Add as a preferred source on Google Mick Foley, who recently began his AEW run, had strong criticism for WWE’s current direction, pointing to corporate control as one reason he believes the company has lost part of its identity.
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the WWE Hall of Famer said that when he watches both products, he feels AEW still has a “magic” that WWE has let slip away in recent years.
According to Foley, having a major corporation behind WWE affects even the midcard, because the impression is that what is being sold to the audience matters more than the product being presented in the ring.
WWE officially became part of TKO Group Holdings in September 2023, after the completion of the Endeavor transaction, with Endeavor taking 51% control of the new company.
Mick Foley feels WWE has lost its magic due to corporate ownership, believes matches from the past will stand the test of time better than current WWE matches:
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) June 3, 2026
“What I feel from watching the two shows is that AEW has that little bit of magic and WWE has kind of lost it. I think… pic.twitter.com/REBSzSdbsv
Foley also compared how matches were treated during his era to WWE’s current model. In his view, matches called by names such as Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, and Jim Cornette tend to hold up better over time because the broadcast kept the focus on what was happening in the ring.
As for AEW, Foley made his debut at Double or Nothing in Queens, New York, during the Buy In alongside Renee Paquette. He also took part in a segment with MJF and Darby Allin.
Foley said he could serve as a kind of “Swiss Army Knife” for AEW, helping with hosting duties, publicity, and even a manager role for midcard talent.
It remains to be seen whether this new connection with AEW will be a special appearance or whether Foley will have a regular role on the company’s programming.