Contract decision fuels questions about Foley’s next move
Summary
– Mick Foley confirmed he will not renew his WWE Legends contract in 2026
– His decision followed a public fallout tied to WWE’s political associations
– Industry voices and past comments have sparked AEW speculation, though nothing is confirmed
Mick Foley’s future in professional wrestling has become a topic of renewed discussion following his decision to step away from WWE. Foley recently confirmed that he will not renew his Legends contract when it expires in June 2026. The announcement followed a public disagreement regarding WWE’s continued associations, which Foley stated conflicted with his personal values.
Foley made it clear that his decision was final and rooted in principle. He publicly stated that he no longer wished to represent the company under the current circumstances. That confirmation effectively closed the door on future WWE appearances for the foreseeable future.
With WWE no longer an option, attention has shifted to whether Foley could appear elsewhere. AEW has been mentioned due to comments made by Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, who noted that Tony Khan has expressed admiration for Foley in the past. Sapp emphasized that no deal exists, but acknowledged that a possibility remains.
Additional context is provided by Foley’s own remarks at FanX 2025. He revealed that AEW’s MJF once proposed a short-term program that nearly convinced him to return to the ring. Foley praised the idea but ultimately declined due to health concerns related to past surgeries.
At present, there are no confirmed plans for Foley to appear on AEW programming. His health, age, and long-term goals remain key factors. Still, his contract status and past connections have made the speculation difficult to ignore.
Whether Foley ever appears in AEW or chooses to remain retired from on-screen roles, his influence and reputation continue to resonate across the industry. For now, discussion remains just that, but it is rooted in credible circumstances rather than rumor alone.
