WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, one of professional wrestling’s most beloved and outspoken icons, has officially severed ties with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), citing the company’s ongoing association with former President Donald Trump as the decisive factor. The move, announced on December 16, 2025, via Foley’s Instagram page and later reported by multiple outlets including HOLR Magazine, has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and reignited debate about the intersection of entertainment, politics, and personal ethics.
Foley, 60, whose storied career with WWE began in 1986 under the moniker Jack Foley, made his feelings unmistakably clear. "Reading the President’s incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me," Foley posted, directly referencing Trump’s remarks as the impetus 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 towards autocracy. Last night, I informed @WWE talent relations that I would not be making any appearances for the company as long as this man remains in office."
For Foley, the decision to walk away from WWE was not made lightly. Over nearly four decades, he built an indelible legacy under personas like Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, thrilling fans with unforgettable matches—most notably the infamous Hell in a Cell bout. Even after retiring from full-time competition, Foley’s presence loomed large, thanks to his legends contract, frequent appearances, and ambassadorial roles. But as he explained, "Additionally, I will not be signing a new Legends deal when my current one expires in June. I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I 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.'"
The roots of Foley’s decision stretch deep into WWE’s history with Donald Trump. Trump, inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity wing in 2013, has long maintained a visible and sometimes controversial relationship with the company and its leadership. Trump’s appearances at major WWE events, business ventures with the McMahon family, and now his political persona have kept him at the center of the wrestling-political nexus. According to HOLR Magazine, WWE’s continued ties to Trump have become increasingly scrutinized as public attitudes toward political affiliations evolve, especially among younger and more socially conscious fans.
Foley’s break with WWE is rooted in a consistent pattern of activism and speaking out. Unlike many in the wrestling world who sidestep political issues, Foley has never shied away from voicing his views on matters like gun violence, healthcare, and social justice. This latest move, as HOLR Magazine notes, is less about controversy and more about conscience. Foley framed his decision as one of personal values, emphasizing that WWE’s relationship with Trump conflicted with his beliefs and that disengaging was the most honest response available to him.
The announcement has sparked a firestorm of reactions. Among fans, opinions are sharply divided. Some have hailed Foley’s decision as a courageous and principled stand, praising his willingness to prioritize values over career convenience. Others, however, argue that wrestling and politics should remain separate, viewing the move as unnecessarily polarizing. Within the industry itself, the response has been more muted. WWE has yet to issue a public comment regarding Foley’s departure, and it remains unclear whether the company will address the matter at all.
Still, the ripple effects are undeniable. As HOLR Magazine points out, Foley’s willingness to walk away from an organization so deeply entwined with his legacy underscores just how seriously he takes the issue. For many, it’s a reminder that public figures are increasingly expected to align their professional affiliations with their personal values—especially in an era where audiences demand transparency and accountability from the brands and celebrities they support.
Foley’s decision also shines a light on WWE’s longstanding relationship with Trump. The company’s ties to the former president have included not just his 2013 Hall of Fame induction, but also high-profile appearances at WrestleMania and other events. Trump’s business dealings with WWE’s leadership, particularly Vince McMahon and his family, have only deepened the connection. Yet, as public scrutiny of Trump’s political rhetoric and actions has intensified, so too has the debate within wrestling circles about the appropriateness of those ties.
It’s worth noting that Foley’s announcement comes at a particularly charged moment. Trump, still serving as president until late January 2029, remains a deeply polarizing figure in American politics. Foley’s statement that he will not make any WWE appearances "as long as this man remains in office" leaves the door open for a possible future reconciliation—albeit a distant one. In the meantime, Foley has made it clear that he will not seek to renew his Legends contract when it expires in June 2026, effectively ending his formal association with the company.
For fans, the news is bittersweet. Foley’s contributions to WWE are legendary, and his absence will be keenly felt. But as he has often reminded his audience, wrestling is just one chapter in his life story. By stepping away now, Foley seems intent on reinforcing an identity defined as much by principle as by performance. Supporters see this as the latest example of Foley prioritizing what he believes is right, regardless of the professional or personal cost.
As the wrestling community digests the news, questions linger about what comes next. Will other high-profile figures in WWE or the broader wrestling world follow Foley’s lead? Will WWE address the growing tension between its entertainment brand and the political affiliations of its partners and honorees? For now, those answers remain elusive. But what’s clear is that Foley’s decision has pushed the conversation forward, forcing both fans and industry insiders to reckon with the complicated relationship between personal ethics and corporate loyalty.
In the end, Mick Foley’s departure from WWE is about more than just wrestling. It’s a story of a man drawing a line in the sand—one shaped by decades of service to his craft, a lifetime of advocacy, and a steadfast commitment to his own moral compass. As debate continues, Foley’s legacy as a performer and as a person willing to stand by his beliefs, even when it means walking away from the spotlight, remains secure.
