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While casual fans may think of names like The Rock, Hulk Hogan, and Stone Cold Steve Austin when they think of pro wrestling, more hardcore fans know that there are few bigger names in WWE history than Hall of Famer Mick Foley.
Foley, who became a legend for his ability to play numerous different characters and pull off insane stunts in the ring, repeatedly returned to WWE television as part of his legends contract long after retiring from in-ring action.
However, in December, he announced that he was parting ways with the company due to its deep connections with President Donald Trump. Particularly, Foley was bothered by Trump’s comments about the murder of filmmaker Rob Reiner, which even drew criticism from noted Trump ally Joe Rogan.
On Tuesday, Foley opened up even more about the decision after he recently appeared on a show for WWE’s largest competitor, All Elite Wrestling.
Mick Foley Opens Up On Leaving WWE
“I felt that because I had a Legends deal, and because my name’s been associated with WWE for over 30 years, that I was complicit in my silence,” Foley said during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show.
I realized that by giving up two really easy, very high-paying jobs during WrestleMania week with WWE, I’d have to work 24 hours on my own to make what I could have made in six, and I’m okay with that. I made the move that I felt was right for me.
“I love that company. I’m not going to disparage them. It just didn’t seem like a good fit. It didn’t seem like a fit that would allow me to look at myself in the mirror before I went to bed.”
Why Did He Then Opt To Join AEW?
Foley then explained why he opted to join AEW, where he recently appeared on commentary for its Double or Nothing pay-per-view.
“I have known (AEW owner) Tony Khan for 15 years,” Foley said. “I had a really good lunch with Tony before he got into wrestling. He’s got that indomitable spirit, right?
“To see Tony backstage… [he’s joyous]. He jumps up and asks people if they’re okay. He’s really happy. As a guy who always reacted better to a pat on the back than a kick in the butt, I would have really enjoyed that style. Mr. McMahon had his own style, and of course, when he put you over, it meant a lot. But he didn’t jump up from his seat to meet the talent coming through.”
On top of that, Foley said that he appreciated the way that Khan and AEW book the entirety of their shows.
“AEW has done a really good job of making their mid-card mean something,” Foley noted. “That’s one place where I will compare the two companies. They do a much better job in the mid-card. I think there’s just a little bit more pride. Honestly, I just felt like I gravitated more to the AEW product.”
Foley didn’t rule out a return to WWE one day. But for the time being, it sounds like he’s pretty happy with the decision that he made, even if it was surprising to many fans.