Mick Foley Parts Ways with WWE Due to Ties with Trump
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Former WWE star Mick Foley has made a bold decision to sever ties with the wrestling organisation due to its perceived close relationship with US President Donald Trump. Foley, a WWE Hall of Famer, took to social media to announce his departure from the company, citing Trump’s lack of compassion as a major factor in his decision. The final straw for Foley came after Trump made inflammatory comments about director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, following a tragic incident. Foley expressed his deep concerns over WWE’s alignment with Trump, particularly in light of the administration’s handling of key issues such as immigration.
In his Instagram post, Foley stated, “While I have been concerned about WWE’s close relationship with Donald Trump for several months, especially in light of his administration’s ongoing cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants, reading the President’s incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me.” Foley went on to declare that he would no longer be making appearances for WWE or renewing his Legends deal when it expires in June. Despite his appreciation for the opportunities WWE has provided him, Foley stressed that he could no longer support a company that is associated with someone he views as lacking empathy and pushing the country towards autocracy.
The WWE has not responded to requests for comments regarding Foley’s decision. This move by Foley does not come as a surprise, as he had previously expressed his opposition to Trump in a September 2020 interview. Known for championing progressive causes, Foley has been vocal about his disagreements with the conservative president since Trump took office in 2016 and again in 2020. Foley has always strived to stand on the right side of history, stating, “I do think this is a matter between right and wrong. I really do feel like future generations are going to study this period of time and wonder how we stood by and let so much go wrong.”
Throughout his illustrious wrestling career, Foley has been associated with WWE since 1996, portraying characters like “Mankind” and “Cactus Jack.” He is a four-time world champion and has engaged in memorable feuds and partnerships with wrestling icons such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Foley retired from professional wrestling in 2012 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, alongside Trump, who was honoured for his celebrity appearances on WWE shows. Trump’s relationship with WWE dates back to his participation in WrestleMania 23 in 2007, where he faced off against former WWE chairman Vince McMahon in the “Battle of the Billionaires.”
Beyond his wrestling career, Trump’s ties to WWE have continued into his political endeavours, with his appointment of Linda McMahon, the former CEO of WWE, to positions in his administration. WWE figures like Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Stephanie McMahon have also engaged with Trump, with the latter meeting him at the White House. Some WWE stars have publicly supported Trump, attending his rallies or expressing their backing for him in various interviews. Foley’s decision to distance himself from WWE based on its association with Trump highlights the ongoing intersection of sports, entertainment, and politics in today’s society.
As the wrestling world reacts to Foley’s announcement, it underscores the impact of personal values and beliefs on professional relationships. Foley’s departure serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s convictions, even in the face of challenging circumstances or longstanding affiliations. The evolving dynamics between athletes, entertainers, and political figures continue to shape public discourse and influence individual choices within the realm of sports and entertainment. Foley’s bold stance against WWE’s alignment with Trump reflects a broader trend of public figures using their platforms to advocate for social and political change.
In conclusion, Foley’s decision to cut ties with WWE sheds light on the complex interplay between sports, entertainment, and politics in contemporary society. His principled stance underscores the significance of individual values and ethical considerations in professional partnerships. As public figures navigate their roles in a polarised landscape, actions like Foley’s resonate beyond the realm of wrestling, prompting reflection on the broader implications of personal integrity and social responsibility in the public eye.