During the AEW Dynamite event held Wednesday night at The Pearl Theater in Las Vegas, fans erupted in loud “F**k ICE” chants just as the main event was about to start, drawing significant attention beyond the wrestling community. This unexpected outburst generated widespread media coverage, including reports from NBC News and TMZ, and prompted responses from AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) and contender Brody King, escalating the tension surrounding the match.
Media Coverage Highlights the Disruptive Crowd Behavior
NBC News reported the incident on Thursday, noting the impact of the chants on the event:
Fans at an All Elite Wrestling match broke out into an anti-ICE chant that briefly paused the pro-wrestling match and appeared to startle one of the wrestlers in the ring.
This description sparked rebuttals from AEW’s top figures, particularly MJF, who contested the suggestion that he was unsettled by the crowd’s reaction.
MJF Denies Being Rattled While Brody King Challenges the Champion
MJF replied defiantly on social media, asserting his composure and superiority amid the uproar:
The world champion wasn’t startled. He’s better than you and you know it.
Simultaneously, Brody King responded under the NBC News piece with a pointed comment aimed at MJF, fueling the ongoing rivalry:
I’m glad that we could both see how visibly frightened MJF was of me. Watch me end his title reign next Saturday 2/14 across the world at Grand Slam Australia on TNT and streaming on HBOMAX.
AEW Referee Suggests Delay Was Intentional to Prolong Chants’ Effect
Adding a new layer to the conversation, AEW referee Bryce Remsburg hinted on social media that the opening bell was held to allow the crowd’s chants to resonate longer within the arena, possibly influencing the match’s atmosphere:
It seems like the referee may have waited to ring the bell so these could resonate longer? Oh no. Whoops.
This subtle admission indicates production may have leveraged the crowd’s energy to heighten the event’s dramatic tension.
Brody King Defeats MJF Amid Interruptions and Prepares for Championship Rematch
Despite the charged environment, Brody King secured a victory over MJF in the Wednesday main event after interference from Hangman Page caused a distraction. This outcome intensifies their rivalry, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch for the AEW World Championship. The title bout is scheduled for February 14 at AEW’s Grand Slam event in Australia, promising to be a defining moment for both competitors.
Significance of the Incident and Upcoming Clash
The incident reflects the increasing volatility of fan interactions within AEW events and highlights the growing spotlight on social and political expressions during wrestling shows. Both MJF and Brody King’s public exchanges underline the personal and professional stakes involved, as the championship landscape prepares for a potential shift at Grand Slam Australia. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see if King’s bold prediction of ending MJF’s reign comes to fruition.
Fans at an All Elite Wrestling match broke out into an anti-ICE chant that briefly paused the pro-wrestling match and appeared to startle one of the wrestlers in the ring. https://t.co/uAC5SqeU6G
— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 5, 2026
The world champion wasn’t startled. He’s better than you and you know it.
Watch @AEW Wednesday night on TBS and streaming on HBOMAX
And watch AEW on Saturday nights on TNT and streaming on HBOMAX.
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™️ (@The_MJF) February 5, 2026
I’m glad that we could both see how visibly frightened @The_MJF was of me.
Watch me end his title reign next Saturday 2/14 across the world at Grand Slam Australia on TNT and streaming on HBOmax. @AEW
— Big Bad Brody King (@Brodyxking) February 5, 2026
