Mick Foley's departure from WWE was triggered by a heart-wrenching experience, he now joins AEW.

Mick Foley, a WWE Hall of Fame inductee, has transitioned to AEW, yet still holds out hope for a final, show-stopping bout in his remarkable wrestling career.

Mick Foley's three-decade-long association with WWE came to an end in December, but his passion for professional wrestling remains unwavering and unrelenting even now.

Mick Foley's departure from WWE was precipitated by a deeply personal experience that ultimately led him to reevaluate his association with the organization. As part of his long-term agreement as a WWE legend, Foley received a "retainer fee" and merchandise royalties, totaling $60 per year for his contributions. The catalyst for his decision came when he witnessed President Donald Trump's hurtful remarks about the late Rob Reiner, prompting Foley to sever ties with WWE.

On The Ariel Helwani Show's Tuesday episode, Mick Foley revealed that his WWE departure was sparked by a deeply personal issue stemming from conflicting interests.

Making personal choices is crucial for everyone's well-being, and I've often likened career-defining moments to a series of subtle nudges rather than one dramatic event. It's like the cumulative effect of tiny taps on a windshield - you can't pinpoint which blow caused the crack, but without multiple impacts, nothing would change.

The comments about Rob Reiner were a turning point for me, as they revealed a callous disregard for human suffering from someone in a position of immense power. The cruel remarks made by this influential individual were particularly hurtful because they mocked the deceased and twisted their passing into a personal vendetta against Donald Trump. This was the moment that shattered my trust and led to my eventual departure.

WWE's dynamics were often perceived as overly familiar, creating an impression of a close-knit group. The image was further blurred when Mick Foley recalled five individuals posing together in the Oval Office, each having previously endured a Stone Cold Stunner.

Mick Foley's decision to depart WWE was sealed after a single, pivotal conversation with a high-ranking executive. The executive attempted to persuade him to reconsider, citing Paul "Triple H" Levesque's involvement in a fitness initiative related to the Trump administration. Despite this, Foley remained resolute in his desire to leave, although he hints that the door may remain open if circumstances change while Trump remains in office.

Foley felt a sense of responsibility due to his long-standing connection with WWE, despite not being formally employed under their umbrella. He had a legends deal and over 30 years of association with the company. This led him to break his silence, reaching out to a trusted contact in talent relations, someone he regards as a friend.

As the legends contract expires at month's end, I've come to terms with surrendering two lucrative opportunities during WrestleMania week with WWE. By letting go of these high-paying gigs, I'd have to put in a 24-hour solo effort to earn what could be made in just six hours. I'm comfortable with this choice. Every individual must make decisions that align with their own values and priorities. For me, it was about ensuring my grandchildren wouldn't witness me struggling during difficult times. Instead, they'll recall the actions of their grandfather with pride.

Making the decision to leave WWE was a personal choice, driven by a deeply emotional experience. AEW has become my new professional home, one that aligns with my values and aspirations. I hold no ill will towards WWE, instead choosing not to criticize them. The circumstances surrounding my departure were such that I couldn't reconcile my actions with my self-image.

Mick Foley re-emerged on the wrestling scene in late May, making a surprise appearance at AEW's Double or Nothing event in 2026, marking his first TV outing since his departure from WWE.

As the "Buy-In" pre-show drew to a close, Mick Foley was gifted a poignant moment that would soon become intertwined with the main event's narrative, pitting MJF against Darby Allin.

After leaving WWE, a considerable period elapsed before AEW reached out to Foley with an opportunity. His long-standing connection with AEW's Tony Khan, dating back 15 years, made it straightforward for Khan to present his proposal. Foley has since finalized his contract with the promotion.

Mick Foley's versatility is an asset to AEW, allowing him to adapt to various roles within the organization. He can host shows with Renee Paquette, who brings immense energy to their collaborations. In addition to hosting duties, Foley believes he can excel in publicity efforts by arriving early at events. Furthermore, he sees potential in taking on a managerial role for a select group of wrestlers, aiming to elevate mid-card talent and propel them towards the top of the card.

Foley's attention was drawn to AEW's mid-card focus several years ago, a concept he found intriguing. He pointed to the tag-team division in WWE as an example of how strong duos often dominate for months before being dethroned by less formidable opponents, a scenario that always struck him as unimpressive from a viewer's perspective.

Mick Foley praises AEW for elevating its mid-card significance, crediting them with doing a superior job compared to WWE in this area. His admiration stems from witnessing firsthand the impact of their approach on wrestlers' careers and overall performance.

Mick Foley's career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport, as evidenced by the countless times he risked severe injury to entertain fans. His willingness to push boundaries led to unforgettable moments, but also left him with lingering regrets over some of those particularly brutal chair shots to the head.

Concussions were once dismissed as minor setbacks for wrestlers like him in the past.

With his competitive wrestling days behind him, Mick Foley's official retirement status remains uncertain. Combat sports have consistently proven that you can't count anyone out – numerous instances bear witness to this phenomenon. Although no forthcoming matches are planned, Foley still thinks he could squeeze in a dramatic conclusion to his illustrious career.

Mick Foley's consideration of leaving WWE was sparked by a poignant realization. The shift towards cinematic matches has created opportunities for wrestlers with less-than-stellar cardiovascular endurance. Losing 100 pounds has significantly improved his daily life, allowing him to tackle moderate inclines without exhaustion. He no longer feels the need to pause during short walks up hills, and his breathing is no longer labored.

A match for Mick Foley would require careful consideration, particularly when it comes to minimizing head trauma. Fortunately, there's ample opportunity for physical punishment below the neck. He believes he has one final high-quality performance left in him. For this to happen, circumstances need to fall into place perfectly. The situation would have to make sense on multiple levels. Perhaps a long-held ambition – dropping an elbow off a TV truck onto a parked car – could be revisited. A candid conversation with himself revealed the significant impact of his hip replacement and subsequent knee replacement on his life. There's no data available on former knee replacement recipients attempting such stunts, but it's estimated that there's a 50-50 chance this could undo the benefits he's gained so far.

My mind often drifts towards innovative ideas that promise more excitement than pain, according to my own "Instantaneous Foley Risk-Reward Ratio Analysis" framework. When I can devise enough moves that balance risk and reward, I might consider revisiting the idea in a few years' time. Stranger occurrences have indeed unfolded in the past, leaving room for possibilities.

Mick Foley's final WWE appearance took place during the 2012 Royal Rumble, where he made a memorable entrance as number seven, only to be ousted by Cody Rhodes.