Mick Foley has opened up about just how expensive it was to walk away from WWE. While he’s previously said he has no regrets about ending his Legends deal, he’s now revealed exactly how much money that decision cost him.
Speaking on Wrestling on the Spectrum, Mick Foley explained that he officially informed WWE he wouldn’t be renewing his Legends contract by reaching out to Talent Relations’ John Cone in December 2025.
“It was December 15th last year that I texted John Cone in Talent Relations and also said I would not be renewing the Legends deal.”
Foley also gave some insight into what a WWE Legends deal actually covers, explaining that it primarily allows WWE to use a wrestler’s name, image and likeness for merchandise like T-shirts and action figures.
“Legends deal gives WWE the right to license your image and likeness on things like T-shirts and action figures. Action figures would be the main one.”
The biggest revelation, however, was just how much income he gave up by making that choice. Foley said the Legends deal accounted for roughly 25 percent of everything he earned.
“And I’m, you know, I’m taking a considerable loss. You know, 25% of my income came from the Legends deal.”
Even with that financial hit, Foley said he never questioned whether he made the right decision. He believes standing by his principles mattered more than the paycheck.
“But there are people who talk the talk and people who walk the walk. And I try to walk the walk and have not had a single regret.”
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t miss the money, though. Foley admitted losing that steady income hasn’t been easy, but said he’d still make the same choice because it allows him to live with a clear conscience.
“I miss the money, but I don’t miss the ability to look at myself in the mirror every night.”
Foley has been pretty open about why he walked away from WWE over the past few months, saying he wasn’t comfortable with the company’s direction and that he’d never regretted ending the deal. Now fans know exactly what that decision cost him—and despite giving up about a quarter of his income, it doesn’t sound like he’d change a thing.
What do you think of Mick Foley’s decision to give up 25% of his income to stick to his beliefs? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
