Brody King recently addressed the reasons behind wearing an “Abolish ICE” t-shirt on AEW TV and whether he sought the company‘s approval to do so. King, who teams with Bandido as the popular duo Brodido in AEW, has gained significant attention, not only for his in-ring performance but also for using his platform to express his political views.
The use of the “Abolish ICE” shirt ties directly into King’s commitment to speaking out on social issues, a stance that has drawn interest from fans and media alike. This statement reflects King’s broader approach to blending personal beliefs with his wrestling career, showing that he is comfortable using his visibility to raise awareness.
Brody King and Bandido’s Rise in AEW Tag Team Scene
Brody King and Bandido have quickly become one of AEW’s most formidable and unexpected tag teams. Their rise culminated in reaching the final of a tournament designed to determine the next number one contenders for the AEW Tag Team Championship. This decisive match took place on Dynamite in Glasgow, Scotland, where Brodido faced off against FTR in an intense 30-minute draw, which allowed both teams to advance.
At the Forbidden Door event in London, England, Brodido capitalized on a distraction involving the Gates of Agony to defeat FTR and the Hurt Syndicate, ultimately claiming the AEW Tag Team Championship. This victory has marked a significant milestone in both wrestlers’ careers, solidifying their status within AEW’s competitive tag team division.
King’s Background Inspires His Use of Platform for Activism
Speaking at the post-show media scrum after Forbidden Door, Brody King expanded on his motivations behind wearing the “Abolish ICE” shirt. He highlighted his roots in the punk rock and hardcore scenes, where speaking out against social injustices is a well-established practice. King expressed gratitude for AEW’s support in allowing wrestlers the freedom to voice their opinions.
“I come from a very punk rock, hardcore background and that’s stuff is normal in our world. So speaking on injustices and whatever else is important to me. I appreciate that I work for a company that allows us to have our own voice, whether I ask for it or not.Using your platform for good or just to help in any capacity is the right thing to do.”
—Brody King, AEW Wrestler
King’s stance emphasizes that using one‘s public visibility to promote positive change or raise awareness is both a responsibility and an opportunity. This perspective has shaped his wrestling persona and how he engages with fans beyond the ring.
Charitable Efforts and Fan Impact from “Abolish ICE” Merchandise
The t-shirt was first worn by King during AEW’s Grand Slam event in Mexico last June. Following that appearance, King released the shirt for sale, directing profits toward families impacted by ICE raids. His efforts resulted in raising over $27,000 to aid those affected, demonstrating how his activism extends beyond symbolic gestures and directly supports communities in need.
Brody King’s Role in AEW Continues Amidst Growing Storylines
As Brody King and Bandido continue their reign as AEW Tag Team Champions, King’s bold statements off-screen add layers to his wrestling identity, blending athletic accomplishment with social awareness. His willingness to take public positions reflects a progressive shift within wrestling, where performers use their platforms to influence conversations on real-world issues.
The success of Brodido in major AEW events like the Glasgow Dynamite and Forbidden Door tournaments underscores their emerging prominence, while King‘s activism highlights the evolving nature of wrestling personalities in 2024.
Other Recent Wrestling Highlights to Watch
In addition to King’s story, the wrestling world has seen several notable developments. WWE NXT’s Heatwave event featured Oba Femi defending the NXT Title against Je’Von Evans, while a prominent WWE star recently suffered a serious neck injury during RAW, sparking concerns about industry safety.
Konosuke Takeshita, despite winning the NJPW G1 Climax, will not compete for a championship at Wrestle Kingdom, adding surprise to NJPW’s storyline directions. AEW also witnessed the return of an injured former Women’s World Champion at Forbidden Door, marking a hopeful comeback after sidelining.
AEW announced plans for a swift return to the UK after its prior stint, signaling the company’s intention to maintain strong international engagement. Additionally, last-minute title matches and surprising returns, such as Karrion Kross’s impactful appearance at a GCW event, continue to energize the wrestling landscape.
