Anti-ICE Chants Interrupt AEW Main Event in Las Vegas

During a recent All Elite Wrestling (AEW) event in Las Vegas, fans interrupted the main event with anti-ICE chants. The AEW World Championship Eliminator Match, held on a Wednesday night and broadcast live on TBS and HBO Max, experienced this passionate display from the audience.

Anti-ICE Chants at AEW Event

As the match was about to begin, a resounding cry of “F— ICE” echoed through the venue. This display occurred before the opening bell, shocking both wrestlers and audience members. The event gathered a substantial crowd, highlighting Las Vegas as a significant immigration hub, particularly for the Hispanic community, which makes up nearly 35% of the city’s population.

Wrestlers Respond to the Chant

The reigning AEW champion, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), appeared taken aback by the chants. He was seen wide-eyed while scanning the audience. Meanwhile, Brody King, his opponent, acknowledged the crowd with a nod. King has actively voiced his opposition to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the run-up to the match.

Brody King’s Activism

King, who is also the frontman of the hardcore band God’s Hate, has been involved in advocacy efforts. He collaborated with local artists and a printing company to design t-shirts aimed at raising funds for the Minnesota Rights Action Committee. The shirt features King in a ski mask, promoting the message “Abolish ICE,” and helped raise approximately $59,000 for Latino and Somali immigrant communities.

• Brody King expressed gratitude on social media, thanking fans who purchased shirts.
• Last year, he also wore an “Abolish ICE” shirt during AEW’s Grand Slam event in Mexico, which drew considerable attention.
• Following the support received, King launched another shirt benefiting a California-based non-profit.

Match Outcome and Future Implications

During the match, Brody King quickly defeated MJF, allowing him the opportunity to challenge for the championship title at Grand Slam Australia, scheduled for February 14. AEW, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security, have not yet commented on the incident or the chants.

Such moments underscore the intersection of sports and activism, particularly within wrestling culture, where fan engagement can significantly influence the narrative. As the AEW continues to expand its audience and embrace diverse heritage, the impact of these social issues remains a critical topic within the community.