Mick Foley recently detailed the substantial financial repercussions he experienced after choosing to leave WWE due to its association with President Donald Trump. Foley stated that the decision led him to work significantly more hours independently to earn what he previously made in a fraction of the time with WWE.
In late 2025, Foley announced he would not renew his Legends deal with WWE, citing the company's ties to the Trump administration. This followed his public support for Kamala Harris and his criticism of Trump's policies and the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
The ultimate catalyst for Foley's departure was a series of comments made by Trump regarding the deaths of actor-director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. In a December statement, Foley expressed his decision:
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. 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.’
Foley has since signed with AEW and debuted at Double or Nothing, where he was involved with Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF). However, during a recent interview with Going Ringside, Foley elaborated on the financial aspect of leaving WWE.
“It was a difficult decision to make, to kind of cut ties with them. I hadn’t been employed by them for many years. I was an independent contractor, but I did have a merchandising deal,” Foley told host Scott Johnson.
Foley continued, explaining the financial disparity: “I had a couple really easy, high-paying events at WrestleMania weekend. As it turned out, I had to work 24 hours on my own to make what I would have made in four with WWE. But I’m okay with that. I believe if you want something, you go after it and you work hard for it.”
Comments on Trump's Discourse
Oh, man. There’s just a type of discourse to me that is unacceptable from anyone, let alone the most powerful man in the world. You don’t mock people when they die. And why people in his party don’t call him out on that type of behavior, it’s not acceptable. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back, but there were an awful lot of straws on that camel’s back already.
When asked about a potential return to the ring, Foley indicated it was a possibility, though dependent on his physical condition. He mentioned needing to lose an additional 30 pounds to be in shape for competition.
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