WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley announced December 16, 2025, that he is severing all ties with World Wrestling Entertainment over the company’s relationship with President Donald Trump.
The 60-year-old wrestling icon cited Trump’s “incredibly cruel” comments following filmmaker Rob Reiner’s murder as the final straw in his decision to leave the organization.
The Catalyst: A Tragic Hollywood Murder
Acclaimed director Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on December 14, 2025. Their daughter Romy discovered the bodies after a massage therapist called when no one answered the door.
The couple died from multiple sharp force injuries within minutes of the attack, according to death certificates.
Son Arrested and Charged
Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested that evening and charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders.
Sources indicated Nick had argued with his father at a holiday party the previous night and was reportedly acting erratically at the event. He later checked into a Santa Monica hotel after the alleged killings.
Trump’s Controversial Truth Social Post
The morning after the murders, President Trump posted a statement on Truth Social that drew immediate condemnation.
Trump wrote that Rob Reiner had “passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”
President Doubles Down on Comments
Trump continued by claiming Reiner “was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump” and concluded with “May Rob and Michele rest in peace!”
When asked if he stood by the post given criticism from fellow Republicans, Trump doubled down, calling Reiner “a deranged person” who participated in “the Russia hoax.”
Foley’s Instagram Announcement
In a detailed Instagram post, Foley explained his decision after decades with WWE.
“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,” Foley wrote.
“Void of Compassion” Declaration
Foley made clear this wasn’t symbolic. “I no longer wish to represent a company that coddles a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy,” he stated.
Foley informed WWE talent relations he would not make appearances while Trump remains in office and won’t renew his Legends contract when it expires in June 2026.
Financial Sacrifice for Principle
The decision carries significant financial consequences. WWE Legends contracts typically provide retired wrestlers with merchandise royalties, likeness rights for video games, and ongoing brand revenue that serves as long-term financial stability.
By walking away, Foley relinquishes these income streams in favor of what he characterized as a matter of principle and conscience.
Deep WWE-Trump History
The relationship between WWE and Trump spans decades. Trump made numerous celebrity guest appearances on WWE programming throughout the early 2000s, culminating in his participation in the “Battle of the Billionaires” match against former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 23 in 2007.
Both Trump and Foley were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
Political Appointments and White House Visits
The professional relationship evolved into political appointments when Trump became president.
Linda McMahon, Vince McMahon’s wife and former WWE CEO, served as Administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term and was appointed Secretary of Education in his second administration. WWE officials attended White House meetings as recently as September 2025.
Wrestling Industry Praise
Foley’s decision drew praise from wrestling figures. Legendary WWE manager Jim Cornette stated: “I want to publicly say that while I’ve always liked him, he’s truly become my favorite person in the world right now.
I wish all the boys had his bravery and more importantly, his principles.” The comment highlighted the rarity of such public stands in professional wrestling.
Understanding “Trump Derangement Syndrome”
Trump’s invocation of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” in reference to Reiner’s murder escalated rhetoric used to dismiss critics. The phrase characterizes opposition to Trump as a psychological disorder rather than legitimate political disagreement.
Representative Warren Davidson even introduced legislation directing the National Institutes of Health to research TDS, though the bill received no further committee action.
Rare Bipartisan Condemnation
Trump’s suggestion that Reiner’s political views caused his murder drew rare bipartisan criticism.
Republican representatives including Mike Lawler, Don Bacon, and Stephanie Bice condemned the post, as did Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie. Greene wrote: “This is about a family, not politics or enemies. Rob Reiner and his wife met a tragic end at the hands of their own son.”
Wrestling Meets Politics
Foley’s departure illuminates challenges facing entertainment professionals whose personal brands are intertwined with organizations maintaining political relationships.
Unlike corporate employees who remain relatively anonymous, retired wrestlers under Legends contracts serve as brand ambassadors, their continued association implying endorsement. For Foley, known for advocacy on immigration reform and compassion, the alignment became untenable.
Popeye’s Last Stand
The three-ring performer famous for his hardcore wrestling style and characters including Mankind and Cactus Jack concluded his announcement referencing Popeye: “I stands all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more.”
This folksy signoff belied a decision severing Foley from the organization that defined his professional legacy, underscoring that some principles outweigh financial security and institutional loyalty for certain individuals.
Sources:
“Wrestling legend quits WWE over Trump ties, reveals ‘final straw’.” Syracuse.com, December 17, 2025.
“Mick Foley cuts ties with WWE, says Trump’s Reiner post was ‘final straw’.” The Hill, December 16, 2025.
“Trump blasts Rob Reiner in post about the director’s death.” NPR, December 15, 2025.
“What we know about Nick Reiner, son charged with murder of filmmaker father Rob Reiner.” BBC News, December 15, 2025.
“Rob Reiner and His Wife Michele Were Killed by Their Son, Sources Say.” People, December 14, 2025.