A heated anti-ICE chant disrupted the atmosphere at an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) event in Las Vegas, momentarily halting the main event match. The incident occurred during the AEW World Championship Eliminator Match, which was broadcast live on TBS and HBO Max. The chant, echoing through the crowd, read 'F--- ICE', a clear expression of opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This event took place in a city with a significant Hispanic or Latino population, where the wrestling company has been making strides to attract a larger Latino fan base by embracing Mexican luchadores and the rich Latino wrestling tradition.
The chant's origin can be traced back to Brody King, a pro wrestler and lead vocalist of the hardcore band God’s Hate. King has been vocal about his stance against ICE, even releasing t-shirts with the slogan 'Abolish ICE' to raise funds for the Minnesota Rights Action Committee, supporting Latino and Somali immigrant communities. King's activism extends beyond the ring, as he has also made a statement by wearing an 'Abolish ICE' shirt at AEW's Grand Slam Mexico, generating significant attention and support.
During the match, the reigning champion, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), appeared visibly shocked by the chant, while his opponent, Brody King, seemed to nod in agreement with the crowd's sentiment. King's vocal activism and his recent victory over MJF at the event have positioned him as a strong contender for the championship title at Grand Slam Australia on February 14. The AEW, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security have yet to respond to requests for comment on this matter.
This incident highlights the intersection of professional wrestling and social activism, where athletes use their platform to address political issues. It also underscores the diverse and passionate fan base that AEW has cultivated, especially within the Hispanic or Latino community. The chant, while controversial, sparked a conversation about the role of athletes in advocating for social causes and the potential impact on their public image.
