During the recent AEW Dynamite episode in Las Vegas, Brody King’s swift defeat of MJF grabbed attention but was quickly eclipsed by the crowd chanting “F*** ICE” throughout the arena. This outburst resonated beyond wrestling, touching on national political debates, as King has openly criticized ICE and supported immigrant communities. The chant appeared deliberate, intertwining with King’s known activism rather than being a mere coincidence.
AEW’s Reaction to Avoid Repeat Incidents
Following King’s AEW World Title Eliminator win, setting up a championship showdown with MJF at Grand Slam Australia, AEW chose not to feature him in the subsequent Dynamite episode. Inside sources shared on Wrestling Observer Radio revealed that AEW made this calculated move to prevent the chant from resurfacing if King appeared. The report highlighted,
“The deal is that they didn’t want the fans in the arena to be chanting that. If Brody came out, there was that risk,”
citing the show’s discussion. Concerns extended to how to manage this ongoing situation, as another voice stated,
“When he comes back it will happen again. I don’t know how they’re going to handle it.”
Corporate Influence Behind Booking Decisions
The commentary indicated that this was not simply a creative or storyline-driven choice but influenced by upper management. One observation claimed,
“This is again not a Tony call. This is from above. You know what it is, nobody wants to get on Trump’s bad side.”
It further stressed that the corporate atmosphere and potential business repercussions played significant roles, stating,
“They’ve got a company they’re trying to sell and get regulatory approval from a guy who is gonna take that stuff personal. That’s just how it is.”
From a wrestling perspective, this decision interrupts the natural narrative, as King and MJF would logically appear together following the Eliminator match to build momentum.
Balancing Authenticity with Corporate Realities
AEW has built a reputation for encouraging wrestlers to display genuine expression and connect authentically with fans. However, the company simultaneously operates in a wider corporate environment that involves regulatory scrutiny, brand partnerships, and political sensitivities. This tension was evident as fan chants clashed with AEW’s strategic interests, forcing difficult choices about performer visibility and messaging.
Impact on Brody King’s Momentum and Championship Storyline
King’s absence on the following episode disrupted his momentum at a crucial point, especially with his AEW World Championship match against MJF scheduled for February 14 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena during Grand Slam Australia. Usually, a wrestler’s Eliminator victory is followed by significant television presence to sustain audience investment and build narrative tension. Instead, the focus shifted toward controversy off-screen, overshadowing the athletic storyline.
Challenges of Fan Expression in a Politically Charged Environment
Wrestling crowds have historically voiced their opinions through chants, reacting to booking decisions or broader social issues. The “F*** ICE” chant becoming a viral political statement has forced AEW to reassess its approach to crowd participation. The promotion faces the difficult task of respecting audience expression while managing corporate image and stakeholder expectations.
AEW’s Future Amid Political and Business Pressures
Brody King maintains a genuine rapport with AEW’s audience, making total suppression of the chant reaction unlikely. However, the company’s corporate strategy will continue influencing which performers appear on television and when they do. How AEW navigates this intersection of wrestling, politics, and commerce will be telling for the industry and could shape future booking decisions as much as any championship storyline.
“The deal is that they didn’t want the fans in the arena to be chanting that. If Brody came out, there was that risk,”
?Wrestling Observer Radio report
“When he comes back it will happen again. I don’t know how they’re going to handle it.”
?Wrestling Observer Radio report
“This is again not a Tony call. This is from above. You know what it is, nobody wants to get on Trump’s bad side.”
?Wrestling Observer Radio report
“They’ve got a company they’re trying to sell and get regulatory approval from a guy who is gonna take that stuff personal. That’s just how it is.”
?Wrestling Observer Radio report
