Legendary professional wrestler Mick Foley has announced he will no longer make appearances for World Wrestling Entertainment for the foreseeable future, citing the company’s close relationship with former U.S. president Donald Trump and what he described as deeply offensive remarks made following the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Foley, a WWE Hall of Famer best known for performing under multiple personas including Mankind, Cactus Jack and Dude Love, said he informed the company that he would not take part in any WWE events while Trump remains in office. The statement was shared with his followers on social media late Monday.
“I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion,” Foley wrote, adding that remarks made by Trump following Reiner’s death were “the final straw” after months of growing discomfort.
The wrestler said he had already been troubled by WWE’s political associations, particularly in light of ongoing debates around immigration and public rhetoric. He said Trump’s comments after Reiner’s death convinced him that continuing to represent the company was no longer compatible with his personal values.
Trump has maintained a long and highly visible relationship with WWE, dating back decades. He has appeared in storylines and events alongside former WWE chairman Vince McMahon, while McMahon’s wife, Linda McMahon, has held senior roles in Republican administrations.
WWE’s leadership has continued to maintain public connections to Trump in recent years. The company’s chief content officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, has previously appeared at official events alongside the former president.
Foley was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, the same year Trump received the honour. Over his career, Foley earned widespread respect not only for his physical sacrifices in the ring, but also for his reputation as a thoughtful and outspoken figure beyond it.
Reaction from within the wrestling world was swift. Veteran wrestling manager Jim Cornette praised Foley’s decision, calling it an example of moral conviction that is rarely seen in the industry.
World Wrestling Entertainment had not issued a public response at the time of publication. Additional reporting on Foley’s announcement and WWE’s political ties was first published by NBC News and can be read here.
Foley did not rule out a return in the future but made clear that, for now, he was prepared to step away from a company he helped define during one of its most influential eras. “This isn’t about money or nostalgia,” he wrote. “It’s about what I’m willing to stand beside.”
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