Mick Foley parts ways with WWE over Trump ties after Rob Reiner remarks: 'The final straw for me'
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA: Professional wrestling star Mick Foley has announced that he has ended his association with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) due to its “close relationship” with President Donald Trump.
Foley stated on Tuesday, December 16, that Trump's response to the killing of film director Rob Reiner was the "final straw" in his decision.
Mick Foley states his breaking point was Trump's comments on Rob Reiner's death
Well-known film director, Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their Southern California home on Sunday, with their son, Nick Reiner, being charged with first-degree murder.
Reiner was a longtime liberal activist and outspoken critic of Trump.
Following the deaths, Trump said Reiner was reportedly suffering from "Trump Derangement Syndrome," which the President claimed led to the couple's demise.
This reaction prompted Foley to take action.
Mick Foley part ways with WWE over political ties
The 60-year-old wrestling legend took to his Instagram account to announce his departure.
Foley's post, titled "PARTING WAYS WITH WWE," outlined his concerns.
He 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 (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."
He continued by expressing his unwillingness to be associated with a company that supports the President by asserting, "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."
Mick Foley won't sign new deal, cites McMahon-Trump friendship
Foley also confirmed that his withdrawal is permanent, adding, "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.”
It may be noted that the wife of WWE founder, Linda McMahon, is currently Trump's Education Secretary and served as the head of the Small Business Administration during his first term while the founder Vince McMahon himself is also known to be friends with the President.
Trump's Truth Social post on Rob Reiner
On Monday, Trump posted his own statement regarding the deceased director, "A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has 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, sometimes referred to as TDS.”
Trump added, “He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace!"
