What's Happening?
During the AEW Grand Slam event held on February 14, 2026, at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, fans loudly chanted 'F*** ICE' during the in-ring introductions for the match between MJF and Brody King. These chants were broadcasted on TNT and MAX during the taped U.S. airing, quickly becoming a significant topic of discussion online. According to Fightful Select, the internal reaction within AEW was not one of surprise. The report highlighted that travel logistics affected how information was disseminated before the event, with many talents arriving in Australia at different times. Despite being in Australia, several AEW sources anticipated the chants, as similar occurrences had been noted at previous AEW shows, including a recent Dynamite
event in Las Vegas.
Why It's Important?
The incident underscores the complex dynamics between live event atmospheres and broadcast content management. AEW's decision to air the chants reflects a potential strategy to maintain the authenticity of live events, even when controversial elements are involved. This approach could influence how wrestling promotions handle similar situations in the future, balancing audience engagement with broadcast standards. The chants also highlight ongoing public sentiment regarding ICE, suggesting that wrestling events can serve as platforms for broader social and political expressions. AEW's handling of the situation may set a precedent for how other entertainment companies address unexpected audience reactions during live events.
What's Next?
AEW may need to consider its approach to managing audience reactions during live events, especially when such reactions are anticipated. The company could face decisions about whether to continue allowing such chants to air or to implement measures to mitigate them in future broadcasts. Stakeholders, including AEW leadership and broadcast partners, might engage in discussions to align on strategies that respect both the live event atmosphere and broadcast standards. The situation could also prompt other wrestling promotions to evaluate their policies regarding audience interactions and the potential impact on their brand image.
