Mick Foley, the iconic wrestler, recently announced that he won’t be working with WWE for at least three years. His decision stems from WWE’s connections to Donald Trump and the president’s insensitive comments following the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner.
Foley shared his feelings with his 633,000 Instagram followers, stating he informed WWE that he wouldn’t make any appearances while Trump is in office. He expressed disappointment about WWE’s relationship with Trump, particularly in light of the administration’s treatment of immigrants and others.
The final straw for Foley was Trump’s mocking remarks about Reiner, who was found dead under tragic circumstances. Foley highlighted his long-standing concern about WWE’s ties to a president he sees as lacking compassion.
Historically, Trump’s bond with wrestling is well-known. He has not only appeared in storylines but has also had close connections with WWE executives. For instance, Linda McMahon, Vince McMahon’s wife, served as Trump’s education secretary.
Foley, renowned for his multiple wrestling personas like Mankind and Cactus Jack, has been a significant figure in WWE history. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013, alongside Trump.
Foley’s stance has sparked discussions online. Jim Cornette, a notable wrestling manager, praised Foley for his integrity, saying he wishes more wrestlers shared Foley’s morals.
In an era where public figures in various industries are evaluating their partnerships and affiliations based on personal beliefs, Foley’s bold stand reflects a growing trend. Many fans and fellow wrestlers are supporting Foley, seeing his decision as a testament to standing up for one’s principles in the face of political discord.
This shift is echoed in recent surveys where over 60% of Americans express a desire for public figures to take stances on significant social issues.
For more about Trump’s relationship with WWE and public reaction, you can read this article from NBC News.
