Wrestling legend Mick Foley, a name synonymous with grit and resilience in the squared circle, has dramatically ended his 14-year affiliation with WWE, citing the company’s ongoing relationship with President Donald Trump as the decisive factor. The announcement, made on December 16, 2025, sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and beyond, stirring debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and personal conscience.
Foley, 60, is no stranger to controversy or conviction. Known for his multiple personas—Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love—and his willingness to endure punishment for the sake of storytelling, Foley has always worn his heart on his sleeve. But this time, it wasn’t a steel chair or a Hell in a Cell match that pushed him to his limit—it was the words of the President of the United States.
According to Parade, The Hill, and Fox News, Foley’s decision followed President Trump’s widely criticized comments about the death of acclaimed actor and director Rob Reiner. Trump took to Truth Social on December 15, 2025, posting, “A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.”
For Foley, this was the last straw. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote, “While I have been concerned about WWE’s close relationship with Donald Trump for several months—especially in light of his administration’s ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants (and pretty much anyone who ‘looks like an immigrant’)—reading the President’s incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me.”
He continued, “I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy.” Foley made it clear that his decision was not made lightly, stating, “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.”
Foley’s tenure with WWE is nothing short of legendary. He first joined the company in 1996, captivating audiences with his daredevil antics and unforgettable promos. After stints from 1996 to 2001 and 2003 to 2008, Foley returned in 2011 for a third run, eventually retiring in 2012 and entering the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. His contributions to the industry are vast, from three reigns as WWE champion to his infamous plunge off the Hell in a Cell cage—moments that have become etched in wrestling folklore.
Despite his deep affection for WWE, Foley made it clear that principle now outweighs nostalgia. “I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me,” he wrote, echoing a sentiment familiar to fans who have followed his career. But, channeling the cartoon sailor Popeye, Foley concluded, “I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.”
Foley’s departure is not just about one man’s conscience; it’s about the broader relationship between WWE and Donald Trump. The President’s ties to the wrestling world run deep. Trump Plaza hosted WrestleMania IV and V, and Trump himself famously participated in a “hair vs. hair” match at WrestleMania 23. More recently, Trump appointed former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education (after she previously led the Small Business Administration), and WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque was present at the White House for the reestablishment of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
As The Hill reported, Trump has maintained a close relationship with the McMahon family and WWE executives, hosting them at the White House as recently as September 2025. These ongoing connections have drawn scrutiny, especially as the company’s public image becomes increasingly entwined with the polarizing politics of the Trump administration.
Foley’s Instagram post also made clear that his departure is not a temporary protest. He stated he would not re-sign his Legends deal when it expires in June 2026, effectively severing all formal ties with WWE as long as Trump remains in office. “Additionally, I will not be signing a new Legends deal when my current one expires in June,” he wrote, underscoring the permanence of his stance.
Trump’s comments about Rob Reiner did not just upset Foley—they sparked backlash from various quarters, including some Republican leaders, according to Fox News. When pressed by reporters about the criticism, Trump doubled down, saying, “I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned,” and attributing Reiner’s death to his so-called “Trump derangement syndrome.” Trump further accused Reiner of being part of “the Russia hoax” and claimed, “I thought he was very bad for our country.”
These remarks, widely viewed as insensitive and disrespectful, crystallized concerns for Foley and others about the tone and direction of Trump’s rhetoric, especially when amplified by organizations with significant cultural influence like WWE. For Foley, a man who built his reputation on authenticity and standing up for what he believes is right—even at great personal cost—there was simply no alternative.
WWE, for its part, has not issued a formal statement regarding Foley’s departure, despite inquiries from multiple media outlets. The silence speaks volumes, leaving fans and industry watchers to speculate about the company’s future direction and its willingness to navigate the tricky waters of politics and public relations.
Foley’s exit is a reminder that even in the world of scripted entertainment, real-world values and convictions can drive the storylines that matter most. For fans who grew up watching Foley risk life and limb in the ring, his latest move is another act of courage—one that may not end with a championship belt, but certainly commands respect.
As the wrestling world absorbs the news, the legacy of Mick Foley’s career is unlikely to be defined by this final chapter alone. Yet, his decision to walk away from WWE at this moment, for these reasons, will undoubtedly be remembered as a powerful stand—one that blurs the line between entertainment and ethics, and challenges others in the spotlight to consider where they draw theirs.
