Mick Foley has taken his final bump for World Wrestling Entertainment.
The WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, known to millions as Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, announced on Tuesday that he is officially cutting ties with the company. The decision comes in direct response to WWE’s continued association with President Donald Trump and, specifically, the President’s recent comments regarding the murder of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
In a blistering statement posted to social media, Foley declared he could no longer sit idly by. He cited Trump’s “incredibly cruel” reaction to the Reiner tragedy as the breaking point in a relationship that has spanned decades.
The Popeye Moment
Foley did not mince words in his announcement. He confirmed that he has informed WWE Talent Relations that he will cease all appearances immediately while Trump remains in office. Furthermore, he will not sign a new “Legends” deal when his current contract expires in June.
“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 wrote on Instagram.
He closed his statement by quoting a childhood hero to explain his exit: “In the words of Popeye the Sailor, ‘I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.
The “Cruel” Comments
The catalyst for Foley’s departure was not policy, but personal decency.
On Monday, following the arrest of Nick Reiner for the murder of his parents, President Trump took to Truth Social to offer his take. Rather than offering condolences for the Hollywood icon, Trump appeared to blame the tragedy on “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” implying that the family’s liberal politics were the root cause of the violence.
Foley, who has met the Reiners and respected Rob’s work, called the post the “final straw.” He expressed disbelief that WWE would continue to align itself with someone who would weaponize such a gruesome family tragedy for political points.
A Deeply Entangled Relationship
Foley’s exit highlights the undeniable link between WWE and the Trump administration. The connections go far beyond a simple Hall of Fame ring.
Linda McMahon, the co-founder of WWE and wife of Vince McMahon, was recently appointed by Trump as the U.S. Secretary of Education. Additionally, current WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has appeared at the White House multiple times this year, including a high-profile event to reinstate the Presidential Fitness Test.
For Foley, these visuals became impossible to ignore. “I have been concerned about WWE’s close relationship with Donald Trump for several months,” he admitted. He cited the administration’s treatment of immigrants as a long-standing grievance that had already pushed him to the brink.
Walking Away From the Money
This is not a hollow threat. By refusing to renew his Legends deal, Foley is walking away from a significant income stream.
WWE Legends contracts typically cover merchandise sales, action figure likeness rights, and inclusion in the annual WWE 2K video games. These deals are often a financial lifeline for retired wrestlers. By letting the deal lapse in June, Foley is effectively pulling his likeness from all future WWE products.
Fans have flooded Foley’s social media with support. Many are praising him for prioritizing his morals over a paycheck. “The Hardcore Legend just proved he’s the toughest man in the business,” one top comment read on Reddit.
However, the move marks a sad end to a storied partnership. Foley was one of the key figures of the “Attitude Era,” helping WWE defeat WCW in the Monday Night Wars. Now, it appears that war is over, and Foley has chosen to walk out the door on his own terms.
Do you agree with Mick Foley’s decision to mix politics and pro wrestling? Let us know in the comments below.
