A fan’s sign that read “ICE Fears Hangman” was confiscated by security during the live broadcast of AEW Dynamite, according to a video posted by a user on Reddit. The incident, which was visible on camera during the show, comes just one week after ‘Hangman’ Adam Page publicly voiced his displeasure with commercials for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) airing during the program.
The reason for the sign’s removal has not been officially confirmed, and it is unclear if the decision was made by AEW management, its broadcast partner Warner Bros. Discovery, or an individual security guard. One fan in the same Reddit thread, user DollarStoreEtika, claimed to be at the event and stated, “That security guard was a dick to all of us that night,” suggesting the possibility of an isolated incident.
The situation is a follow-up to Page’s social media posts last week, where he encouraged his followers to contact TBS and HBO Max to express their opposition to the ICE advertisements. This is not the first time an AEW star has publicly taken a stance on the issue. Back in July, Brody King wore an “Abolish ICE” shirt to the ring, later selling the shirt to raise money for the Local Hearts Foundation.
AEW President Tony Khan addressed the topic of his wrestlers expressing their personal views during the AEW All Out media call last month. When asked about AEW positioning itself differently from other promotions with known political ties, Khan defended his talent’s right to be authentic.
“It’s really important to note that the wrestlers in AEW are presented very much so as their authentic selves. In the case of Brody King and Hangman Page, that’s who those guys are. That’s them being themselves,” Khan stated. He emphasized that while the wrestlers are free to be themselves, the primary focus of the company is the in-ring product.
“I employ Hangman Page and Brody King because they are awesome wrestlers. The thing on the marquee is wrestling,” Khan continued. “The wrestlers are themselves and that’s part of what makes the show great. Whether everyone agrees with everything every wrestler says or not is not the point of the show to me; it’s a great wrestling show”. While Khan has publicly supported his wrestlers’ authenticity, the removal of the sign raises questions about potential pressure from the company’s broadcast partner, Warner Bros. Discovery, regarding on-air content, especially considering AEW has no control over the ads that air during its programming.
