Viral Anti-ICE Chant Broke Out During The Main Event Of AEW Dynamite Show (February 2026)
Live television is unpredictable. Professional wrestling, despite being scripted, is even more volatile because the audience is an active participant in the show. That reality was on full display on February 4, 2026, during an episode of AEW Dynamite in Las Vegas.
What started as a standard main event setup between AEW World Champion MJF and challenger Brody King turned into a national news story before the opening bell even rang. A deafening, explicit chant regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) erupted from the crowd at The Pearl Theater, pausing the broadcast and creating a moment that transcended the squared circle.
Here is a breakdown of what happened, why the crowd reacted that way, and how the wrestling world—and the mainstream media—responded.
The Moment the Show Stopped
The atmosphere in Las Vegas was already electric, and every AEW show usually is. MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman), was set to face Brody King in a high-stakes eliminator match. As the two men faced off in the ring, the atmosphere changed. The crowd erupted with a chant: “F* ICE.” Hear it for yourself.
The referee, Bryce Remsburg, made a split-second decision that has since been praised by wrestling analysts: he held the bell. Rather than trying to drown out the audience or rush into the action, Remsburg allowed the chant to play out. For several moments, the live broadcast lingered on the competitors, acknowledging the organic reaction of the fans before the physical contest began.
Why Do This During A Brody King Match?
The wrestler has been vocal about his opposition to ICE for years. He hasn’t just tweeted about it; he has worn anti-ICE apparel to the ring and organized fundraising efforts to support families affected by deportation and detention policies.
By chanting against the agency, the Las Vegas crowd was essentially engaging in a sophisticated form of fan support. They were acknowledging the real-world values of the performer in the ring. After all, the man has worn Abolish Ice shirts during his entrances.
The Fallout: Wrestler Reactions and Media Frenzy
In the days following the event, the clip circulated well beyond the usual wrestling dirt sheets. Mainstream outlets, including NBC News, picked up the story.
MJF pushes back on Social Media Claims
Social media users described MJF as looking “startled” or “rattled” by the sudden political outburst. Known for staying in character, MJF took to social media to shut down that narrative. He clarified that he wasn’t scared, maintaining his confident persona even while addressing a real-world controversy. He was keeping kayfabe to protect his character and that is what makes him amazing.
The Referee’s Perspective
Bryce Remsburg, the official in the ring, found himself at the center of the conversation. His decision to delay the match start was very controversial by letting the crowd keep going. In wrestling, ignoring a loud crowd usually leads to them hijacking the show; by acknowledging it, Remsburg allowed the energy to peak before refocusing it on the match.
When the Real World Enters the Ring
This incident highlights a unique aspect of professional wrestling: the crowd is the third person in the ring. Occasionally, that noise reflects the anxieties and tensions of the outside world.
The “F* ICE” chant serves as a reminder that entertainment venues are not hermetically sealed bubbles. When a performer like Brody King brings his personal convictions to the forefront, the audience will often respond in kind. Promoters, broadcasters, and talent are then forced to navigate these unscripted waters live on air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly did the crowd chant at AEW Dynamite?
The crowd at the Las Vegas taping chanted “F* ICE” (referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) loudly enough to pause the show.
Why did the chant happen during the Brody King match?
Brody King is a known critic of ICE. He has previously worn clothing protesting the agency and raised money for immigrant families. The chant was a way for fans to show support for his specific political stance.
Did the chant stop the match?
It delayed the start of the match. Referee Bryce Remsburg held the opening bell to allow the chant to cycle through, rather than trying to start the fight over the noise.
When did this event take place?
This occurred on February 4, 2026, at The Pearl Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Lasting Impact
The February 4th episode of Dynamite will likely be remembered less for the moves executed in the ring and more for the sound of the crowd before the fight began. It proved once again that wrestling is a mirror of the culture around it. Whether promoters plan for it or not, the real world has a way of climbing between the ropes, turning a scripted athletic contest into a viral moment of political expression.
