Val Venis Criticizes Brody King Over “Abolish ICE” Shirt | Wrestling News

The intersection of professional wrestling and political commentary continues to generate friction, with former WWE performer Val Venis the latest to weigh in on displays of activism within All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Venis has publicly criticized AEW wrestler Brody King, and previously, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, for their responses to fan reactions regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The controversy began during the February 4, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite in Las Vegas, where the crowd erupted in a vocal chant of “F*** ICE” during a match involving Brody King and Maxwell Jacob Friedman. This followed King’s prior wearing of an “Abolish ICE” T-shirt on a previous episode of Dynamite, a move that initially sparked debate among fans and commentators.

Foley subsequently shared footage of the chant on Instagram, adding the caption “…really enjoying @aew as of late!” This post drew the ire of Venis, who accused Foley of endorsing a protest against ICE. Venis described Foley’s stance as “very bad” and irresponsible, despite acknowledging him as a “good-hearted man.”

Venis then turned his attention directly to King on February 8, 2026, taking to social media to express his disapproval of the “Abolish ICE” shirt. He framed King’s actions as “cosplay” rather than genuine activism, arguing that slogans and attire are insufficient substitutes for meaningful action. “🔴 Brody King wearing ‘Abolish ICE’ on a Tshirt isn’t justice; it’s cosplay. Yelling at institutions, assaulting other humans, destroying property, doesn’t protect human beings. DUE PROCESS IS WHAT PROTECTS HUMAN BEINGS!” Venis posted.

Expanding on his criticism, Venis questioned the educational background of wrestlers who engage in political messaging. “Guess public education failed these entertainers horrifically. Proof before power. Authority before punishment. Human rights aren’t slogans. They’re procedures,” he added. This statement suggests Venis believes a more nuanced understanding of legal processes and human rights is needed before publicly advocating for specific political positions.

The exchange highlights a growing trend within AEW of performers and fans engaging with broader societal issues. Since its inception, AEW has been more open to incorporating politically charged elements into its programming than some other wrestling promotions. This willingness to address real-world issues, however, has also led to increased scrutiny and debate, as evidenced by the reactions to the “F*** ICE” chant and the subsequent responses from Venis and Foley.

Venis’s criticism centers on the idea that simply expressing a political opinion, or wearing a slogan, does not equate to effective action or a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. He emphasizes the importance of “due process” and a procedural approach to protecting human rights, suggesting that direct action and slogans can be counterproductive or even harmful.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by performers who choose to use their platforms to address political issues. While some fans applaud such displays of activism, others, like Venis, view them as performative or divisive. The strong reactions across social media demonstrate the sensitivity of these issues and the potential for controversy when they are brought into the world of professional wrestling.

🔴 Brody King wearing “Abolish ICE” on a Tshirt isn’t justice; it’s cosplay. Yelling at institutions, assaulting other humans, destroying property, doesn’t protect human beings. DUE PROCESS IS WHAT PROTECTS HUMAN BEINGS!

Guess public education failed these entertainers… pic.twitter.com/nNoCnhDcud