Mick Foley Breaks Ties with WWE Over Trump’s Comments

In a significant move that has sent ripples through the professional wrestling community, legendary wrestler Mick Foley has announced his decision to cut ties with WWE, citing the organization’s alleged support of former President Donald Trump. Foley, a beloved figure in wrestling and WWE Hall of Famer, made the announcement via Instagram on December 16, explaining that he had been troubled by WWE’s “close relationship with Donald Trump for several months.” His concerns intensified due to what he described as the Trump administration’s “cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants.” However, the final breaking point came after Trump’s controversial comments following the tragic deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner. For Foley, these remarks represented “the final straw” in what had become an increasingly uncomfortable association with the wrestling giant.

The catalyst for Foley’s decision stems from the heartbreaking news that rocked Hollywood earlier that week. Rob Reiner, the acclaimed 78-year-old director, and his 68-year-old wife Michele were found murdered in their home on December 14. In a shocking development, their 32-year-old son Nick Reiner was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. As the entertainment industry mourned this devastating loss, Trump issued a statement via his Truth Social platform that many found deeply inappropriate. Rather than offering condolences, Trump’s message appeared to suggest that Rob Reiner’s outspoken criticism of him had somehow contributed to the tragedy, referring to what he called “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME” and stating that Reiner was “known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump.” The statement concluded with a perfunctory “May Rob and Michele rest in peace,” which did little to soften the preceding remarks that many viewed as callous and disrespectful toward the deceased.

Following Trump’s controversial statement, Foley took decisive action, informing WWE’s talent relations department that he would no longer make appearances for the company as long as Trump remains in office. Furthermore, he declared his intention not to renew his Legends contract when it expires in June. In his public statement, Foley expressed that he no longer wishes to “represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy.” Despite this difficult decision, Foley emphasized his continued affection for WWE, stating, “I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me.” His announcement concluded with a reference to the cartoon character Popeye, noting, “I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more,” indicating that his ethical concerns had reached a breaking point that necessitated action.

Foley’s wrestling career represents one of the most colorful and memorable in the industry’s history. Known for his extreme style and multiple personas, he first gained prominence as Cactus Jack from 1991 to 1996, recognized for his hardcore approach that often involved barbed wire and other dangerous implements. His WWE debut in 1996 introduced the character of Mankind, followed by the creation of Dude Love in 1997, with Cactus Jack making a return that same year. In a remarkable display of his versatility, Foley competed as all three characters during the 1998 Royal Rumble event. His legendary career earned him four world championships before his retirement from active competition in 2012. The following year, he was rightfully inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in professional wrestling. Even after retiring from in-ring action, Foley maintained strong ties with WWE, serving as Raw General Manager from 2016 to 2017 and making numerous appearances on WWE programming over the years.

The controversy highlights the long-standing relationship between Trump and WWE, particularly with former CEO Vince McMahon, who resigned in 2024 following sexual assault allegations (which McMahon denied, and federal prosecutors ultimately dropped the criminal investigation). Trump’s association with WWE predates his presidency, including multiple appearances on WWE programs that culminated in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as a celebrity honoree in 2013, the same year as Foley. The connection between Trump and WWE continues today, with current WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Michael Levesque—better known to wrestling fans as Triple H—serving on the president’s fitness council. This ongoing relationship between the wrestling organization and Trump’s administration appears to be the underlying cause of Foley’s principled stand.

Foley’s decision represents a significant personal sacrifice, potentially closing the door on future opportunities with the company that helped define his professional legacy. His stance has resonated with many who applaud his willingness to prioritize his values over career advantages. The wrestling legend’s public stand also raises questions about the responsibilities of entertainment companies regarding political associations and the potential consequences of those relationships on their talent roster. As WWE has not yet publicly responded to Foley’s announcement, the wrestling world watches with interest to see whether his departure might prompt others to reconsider their relationship with the organization or inspire WWE to reassess its political alignments. Regardless of the outcome, Foley’s principled stance has added another memorable chapter to his storied career—one defined not by in-ring heroics but by a willingness to stand by his convictions even when doing so comes at a personal cost.