President Donald Trump remains a deeply divisive figure, and tensions escalated recently when he made harsh remarks about the murder of filmmaker and liberal activist Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle on Truth Social. Even some conservatives expressed shock at Trump’s comments. Trump has maintained a strong connection with WWE, being a Hall of Famer himself and working alongside Linda McMahon and Triple H. However, another WWE Hall of Famer, Mick Foley, declared he has reached his limit. Today, Foley announced via Instagram that he is severing ties with WWE.
Following Trump’s offensive comments about Rob Reiner, Mick Foley took to Instagram to express his disappointment that no WWE representatives condemned the president. He went further by declaring his departure from the company, stating he can no longer be associated with an organization that supports a man lacking compassion and pushing the country toward authoritarianism. Foley revealed he informed WWE talent officials that he would not appear for the company while Trump remains in office and that he has no plans to renew his Legends contract when it expires in June. Despite his deep appreciation for WWE and his history with the organization, Foley quoted Popeye, saying he can only stand so much before he has to step away.
WWE has historically shown strong support for Donald Trump. Trump has had a longstanding relationship with the company, hosting several WrestleManias and participating in notable storylines such as the 2007 Battle of the Billionaires with Vince McMahon, even competing at WrestleMania 23. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and that honor was upheld despite controversies like the events of January 6, 2021. Today, both Linda McMahon and Triple H are involved with the Trump administration. Key WWE figures like Triple H, Roman Reigns, Logan Paul, and The Undertaker have publicly praised Trump, which has frustrated fans wanting to keep politics separate from wrestling. While other progressive WWE stars like CM Punk have shown political engagement, none have publicly challenged WWE’s stance—Mick Foley’s departure might mark a turning point. For a wrestling legend like Foley to walk away is a significant blow to WWE and its parent company TKO.
Fan Take: Mick Foley’s decision to leave WWE highlights a growing tension between sports entertainment and politics that many fans have been uncomfortable with. This move could signal a shift in how wrestlers and fans engage with the company’s political affiliations, potentially reshaping the culture and future of professional wrestling.
