The “F*** ICE” chants at AEW Grand Slam Australia weren’t just a viral moment on television — and now there’s clarity on how the company reacted behind the scenes.
During the February 14, 2026 event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, fans loudly chanted “F*** ICE” during the in-ring introductions for MJF vs. Brody King before the main event began. The chants later aired on TNT and MAX during the taped U.S. broadcast, instantly becoming a major talking point online.
But according to Fightful Select, the internal reaction within AEW wasn’t one of shock. The report noted that travel logistics played a role in how information circulated leading up to the show.
“A lot of talent headed over earlier in the week, but a large amount flew over after Dynamite. This led to many higher ups and even Tony Khan not hearing about the WBD/Brody King rumors.”
The outlet revealed that several AEW sources expected the chants to happen — even internationally.
“A number AEW sources we spoke to still expected the ‘F*ck ICE’ chants for Brody King, despite being in Australia.”
With the chants now occurring at multiple AEW shows, including Dynamite in Las Vegas earlier this month, the situation appears to be something company sources were already aware of and preparing for — rather than reacting to in real time.
The bigger question now is what that expectation means moving forward. If the chants were anticipated, was the decision to let them air on the taped broadcast simply part of allowing the live atmosphere to stand? Or will AEW take a different approach if it continues?
Do you think AEW handled the situation correctly knowing some internally expected the chants, or should leadership have taken stronger steps before the broadcast aired? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
