Mick Foley, the WWE Hall of Famer synonymous with the company’s “Attitude Era,” said Tuesday that he’s cutting ties with WWE, pointing to President Donald Trump’s comments about director Rob Reiner following Reiner’s death.
Foley, who captured the WWE Championship by defeating The Rock in 1999 and later returned in various on-screen roles as a commissioner and commentator, wrote on Instagram that his discomfort with WWE’s proximity to Trump had been building for months. Trump’s remarks about Reiner, he said, were the “final straw.”
Why It Matters
Trump’s history with WWE stretches back years, from on-screen appearances in the mid-2000s to his 2013 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. His ties to the McMahon family have also kept the company close to political attention, especially with Linda McMahon serving as Secretary of Education.
In an era when many public figures and brands avoid overt political association to sidestep backlash, WWE has remained notably receptive to Trump. He has attended events and drawn visible support from some wrestlers. But the comments Trump made about Reiner’s death triggered condemnation from across the political spectrum, including some Republicans—raising fresh questions about how organizations connected to Trump handle moments that ignite public outrage.
What to Know
On Monday, Trump claimed Reiner died because of his “raging obsession” with him and suggested Reiner’s anger stemmed from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Later that day, Trump doubled down, telling reporters that Reiner had become a “deranged person.”
Foley responded by saying he no longer wants to be associated with a company that, in his words, “coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy.” He said he has told WWE talent relations he won’t make additional appearances while Trump remains president.
He also wrote that he won’t renew his Legends deal when it expires in June, adding that he still cares deeply about WWE and appreciates what it gave him—but that he’s reached his limit. Foley capped the statement with a quote: “I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.”
Newsweek reported it reached out to Foley and WWE for comment but did not receive a response before publication.
What They’re Saying
Foley also referenced singer Jack White’s reaction to Trump’s remarks, saying he supported White’s criticism. White described Trump in harsh terms and argued it was indefensible to use someone’s death to elevate oneself.
White wrote on Instagram: “Shame on you trump and anyone who defends this. God bless you Rob Reiner and thank you for what you gave the world. I never even met you and I still stand by you.”
Foley wrote in an Instagram story: “How any of my WWE colleagues can stand by, let alone stand next to this man is beyond me.”
What Happens Next
Foley’s stance represents a rare, high-profile rupture between a major wrestling legend and WWE tied directly to political controversy. It also puts WWE in a delicate position: whether to respond publicly to his departure, and how, given the company’s longstanding links to Trump and the McMahon family’s prominent role within the administration.
