Sports
Mick Foley’s Strong Statement After Leaving WWE Because of Donald Trump
WWE’s relationship with the President of the United States has landed them in hot water with one of their own. Former WWE Champion, Mick Foley, who played characters Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, even appearing as all three in the 1998 Royal Rumble match, has announced he’s parting ways with the company due to their close relationship with Donald Trump, citing his response to film director, Rob Reiner’s, death.
Foley is a legend in the wrestling business. He was a three-time WWE Champion, under the Mankind persona, and had legendary rivalries with the likes of The Undertaker and The Rock. He is known as the hardcore legend as he put his body on the line so many times for the enjoyment of those in attendance and watching at home. Most notably, he was speared through a burning table by Edge at WrestleMania 22, and was thrown off the top of a cell by The Undertaker in 1998.
When Foley first appeared as Mankind in 1996, his first target was The Undertaker. As a heel, he aligned with Paul Bearer against The Phenom, which included their infamous Boiler Room Brawl at SummerSlam in 1996. After becoming a good guy, however, Mankind then pinned The Rock, aligning with The Corporation in January 1999 to win his first WWE Championship, although WCW did their best to scupper the surprise by leaking the result as the Monday Night War was still in full swing.
Mankind and The Rock then traded wins and the championship over the rest of 1999, and Foley, this time as Cactus Jack, challenged Triple H for the title in a street fight at 2000’s No Way Out before retiring. Obviously, though, he returned and continued to appear until his WWE deal expired in 2008, at which point he moved across to TNA.
The WWE Universe had to wait until 2011 to see Foley again, where his final in-ring outing was the 2012 Royal Rumble match. He kept making sporadic appearances until he made the decision we see today, where he’s announced he will not be signing a new Legends deal with the company.
Mick Foley’s Statement on Donald Trump
His statement reads: “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.
“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, and 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.’”
Donald Trump’s Relationship With WWE
Trump has had a close relationship with WWE higher-ups historically. He shared a friendship with Vince McMahon and feuded with him on screen in the run-up to the Battle of the Billionaires at WrestleMania 23, which resulted in him and Bobby Lashley shaving the former chairman’s hair. McMahon’s wife, Linda, meanwhile, served as the Administrator of the US Small Business Administration in Trump’s first term and is currently Secretary of State for Education.
Judging by this statement, fans can have their eye on 2028 as when they may be able to see Foley in WWE again, as due to a US President being limited to only two terms, Trump won’t be able to run again once his second term ends.
