Politics, sports and entertainment topics that are tightly involved for a myriad of reasons. That is especially true in today’s political climate where the discourse has infected nearly every sector. The same is true for professional wrestling and sports entertainment. Mick Foley made news on Tuesday, December 16 when he announced that he’s departing from the WWE.
Mick Foley posted a message on social media that outlined his feelings and reason for his departure. He points directly to President Donald Trump and his controversial statement about the death of Rob Reiner as the final thing that pushed him away.
“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 to me.”
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle Singer Reiner, were found dead in their LA home on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been taken into custody and charged with murder. When the news came out, Trump posted a statement on Truth Social which has widely been condemned.
“I no longer wish to represent a company that coddle a man so seemingly void of compassion as he marches our country towards autocracy,” Foley continued on social media. “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. 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 stand no more.’”
Mick Foley makes a stand while WWE continues to lean more to the right
There has been a growing concern about the WWE and its lean toward the right. Triple H has been invited to the White House on several occasions, with some reports coming out that there’s concern this is taking away from his duties as the WWE’s Chief Content Officer.
Heading into the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, there were rumors that President Trump would be in attendance for John Cena’s retirement match. That did not come to fruition, even though the event was held in Washington, DC.
Those who follow the UFC and professional wrestling are familiar with this shift. The UFC, WWE’s “sister” company under TKO Group Holdings, has become a promotional arm of Donald Trump and his administration. UFC President and CEO Dana White has spoken at the Republican National Conference multiple times, and Trump frequently gets walkouts during major UFC PPVs, with several of the fighters shouting him out during post-fight interviews. Fans online have expressed concern that the WWE is heading toward the same direction, which would be yet another controversial position for the company already going through several behind the scenes issues.
Mick Foley is a famous professional wrestler whose involvement in 1999 could be seen as a catalyst to WWE winning The Monday Night Wars. Even with all that history, he’s decided to step away from the promotion due to its embrace of President Donald Trump in light of today’s growing political divide throughout society.