In a recent AEW match in Las Vegas, the scene was electric. Big Bad Brody King and Maxwell Jacob Friedman—a fan-favorite champion—were set to clash. As the excitement built, the crowd unified behind one chant: “F**k ICE!” This moment wasn’t just about wrestling; it became a political statement.
This crowd reaction quickly spread beyond wrestling fans. While great matches often gain attention, rarely do the fans’ voices at such events resonate in wider conversations. Wrestling has long drawn from politics for its drama. Think of Hulk Hogan battling the “foreign villain” Iron Sheik or Sgt. Slaughter’s angle during the Gulf War. These storylines connected with audiences, fanning the flames of patriotism and rivalry.
But the recent chants in AEW showcased a shift. Today’s wrestling reflects a more nuanced political landscape. As the wrestling world mirrors the evolving American political scene, wrestlers embody new ideas and conflicts, much like a morality play. King, for instance, passionately advocates for immigrant rights, even wearing an “Abolish ICE” shirt in the ring during matches. Similarly, “Hangman” Adam Page spoke in Spanish to honor Mexican farm workers at a show in Mexico City, making his intentions clear.
Eero Laine, a theater professor and wrestling historian, noted that today’s wrestling often presents complex characters and ideas. He said, “The wrestlers can embody an idea, allowing fans to cheer or boo, creating an interactive morality play.” This crowd participation over more straightforward good-versus-evil brings a fresh perspective to the wrestling craft.
The famous “USA” chant, often directed at foreign wrestlers, had been a staple in wrestling. However, the uproar at AEW indicates a shift toward personal political statements, not directly tied to the matches, but nonetheless powerful. Laine finds these chants intriguing, suggesting they reflect wrestlers’ personal beliefs, diverging from traditional wrestling tropes.
This political boldness sets AEW apart from the long-established WWE. WWE has dominated wrestling for decades, often offering broader themes that cater to mainstream audiences. Historical narratives show WWE’s evolution started from small beginnings, while it gradually acquired competitors. Even now, WWE typically attracts significantly larger audiences.
The McMahon family, who owns WWE, has deep political ties. Vince McMahon has personal links to Donald Trump, while his family holds various positions in government. This closeness can shape WWE’s content and themes, often leaning toward conventional conservative narratives.
In contrast, AEW promotes a philosophy where wrestlers can freely express their political views, attracting fans who appreciate this distinction. Scott Lange, a former wrestling fan who left the scene for two decades, returned for AEW. He appreciated the political awareness of the wrestlers, feeling they genuinely care about current issues.
Tony Khan, AEW’s founder, aligns more with the idea of wrestling as a performance art than a political platform. While he may have personal opinions, he emphasizes the authenticity of wrestlers, saying, “The wrestlers are themselves, and that’s part of what makes the show great.” This personal approach to representation may resonate more deeply with fans, allowing them to connect with the wrestlers on a human level.
In this era, wrestling serves as a stage not just for physical contests but for exploring real-world issues. Fans watch not just for the spectacle but for a connection to ideas and values that matter to them. As the landscape of professional wrestling continues to shift, the lines between entertainment and activism blur, creating a richer and more varied tapestry of storytelling.
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