In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley announced on December 16, 2025, that he is parting ways with the company due to its longstanding ties with President Donald Trump. The 60-year-old icon, beloved for his fearless in-ring style and heartfelt advocacy, shared his decision in an emotional Instagram post, highlighting his growing discomfort with WWE's alignment to political figures he views as lacking compassion.
This latest development, coming just one day ago, underscores the deepening divide in entertainment circles over political affiliations, and it has already sparked intense discussions among fans and industry insiders alike.
Once inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame together in 2013, Mick Foley and Donald Trump shared the spotlight – but now, the hardcore legend has drawn a firm line, severing ties with WWE over the company's ongoing relationship with the president and his controversial Rob Reiner comments.
Foley's Heartfelt Announcement Shakes the Wrestling World
Mick Foley, who has entertained millions with his larger-than-life personas, made it clear in his post that his departure stems from principles he holds dear. He explained that while he has cherished his time with WWE since joining in 1996, recent events have made continuing impossible.
Foley informed WWE talent relations on December 15, 2025, that he would no longer appear for the organization as long as Trump remains in office, and he confirmed he will not renew his Legends contract when it expires in June 2026. His words carried a mix of gratitude and resolve, as he reflected on the opportunities WWE provided while standing firm on his beliefs. This announcement, fresh off the presses, highlights Foley's commitment to values like empathy and justice, qualities that have defined him beyond the squared circle.
Mick Foley's Financial Standing: A Look at His Net Worth and Earnings
As fans process Mick Foley's departure and its potential impact on his income, attention has turned to his overall financial picture. Reliable sources estimate his current net worth at around $8 million as of late 2025. This figure comes primarily from his decades in professional wrestling, where he earned substantial paychecks during his peak years in WWE, including around $400,000 annually at the height of his championship runs in the late 1990s.
Much of his ongoing revenue has stemmed from the WWE Legends contract, which provides royalties from merchandise sales, video game appearances, and action figures featuring his likeness and iconic characters like Mankind and Cactus Jack. Foley has also built wealth through bestselling books, with multiple New York Times bestsellers including memoirs, children's stories, and novels that have generated significant royalties over the years. Additional income streams include acting roles, comedy tours, stand-up performances, and occasional brand endorsements.
By choosing not to renew his Legends contract, Foley is walking away from a key source of passive income tied to WWE's use of his image and legacy in products and media. This decision means forfeiting future royalties from merchandise, games, and related licensing, which form a primary revenue stream for many retired legends.
Reports on Foley's earnings from such deals vary widely and often prove unreliable. Some older sources claimed high figures like $2.88 million annually as a brand ambassador, but Foley himself debunked that in 2025, stating he had no such ambassador contract and that a previous short-term role paid roughly 1/14th of the rumored amount (around $200,000–$250,000 per year at most for that period).
On the assets side, Foley previously owned a riverfront home in Smithtown, New York, purchased in 2003 for $800,000 and sold in 2011 for $1.1 million. Details on his current primary residence or other major investments remain private, though he has focused much of his resources on family and charitable causes rather than high-profile luxury purchases. Foley is known for his extensive charity work, supporting organizations like RAINN, where he has helped raise funds, along with efforts for children, veterans, and sexual assault survivors.
Mick Foley delivering one of his raw, heartfelt promos in the WWE ring – the same powerful voice that captivated fans for years now used to announce his principled departure from the company over its ties to President Trump and the controversial Rob Reiner remarks.
The Breaking Point: Trump's Remarks on Rob Reiner's Murder
The catalyst for Foley's decision was President Trump's inflammatory social media post following the tragic murders of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, at the hands of their son. Foley described Trump's comments as "incredibly cruel," pointing to them as the final straw amid his concerns over the administration's policies on immigration and other issues. Trump attributed the killing to "Trump derangement syndrome," suggesting that intense hatred toward him may have played a role in the family's devastating loss, a remark that drew widespread condemnation for its insensitivity during a time of national mourning.
