Real Canadian Wrestling Faces Backlash Over ICE Shirt Incident – Real Canadian Wrestling is facing significant backlash after an incident at a recent live event in Edmonton, Alberta, that quickly spread across social media and drew criticism from fans and wrestlers alike. The promotion has since issued a public apology and confirmed the dismissal of a wrestler who appeared at the show wearing what resembled a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement uniform.
The situation unfolded when the wrestler, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, entered the ring wearing a vest clearly marked with “ICE.” The attire appeared to be an attempt to generate negative crowd reaction, commonly referred to in wrestling as “heat.” However, the move was widely condemned due to the real-world implications tied to immigration enforcement and recent deadly incidents involving federal agents in the United States.
One of the strongest reactions came from fellow wrestler Kato the Luchador, who addressed the issue on Instagram Stories. Kato criticized both the performer and the concept behind the gimmick, calling it deeply insensitive given the current climate. “A man was murdered today in broad daylight. He was the second person this month alone,” Kato wrote. “Using that for ‘heat’ on a wrestling show is cowardly and minimizes the injustice happening in the United States right now.”
The anger surrounding the entrance was amplified by its timing. Just days earlier, reports emerged of fatal shootings involving federal agents during “Operation Metro Surge” in Minneapolis. The victims were identified as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, and Renée Good, a 37-year-old mother of three. For many observers, the use of ICE imagery so soon after those events crossed a line from fictional villainy into real-world insensitivity.
In response, Real Canadian Wrestling released an official statement stating that the entrance was not approved by management and that they were unaware of the planned attire until after the wrestler had already made his way to the ring. The promotion apologized to anyone offended or harmed by the incident and stressed that it does not support or endorse ICE or its actions. RCW also confirmed that the wrestler involved was released from the company effective immediately.
Despite the apology, some fans and observers have questioned the promotion’s explanation. Multiple reports from those in attendance noted that the wrestler entered to the song “Ice Ice Baby,” which typically requires coordination with production staff. That detail has fueled skepticism over whether the gimmick truly went unnoticed until the moment of the entrance.
The controversy has also drawn attention from prominent names within the wrestling industry. AEW talents such as Brody King and Adam Page have been vocal in their opposition to ICE in the past. King notably wore an “Abolish ICE” shirt on national television and has participated in fundraising efforts for families affected by immigration enforcement actions.
Real Canadian Wrestling Faces Backlash Over ICE Shirt Incident
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
