Mick Foley has ended his relationship with WWE. Here’s the statement issued by the Hall of Famer:
“PARTING WAYS WITH WWE
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.
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.'”
U.S. President and WWE Hall of Famer (celebrity wing) Donald Trump issued the following statement on Rob Reiner’s death:
“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. 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!”
Trump’s comments immediately drew widespread criticism. Musician Jack White reacted strongly, condemning the President for using Reiner’s death for political commentary:
“Trump you disgusting, vile, egomaniac, loser, child. Neither he nor any one of his followers can defend this gross, horrible insult to a beautiful artist who gave the world so much.
To use someone’s tragic death to promote your own vanity and fascist authoritarian agenda is a corrupt and narcissistic sin. Shame on you Trump and anyone who defends this.
God bless you Rob Reiner and thank you for what you gave the world. I never even met you and I still stand by you.”
Foley, who has long been outspoken against Trump’s policies, also responded, siding with White. He also called out people in WWE who support Donald Trump:
“What Jack White said here is spot on. How any of my WWE colleagues can stand by, let alone stand next to this man is beyond me.”
WWE has a very good relationship with the current government, with Chief Content Officer Triple H visiting the White House multiple times this year. WWE reportedly wanted Trump to attend John Cena’s retirement match, but Trump didn’t go.
