Pro wrestler Mick Foley has announced a multi-year departure from World Wrestling Entertainment, citing the company’s associations with Donald Trump and the president’s harsh remarks following Rob Reiner’s death as the tipping point. In a message to his 633,000 Instagram followers, Foley explained that he informed WWE on Monday he would not make further appearances “as long as this man remains in office.” He described his stance as a refusal to represent a company that he believes tolerates a leader who shows a lack of compassion and is steering the nation toward autocracy.
The final straw, Foley said, occurred after Trump publicly mocked the late Hollywood director Rob Reiner in the days following Reiner’s death in Los Angeles. Although initial reports indicated Reiner and his wife may have died from stab wounds, a family source told NBC News that the cause of death involved such injuries.
Foley noted that his concerns about WWE’s close ties to Trump had been mounting for months, particularly in light of the administration’s immigration policies and the broader treatment of people who resemble immigrants. He added that reading the president’s remarks about Reiner sealed his decision to step back from the company.
Trump has longstanding connections with WWE. For instance, Linda McMahon, WWE’s co-founder Vince McMahon’s wife, has served as Trump’s education secretary and previously led the Small Business Administration during his first term.
Throughout his career, Foley performed under several monikers including Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind. His on-screen personas ranged from the brutal brawler Mankind to the sock-puppet Mr. Socko, and from the tie-dyed, carefree Dude Love to the unrestrained Cactus Jack from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Foley’s courage in the ring and his willingness to push boundaries echo the influence of his wrestling hero, Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka.
Foley was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, a year that also included Trump among the inductees.
NBC News reached out to WWE for comment. In reactions to Foley’s stance, veteran WWE figure Jim Cornette praised Foley’s backbone and implied that Foley’s morals set a standard for his peers.
This report was prepared by Senior Breaking News Reporter Nigel Chiwaya, with contributions from other desk members.
