Legendary wrestler Mick Foley has severed all professional ties with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), citing the company’s close alliance with former U.S. President Donald Trump as the decisive factor. In a statement posted on Instagram, Foley emphasized his longstanding concerns about WWE’s relationship with Trump, particularly following the president’s “incredibly cruel comments” after director Rob Reiner’s death last Sunday.
Foley stated that reading Trump’s remarks—described by the former president as an instance of “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME”—was the final catalyst for his decision. “I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country toward autocracy,” Foley wrote. He confirmed he will cease all appearances for WWE while Trump remains in office and will not renew his current Legends contract when it expires in June.
The 60-year-old wrestler, who has been a vocal critic of Trump ahead of the 2024 election, added: “I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me. But, in the words of Popeye the sailor, ‘I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.’” Foley initially reshared a post condemning Trump’s remarks as “gross, horrible,” calling it difficult to comprehend how WWE colleagues could remain aligned with the president.
Foley’s announcement follows widespread backlash against Trump’s social media response to Reiner’s murder, which saw the former leader accuse the filmmaker of inciting chaos through his opposition to the commander-in-chief. Reiner and his wife were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon, with their son Nick charged with murder.
WWE has maintained a historical partnership with Trump dating back to his appearances on WWE programming in the late 2000s, including his role at WrestleMania 23 in 2007 and induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. The company also notes its longstanding ties through former founder Vince McMahon, who resigned amid sexual assault allegations earlier this year.