WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley announced on December 17, 2025, that he is severing his professional ties with World Wrestling Entertainment, citing the company’s ongoing association with United States President Donald Trump. Foley said his decision was prompted by Trump’s remarks following the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, comments Foley described as “incredibly cruel.”
In an Instagram post, Foley explained that his discomfort with WWE’s relationship with Trump had been growing for months, but the president’s statements in the aftermath of the Reiners’ deaths ultimately pushed him to act. Foley stated that he will no longer represent WWE or make appearances for the company for as long as Trump remains in office.
Mick Foley’s Decision To Step Away From WWE Sparks Reaction Across Wrestling World
In his Instagram post, Foley said he could no longer align himself with “a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy.” He added that he had already notified WWE talent relations of his decision and confirmed that he will not renew his WWE Legends contract when it expires in June 2026.
The former 3-time world champion wrote that his concerns about WWE’s close relationship with Trump had been building for “several months,” particularly in light of what he described as the administration’s “cruel and inhumane treatment” of immigrants.
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He emphasized that Trump’s remarks following the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner were the “final straw.” To underscore his resolve, Foley referenced a famous quote from Popeye the Sailor, writing, “I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.”
The announcement drew reactions from several prominent figures across the wrestling world. Veteran manager and commentator Jim Cornette publicly praised Foley’s stance on social media, writing that while he had always liked Foley, the decision had elevated his respect even further. Cornette added that he wished more wrestlers showed “his backbone and, more importantly, his morals.”
AEW and former WWE star Ricochet also weighed in, responding to Cornette’s message despite a long history of public disagreements between the two. Ricochet wrote, “I honestly NEVER thought I’d agree with this loser,” a comment widely interpreted as reluctant agreement with Cornette’s support of Foley.
Foley, who famously competed under the names Cactus Jack and Dude Love, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 in a class that also included Trump. As of December 19, WWE has not issued a detailed public response to Foley’s announcement.
MVP Backs Mick Foley With Public Message After WWE Exit
AEW and former WWE star MVP publicly voiced his support for Mick Foley on December 17, 2025, shortly after the WWE Hall of Famer confirmed he was stepping away from World Wrestling Entertainment. MVP responded directly to Foley’s announcement on social media, delivering a brief but pointed message that conveyed his respect for the legendary wrestler.
The response came within hours of Foley’s post and quickly drew attention from fans and industry figures, marking one of the earliest public endorsements from an active, high-profile performer.
Following Foley’s statement, MVP replied with a concise message under his Instagram post’s comment section: “My respect for you, Mick is immeasurable!” The comment was widely viewed as an endorsement of Foley’s decision and his willingness to stand by his personal convictions.
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MVP’s reaction was particularly notable given his current role in AEW and his long-standing reputation for speaking openly on social and political issues. While he did not elaborate further, his message added to the growing list of wrestlers acknowledging Foley’s move and underscored the broader impact of the announcement across the professional wrestling landscape.
