Wrestling icon Mick Foley has publicly announced he is cutting all ties with WWE, citing the company's association with former US President Donald Trump as the primary reason for his departure.
The Final Straw: Trump's Comments on Reiner Tragedy
The Hardcore Legend, a fellow WWE Hall of Fame inductee like Trump, stated that the former president's reaction to the death of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer was "the final straw". The bodies of Reiner, 78, and Singer, 68, were discovered at their Los Angeles home. Their 32-year-old son, Nick, has been taken into custody in connection with the murders.
In response to the news, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, claiming Reiner suffered from "Trump Derangement Syndrome". He described it as a "mind crippling disease" and suggested the director's "raging obsession" was a factor.
Foley's Explosive Statement and WWE Exit
Foley, renowned for his personas Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind during the Attitude Era, made his announcement in a detailed Facebook post on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
"While I have been concerned about WWE's close relationship with Donald Trump for several months... reading the President's incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner's death is the final straw for me," Foley wrote. He specifically criticised Trump's "ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants".
He concluded, "I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy." Quoting Popeye, he added, "I stands all I can stands, and I can't stands no more."
Consequences and WWE's Trump Links
Foley confirmed he has informed WWE talent relations he will make no further appearances for the company as long as Trump remains in office. Furthermore, he stated he will not sign a new Legends contract when his current deal expires in June 2026.
Despite his strong stance, Foley expressed affection for WWE, saying he will "always treasure" his time there. His last appearance for the promotion was in 2023 on NXT.
The wrestler's decision highlights WWE's historical links to Trump, which include the "Battle of the Billionaires" at WrestleMania 23 in 2007. More recently, in August 2025, WWE's Chief Content Officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque joined Trump at the White House for an executive order signing.
Speculation that Trump might attend John Cena's retirement match in Washington D.C. recently proved unfounded. Foley's departure marks a significant moment of political protest within the world of sports entertainment.
