By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The recent AEW Dynamite broadcast in Las Vegas was significantly marked by a prominent “F**k ICE” chant from the audience, which began just before Brody King’s match against AEW World Champion MJF. Referee Bryce Remsburg appeared to intentionally delay the start of the match, allowing the chants to resonate longer, a fact he later alluded to on X. This emphasis on the protest was further supported by AEW announcer Tony Schiavone’s silence during the chant, and the lack of usual censorship for such profanity. These chants represent a continuation of protests within wrestling against ICE, fueled by recent events and vocal criticism from figures like Brody King, who has previously expressed his opposition to the agency.
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It appears that a referee in AEW Dynamite, Bryce Remsburg, made a deliberate choice to pause the match, allowing a fervent crowd chant to resonate. The suggestion is that this delay was not merely an oversight or a standard procedural moment, but a calculated act intended to amplify the impact of the “Fuck ICE” chant. This implies a referee who understands the power of crowd dynamics and actively uses them to shape the wrestling narrative.
The role of a referee in professional wrestling is often compared to that of a director in a film or television production. They are not just there to enforce rules; they are integral to guiding the audience’s emotional journey. In this instance, Remsburg’s alleged action of waiting to ring the bell suggests a sophisticated understanding of timing, allowing the energy of the crowd to build and sustain. It’s a tactic akin to how a live musical performance uses pauses to heighten the drama before a crescendo.
This incident has sparked considerable discussion, particularly concerning the intersection of politics and professional wrestling. Many are pointing out the hypocrisy of those who demand politics be kept out of wrestling when the sentiment originates from the audience itself. Trying to silence a fan chant, especially one that has gained significant traction, is akin to telling the customer they are wrong, which in the context of entertainment, is a notoriously difficult and often counterproductive endeavor.
The sentiment expressed by the crowd chanting “Fuck ICE” is being interpreted by many as a powerful, albeit unexpected, statement of solidarity. It’s been noted that this chant arose during a match involving MJF, a character known for his villainous persona. The fact that even such a staunch heel appeared to acknowledge or register the chant suggests the depth of public sentiment against the agency in question.
The current political climate, characterized by highly charged rhetoric and controversial actions, has been contrasted with the actions of individuals within the wrestling world. The sentiment is that in times of significant political turmoil and division, figures like Remsburg, who seem to champion inclusivity and allow for public expression, are demonstrating a form of leadership that is being perceived as more admirable than that of current political leaders.
This event highlights how wrestling, often seen as pure entertainment, can become a platform for social commentary. The fact that a wrestling referee’s actions are being discussed in the same breath as presidential leadership underscores the profound impact such moments can have, especially when they tap into widespread public feeling. The commentary suggests that some within the wrestling community are pushing for a more inclusive and human-rights-focused approach, contrasting with other wrestling organizations.
The idea that a wrestling referee might be considered a better leader than the President of the United States is a stark indictment of the current political landscape. It suggests a weariness with traditional politics and a search for authenticity and conviction in unexpected places. The implication is that when professional wrestling can seemingly produce figures who are more attuned to the public mood and demonstrate a commitment to what many perceive as just causes, it raises serious questions about the state of political leadership.
The narrative emerging is that Remsburg’s decision to let the chant breathe was an act of good judgment, allowing a significant and, for many, a popular sentiment to be heard. It’s being framed as an instance where the pro wrestling world unexpectedly intersected with broader social and political movements, leading to a moment that resonated far beyond the confines of the wrestling arena. This is seen as a positive development by those who believe wrestling should reflect and engage with the world around it.