In a significant move that blends sports entertainment with political protest, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has publicly severed his ties with the wrestling promotion. The wrestling legend cited recent comments made by former US President Donald Trump regarding the murder of Hollywood director Rob Reiner as his breaking point.
The Final Straw: Trump's Controversial Statement
Foley's decision was triggered by a post Donald Trump made on his Truth Social platform on Monday. Following the news that Rob Reiner and his wife were found stabbed to death at their Los Angeles mansion on Sunday, Trump doubled down on his long-standing attacks on the liberal director. In his statement, the former president appeared to blame the killings on what he termed Reiner's 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'.
The remarks were swiftly condemned by numerous Hollywood figures and Republicans alike, with many labelling them 'disgusting and vile'. However, for Mick Foley, they represented an unconscionable act that demanded a personal response.
Foley's Full Statement and Ultimatum
Foley released a detailed statement on his official Facebook page to explain his drastic decision. He revealed that concerns had been building for months over WWE's close relationship with Donald Trump, particularly in light of what Foley described as the 'ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants' during Trump's administration.
'Reading the President's incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner's death is the final straw for me,' Foley wrote. He expressed a firm unwillingness to continue representing a company that, in his view, 'coddles' a man he perceives as lacking compassion and leading the country towards autocracy.
Foley has taken concrete action based on this principle. He informed WWE's talent relations department that he will not make any further appearances for the company as long as Donald Trump remains in office. Furthermore, he declared that he will not be signing a new Legends contract when his current deal expires in June.
Legacy, Loyalty, and a Line in the Sand
Despite his strong stance, Foley was careful to acknowledge his deep history with WWE. He stated his enduring love for the organisation and his profound appreciation for the opportunities it afforded him throughout his storied career. His decision, therefore, is framed not as a rejection of wrestling, but as a moral imperative.
He concluded his statement by quoting the cartoon sailor Popeye: 'I stands all I can stands, and I can't stands no more.' This colourful sign-off underscores the personal nature of his protest, suggesting a man who has reached his absolute limit.
Foley's move places a spotlight on the increasingly complex intersection of celebrity, politics, and corporate partnerships in modern entertainment. It remains to be seen what long-term impact, if any, this high-profile departure will have on WWE's operations or its public associations.