He also referred to Reiner's condition as an "incurable affliction," further amplifying the backlash from celebrities and the public who saw it as exploiting a personal tragedy for political gain. For Foley, this moment crystallized his unease with WWE's close relationship to Trump, pushing him to take a stand that resonates with many who feel politics has infiltrated entertainment too deeply.
WWE's Enduring Bond with President Trump Exposed
WWE's connections to Donald Trump run deep, spanning decades and blending business with politics in ways that have now come under scrutiny. Trump first gained prominence in wrestling by hosting WrestleMania events in the 1980s and 1990s, culminating in his high-profile "Battle of the Billionaires" match against Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 23 in 2007.
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 alongside Foley, Trump has maintained ties that extend to his presidency, including appointing Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO and Vince's ex-wife, as U.S. Secretary of Education in 2025 after her earlier role leading the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. Recent meetings, such as the September 2025 White House visit by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque and Stephanie McMahon, have been publicly celebrated on social media, further illustrating the alliance. Current stars like Cody Rhodes have appeared at Trump rallies, and Roman Reigns has voiced support, adding layers to the controversy that Foley could no longer overlook.
Donald Trump sparked widespread outrage online with insensitive comments after the tragic passing of Rob Reiner, drawing condemnation from fans and Hollywood alike.
Social Media Erupts with Reactions to Foley's Stand
As news of Mick Foley's departure spreads on December 17, 2025, social media platforms are alive with diverse opinions, reflecting the polarized views on politics in sports entertainment. Supporters praise Foley as a patriot for prioritizing compassion over contracts, with posts thanking him for highlighting issues like immigration policies and autocratic tendencies.
Critics, however, dismiss his move as overreach, with some labeling him harshly and defending WWE's right to its associations. Wrestling news accounts are amplifying the story, sharing details and sparking debates that keep the conversation going strong. This real-time buzz, from heartfelt endorsements to heated rebuttals, underscores how Foley's choice taps into broader cultural tensions, drawing in readers eager to weigh in on the unfolding drama.
Exploring More: Key Questions Surrounding Mick Foley's WWE Departure
What Exactly Did Donald Trump Say About Rob Reiner's Murder?
President Trump's social media post on December 15, 2025, linked the tragic killing of Rob Reiner and his wife by their son to "Trump derangement syndrome," implying that extreme political animosity toward him contributed to the family's breakdown. He further described Reiner as suffering from an "incurable affliction," a phrase many interpreted as mocking the late director's outspoken criticism of Trump over the years. This response came shortly after the murders were reported, amplifying grief with controversy and prompting figures like Foley to speak out against what they saw as a profound lack of empathy during a sensitive time. The remarks have fueled ongoing discussions about the boundaries of political discourse in the face of personal tragedies.
Has WWE Issued Any Statement on Mick Foley's Decision?
As of December 17, 2025, WWE has not released an official statement regarding Mick Foley's announcement, despite multiple media outlets reaching out for comment. This silence aligns with the company's approach to internal matters, focusing instead on upcoming events and programming. However, insiders speculate that the lack of response might stem from a desire to avoid escalating the political spotlight, especially given WWE's history of navigating celebrity controversies. Fans monitoring the situation hope for clarity soon, as it could influence how other legends view their affiliations with the organization.
Could Other WWE Personalities Follow Foley's Lead?
While no other WWE stars have publicly announced similar moves as of now, the potential exists given the mix of political views within the roster. Some wrestlers, like Sami Zayn with his cultural advocacy or CM Punk's independent streak, have shown progressive leanings that might align with Foley's concerns over Trump's policies. Conversely, figures such as Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns have expressed support for Trump, suggesting a divided locker room. If fan backlash grows or more details emerge about WWE's White House ties, it could prompt quieter exits or statements, potentially reshaping how the company balances entertainment with external politics in the coming months.
Mick Foley's exit marks a poignant chapter in wrestling history, blending personal conviction with public discourse in ways that captivate audiences far beyond the ring. As conversations continue to evolve today, his story serves as a reminder of the human elements driving even the most scripted worlds.
