Hall Of Famer 'Parting Ways' With WWE Over Its Ties To Trump

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley announced he's officially "parting ways" with the company over its continued ties to President Donald Trump in a post shared on his official Facebook account Tuesday (December 16).

Foley, who had publicly criticized Trump in the past, said that the president's "incredibly cruel comments" about legendary director and actor Rob Reiner's death were "the final straw for me."

"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 (and pretty much anyone who “looks like an immigrant”) — reading the President’s incredibly cruel comments in the wake of Rob Reiner’s death is the final straw for me," Foley said. "I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy. Last night, I informed @WWE talent relations that I would not be making any appearances for the company as long as this man remains in office. Additionally, I will not be signing a new Legends deal when my current one expires in June. I love WWE, will always treasure my time with them, and I am deeply appreciative for all the opportunities they afforded me. But, in the words of Popeye the sailor, 'I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.'"

Former WWE CEO Linda McMahon, the wife of former chairman Vince McMahon, has served in both of Trump's administrations, having previously served as administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 and currently as the secretary of education. McMahon's son-in-law, WWE chief content officer, head of creative and executive producer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, was also part of Trump's initiative to revive the Presidential Fitness Test and expand the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and appeared alongside his wife, Stephanie McMahon, her mother and Trump in the Oval Office earlier this year.

Trump has had ties to WWE for decades, having been inducted into the celebrity wing of its Hall of Fame and appeared at several WrestleMania events, which included hosting WrestleManias III and IV at the since-demolished Trump Plaza, as well as being represented against Vince McMahon in the 'Battle of the Billionaires' match at WrestleMania 23.