The loud “F* ICE” chants that broke out on AEW Dynamite weren’t treated as a crisis backstage — but AEW also had zero interest in turning the moment into a political identity for the company.
Fightful Select reported that AEW officials were satisfied with the media attention generated by the chant during the February 4, 2026 Dynamite in Las Vegas, which erupted just before the MJF vs. Brody King main event.
“AEW was very happy with the media attention from the ‘F*ck ICE’ chants during AEW Dynamite this week.”
AEW didn’t cut away, didn’t mute the audio, and didn’t try to shut the crowd down. The chant aired live and immediately spread across social media and headlines — something the company was comfortable allowing to happen organically.
Where AEW draws the line was later explained by Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. Meltzer made it clear that while AEW welcomes attention, it does not want to be positioned as a politically aligned company — especially not one defined by opposition to Donald Trump. Meltzer said AEW leadership understands the value of publicity, even when it’s uncomfortable.
“I think that he would be very, very happy with the publicity. I don’t think there’s any question about that.”
But he immediately followed that with the warning that AEW doesn’t want to step into political branding.
“But I don’t know that he wants to be in the middle of divisiveness.”
That’s the key distinction. Letting a chant happen is one thing. Owning it as part of the company’s message is another — and that’s where AEW stops short. Meltzer spelled it out bluntly when describing AEW’s internal mindset.
“I don’t think Tony wants to wave the flag and say we’re the anti-Trump company.”
The concern, according to Meltzer, is simple: once a wrestling company openly plants a political flag, it risks alienating a massive portion of its audience. AEW wants attention and reach — not a label that defines the company around U.S. politics.
Was AEW right to let the chant air while keeping the company itself neutral, or should wrestling promotions be more aggressive in shutting moments like this down? Let us know what you think.
