Empire State Review Team 
WWE Fans Boo US National Anthem at Elimination Chamber in Toronto
During the WWE “Elimination Chamber” event held in Toronto on March 1, a notable incident occurred when the US national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was met with widespread boos from the audience.
Incident Overview
American artist Elizabeth Irving performed the anthem on stage, but her rendition was met with a chorus of jeers from fans present at the event. This negative reception has drawn significant media attention.
Commentary from Pat McAfee
Pat McAfee, a well-known sports commentator, voiced his strong disapproval of the Canadian audience’s behavior during the Peacock broadcast. He stated, “It kind of sucks that it’s in the terrible country of Canada that booed our national anthem to start this entire thing.”
Contextual Background
This incident in Toronto follows a pattern of similar behavior seen in recent sporting events where fans have booed national anthems. Just the week prior, during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off exhibition tournament, there were instances of both American and Canadian fans jeering each other’s anthems.
- Canadian fans booed the US anthem during games in Montreal, while American fans responded with jeers towards the Canadian anthem.
- These actions coincided with heightened tensions stemming from political statements related to tariffs on Canada.
- The tension escalated into physical altercations between players in the tournament, underscoring the charged atmosphere.
Reactions from Sports Community
The backlash against the booing of national anthems has prompted commentary from various figures, including Canadian men’s soccer coach Jesse Marsch, who expressed his shame over the remarks made by former President Donald Trump regarding Canada. Marsch described Trump’s comments as “insulting,” affirming Canadians’ pride in their country.
Additionally, the issue has drawn responses from prominent sports figures, including NHL legend Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky recently stated his support for Canada remaining independent, which had sparked a national conversation regarding national pride and identity.
Conclusion
The booing of the US national anthem at the WWE Elimination Chamber highlights the complex relationship between national identity and sports culture, particularly in contexts involving political tensions. As the sporting community continues to navigate these challenges, future events may further reveal the influence of national pride and rivalry.
