invite was accepted, with Foley confirming that he will definitely be dropping in at Bramall Lane in a few weeks' time.
I WILL be at the#SheffieldUnited game on MARCH 12th! Thanks for the invite @billysharp10 ! @SUFC_tweets #SUFC pic.twitter.com/drtu26Yyl7
- Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) 11 February 2019
Indeed, the 53-year-old will be attending United's home game against Brentford on March 12 before taking part in a special Q&A event at the ground the following evening.
The power of @Twitter 👏🏻
— Sheffield United (@SUFC_tweets) 11 February 2019
➡️ @WWEUK Superstar @RealMickFoley is coming to visit Bramall Lane and Billy Sharp.
🧦 Following @billysharp10's 'Mr Socko' celebration, Mick will now join us as at BDTBL when United take on Brentford FC in March.#SUFC pic.twitter.com/aq3ELmspSn
Truly incredible scenes. Like something plucked at random from an alternate timeline.
As kids, watching him being repeatedly slammed through tables and hit with folding chairs, never once did we think we'd see the day Mankind at a Championship football game.