This has shocked the sports world.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley announced Tuesday that he is stepping away from World Wrestling Entertainment, citing the company’s ongoing ties to President Donald Trump and his administration.
Foley, 60, has long been outspoken in his opposition to Trump and publicly criticized the president during the 2024 election. Following Trump’s return to the White House, Foley said recent events involving WWE leadership and the administration led him to make a final decision.
President Trump recently appointed former WWE executive Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education. Around the same time, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque attended a White House ceremony where Trump signed an executive order restoring the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, along with the Presidential Fitness Test.
In a lengthy statement posted online, Foley said WWE’s continued association with Trump had become unacceptable to him.
The former wrestling star claimed he had been increasingly troubled by what he described as WWE’s close relationship with the administration. Foley also pointed to comments made by Trump following the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner, remarks that sparked criticism from some political figures earlier this week.
According to Foley, those comments were the breaking point.
He said he has notified WWE’s talent relations department that he will stop appearing for the company while Trump is in office. Foley also said he does not plan to extend his WWE Legends agreement when it ends in June.
Despite his criticism, Foley acknowledged the role WWE played in his life and career, saying he remains grateful for the opportunities the company provided and the memories he made during his time in professional wrestling.
WWE did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Foley’s decision.
Foley is considered one of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history. A three-time WWE Champion, he became famous for his high-risk, physically demanding matches, including multiple brutal moments inside the Hell in a Cell structure.
President Trump has a long history with WWE himself. His former Trump Plaza casino in Atlantic City sponsored WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V. Trump also famously appeared at WrestleMania 23 in Detroit, participating in a widely remembered “hair vs. hair” match.
Foley’s announcement highlights the ongoing divide between entertainers and political figures, even as President Trump continues to maintain strong support among millions of Americans across the country.