Mick Foley Announces Departure from WWE

WWE icon and popular author Mick Foley shared on Tuesday that he has informed WWE of his decision to cease appearances and will not be renewing his contract, citing his ongoing connection with President Donald Trump.

In a Facebook post, Foley expressed long-standing concerns about WWE’s ties to Trump, mentioning that the administration’s treatment of immigrants and the president’s remarks following Rob Reiner’s death were the breaking point for him.

Foley’s wrestling career kicked off in 1986 under the persona of “Cactus Jack,” where he gained prominence as a hardcore wrestler. He became well-known during WWE’s “Attitude Era” in the late 1990s and captured the WWE Championship as “Mankind.” One of his most memorable moments came during the King of the Ring in 1998 when the Undertaker threw him off Hell in a Cell, resulting in a dramatic fall into the ringside table.

Despite his physical style, Foley is often recognized as one of the most insightful figures in wrestling. He has penned five memoirs on his own, without any ghostwriter, and has also ventured into writing children’s books and two contemporary novels. Additionally, he frequently discusses LGBTQ+ issues, immigrant representation in wrestling, and the federal government’s lack of support for veterans.

WWE’s relationship with President Trump has been notable, as Trump is a WWE Hall of Fame member. Linda McMahon, the spouse of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, held positions in Trump’s administration such as Secretary of Education and head of the Small Business Administration before stepping down in 2019. Even after the McMahons sold their stake in WWE, the new owner TKO maintains strong connections with the White House, especially with a forthcoming event being hosted by the UFC on the South Lawn.

In recent years, Foley’s involvement with WWE has diminished, with him being on a “legendary contract,” which allows retired stars to represent the company. This arrangement is crucial for WWE’s operations, particularly regarding business in Saudi Arabia, as it permits the use of these legends’ names and images in video games and various media formats.

As of now, WWE has not issued a statement regarding Foley’s departure.