Wrestler Fired Over Wearing Controversial “ICE” T-Shirt at Event

Real Canadian Wrestling just cut ties with one of its performers after a firestorm erupted over an “ICE”-themed ring entrance during a recent live event in Edmonton.

The January 24 incident involved a wrestler who entered wearing a t-shirt with “ICE” on the backside, referencing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The decision didn’t sit right with the crowd—or fellow performers.

In a now widely circulated quote from an anonymous indy professional, internal frustration spilled out over the use of such imagery for storyline heat:

"A man was murdered today in broad daylight. He was the second person this month alone. Using that for ‘heat’ on a wrestling show is cowardly and minimizes the injustice happening in the United States right now. Every single person involved with this show should be ASHAMED. If you stood by and let this happen, you are complicit. Disgusting. Embarrassing. Deplorable."

The backlash was swift, and RCW responded with a public statement, confirming the gimmick was never approved by management and that the performer involved had been fired immediately.

“RCW does not endorse, approve, or have prior knowledge of the actions presented by the wrestler in question. The depiction involving ‘the group’ was not communicated to RCW management and was unknown to the organization until the said wrestler was already in the ring.”

“Effective immediately, the wrestler in question has been removed from Real Canadian Wrestling and all affiliate promotions and will no longer be performing or appearing for the organization in any capacity.”

The company also addressed the emotional impact of the incident:

“Real Canadian Wrestling apologizes to any individuals or groups who were offended, disturbed, or impacted by the actions presented during the event. RCW remains committed to fostering an environment of respect and accountability within our organization and our community.”

Kato the Luchador also issued his own public response on Instagram before later deleting it, stating his position on the matter:

This is my official statement on RCW Masters of Destructon. Prowrestling is made up of good and evil. I am a heel, it's my job to antagonize the crowd, to further a storyline. What you are watching is fighting opera, for entertainment. R.C.W doesn't support I.C.E. I don't work for I.C.E... I was just telling a story that people can relate too.

This controversy has reignited the conversation about gimmicks and boundaries in pro wrestling—especially when real-world trauma is used for storyline heat.

Should wrestling promotions draw a firmer line between performance and provocation? Let us know what you think in the comments.