Mick Foley Says WWE Has Lost Its “Magic” Under Corporate Ownership After Signing with AEW

Mick Foley, fresh off signing with AEW, told The Ariel Helwani Show that WWE has lost some of the “magic” it once had since being acquired by Endeavor and placed under the TKO umbrella. While careful not to disparage WWE, Foley said AEW’s lack of corporate ownership gives its product a feeling of love and authenticity — likening the difference to family-run theme parks becoming corporately owned — and that he was drawn back to AEW after a hiatus from watching wrestling.

Foley also confirmed he chose not to renew his WWE Legends contract, citing what he called the company’s “close relationship” with President Donald Trump, and outlined several possible roles in AEW including broadcasting, publicity work, managing talent, and even a potential one-off return to the ring. He believes AEW’s emphasis on the midcard and in-ring storytelling makes it better positioned to capture the long-term appreciation of fans.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/mick-foley-feels-wwe-has-lost-magic-with-corporate-ownership/.