The pro wrestling legend announced Tuesday that he is “parting ways with WWE” due to his relationship with the company.
“I have been concerned about WWE’s close relationship with WWE for months, but reading the president’s incredibly cruel comments was the last straw for me, especially given the administration’s continued cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants (and just about everyone who looks like an immigrant),” Foley, 60, posted on Instagram on Tuesday.
“I will no longer represent a company that would coddle a seemingly ruthless man who is pushing this country toward tyranny. Last night, I told @WWE talent officials that as long as this man remains president, I will not be appearing for the company.”
“Furthermore, I have no intention of signing a new Legends contract when my current contract expires in June.”
WWE did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Times.
In response to the murders of the Hollywood icons, President Trump wrote that the couple’s deaths were “reportedly caused by the anger they provoked in others due to a severe, indomitable, and incurable illness caused by a paralyzing illness known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Trump added of Reiner, who campaigned for liberal causes, “He was known for driving people crazy with his rabid obsession with President Donald J. Trump. His apparent paranoia has reached new heights now that the Trump administration has exceeded all goals and expectations of greatness and ushered in perhaps the greatest golden age of America ever. Rob and Michelle, God bless you Rob and Michelle!”
Nick Reiner (32) was arrested on suspicion of murdering his parents. President Trump’s comments have prompted a bipartisan backlash.
Foley won the WWF (the company’s name at the time) Championship three times in the late 1990s under his Mankind persona. He also won the WWF Tag Team Titles eight times and has wrestled as Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and under his own name. He retired from the ring in 2012, but has since appeared in various roles around the league.
Foley was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. The same was true of Trump as a public figure.
A longtime professional wrestling fan, Trump has hosted WWE events and been actively involved in numerous storylines both inside and outside of the ring. Late last year, Trump nominated the WWE founder and former longtime CEO and president for a second term as secretary of education.
