WWE legend Mick Foley distances himself from the company over its association with Donald Trump

A Principled Stand From a Wrestling Icon

December 18, 2025 — WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has announced that he is cutting ties with World Wrestling Entertainment, citing the company’s association with former U.S. President Donald Trump as the reason for his decision. The outspoken wrestling legend made it clear that the move was rooted in personal values, signaling a definitive break from an organization he helped shape over decades.

Foley’s decision has sparked widespread discussion among wrestling fans and industry observers, particularly given his long and celebrated history with WWE. Known not only for his in-ring legacy but also for his activism and humanitarian work, Foley framed the decision as a matter of conscience rather than controversy.

 

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Why Mick Foley Drew the Line

Foley explained that WWE’s continued ties to Trump conflicted with his own beliefs, prompting him to step away rather than remain silent. Trump, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity wing in 2013, has maintained a long-standing relationship with the company and its leadership.

According to Foley, remaining associated with WWE under these circumstances felt incompatible with the principles he has consistently advocated for in public life. While he did not issue a personal attack, he emphasized that disengaging was the most honest response available to him.

HOLR breaks down why this decision carries weight beyond wrestling.

A Career Deeply Linked to WWE

Mick Foley’s career is inseparable from WWE history. From his unforgettable personas — Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love — to his iconic Hell in a Cell matches, Foley became one of the most beloved and respected figures in professional wrestling.

Even after retiring from full-time competition, Foley maintained a visible relationship with WWE through appearances, commentary, and ambassador-style roles. His departure therefore represents more than a symbolic gesture; it marks the end of a long-standing professional association.

Fans have noted that Foley’s willingness to walk away underscores how seriously he takes the issue.

Foley’s History of Speaking Out

This is not the first time Foley has used his platform to take a stand. Over the years, he has been vocal about issues ranging from gun violence and healthcare to social justice and political accountability.

Unlike many wrestling figures who avoid political topics, Foley has consistently embraced activism, often at the expense of professional convenience. His decision to sever ties with WWE aligns with a broader pattern of prioritizing values over industry loyalty.

Supporters argue that this consistency is what makes his stance especially impactful.

Mixed Reaction From the Wrestling World

Reaction to Foley’s announcement has been divided. Many fans praised him for standing by his convictions, calling the move courageous and principled. Others criticized the decision as unnecessary or polarizing, arguing that wrestling and politics should remain separate.

Within the industry, responses have been more muted. WWE has not publicly commented on Foley’s decision, and it remains unclear whether the company plans to address the matter directly.

Still, the conversation has highlighted the growing tension between entertainment, politics, and personal ethics.

WWE and Trump: A Longstanding Connection

WWE’s relationship with Donald Trump dates back decades, including high-profile appearances, business ties, and his Hall of Fame induction. That connection has become increasingly scrutinized as public attitudes toward political affiliations evolve.

For some former WWE talent, the association has been a point of discomfort, though few have taken public action. Foley’s decision therefore stands out as one of the most explicit breaks tied directly to the issue.

The moment reflects a larger shift in how public figures navigate corporate affiliations in a polarized climate.

What This Means for Foley Moving Forward

Cutting ties with WWE does not diminish Foley’s legacy, but it may change how he engages with wrestling moving forward. Fans expect him to continue writing, speaking, and advocating independently, free from corporate alignment.

Foley has often emphasized that wrestling is just one chapter of his life, not its entirety. By stepping away now, he appears to be reinforcing that identity — one defined as much by principle as by performance.

A Broader Industry Conversation

Foley’s move adds to a growing list of entertainers and athletes reevaluating relationships with companies based on political or ethical grounds. As audiences increasingly expect transparency and accountability, such decisions are becoming more visible — and more consequential.

Whether others in the wrestling world will follow suit remains uncertain, but Foley’s action has undeniably pushed the conversation forward.

Standing by Conviction

For Mick Foley, the decision was not about controversy or headlines, but about alignment. In choosing to distance himself from WWE over its Trump association, he made clear that some lines, once crossed, cannot be ignored.

As fans continue to debate the implications, one thing is certain: Foley’s legacy as a performer is matched by his willingness to stand by his beliefs — even when doing so means walking away.