WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has announced his decision to sever ties with World Wrestling Entertainment, citing the company’s close association with United States President Donald Trump.
Foley made the announcement in a statement released on Tuesday, December 16, explaining that comments made by Trump following the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were the tipping point.
Reiner, 78, and Singer, 68, were found dead at their Los Angeles home earlier this week, with their son, Nick Reiner, taken into custody in connection with the case. Reacting to the news, Trump posted remarks on his Truth Social account, claiming Reiner suffered from what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Trump’s comments sparked widespread backlash, including a strong response from Foley, who said they compelled him to cut professional ties with WWE.
The former multiple-time world champion, known to fans as Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, said he had been uncomfortable for months with WWE’s relationship with Trump, particularly in light of the administration’s policies and rhetoric.
Foley wrote on Facebook that Trump’s remarks following Reiner’s death were “the final straw,” adding that he could no longer represent a company that, in his view, supports someone he believes lacks compassion.
He also confirmed that he has informed WWE’s talent relations department that he will not make further appearances for the company while Trump remains in office, and that he will not renew his Legends contract when it expires in June.
Despite his decision, Foley emphasized that he still holds WWE in high regard.
“I love WWE and will always cherish my time there,” he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunities the company gave him.
Foley’s last WWE appearance was in 2023, when he appeared on NXT to announce competitors for the Iron Survivor Challenge matches.
Trump has longstanding ties with WWE, including appearances in the late 2000s and his role in the “Battle of the Billionaires” storyline at WrestleMania 23 in 2007. More recently, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque joined Trump at the White House in August during the signing of an executive order expanding the Presidential Council on Sports Fitness and Nutrition.
Rumours that Trump would attend John Cena’s retirement match in Washington later this year did not materialise, as no appearance was made.
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