Boos Erupt at WWE Event, Fueling Cross-Border Tensions
A wave of animosity is sweeping across the U.S.-Canadian border, manifesting in sporting arenas and igniting fiery debates about national pride and political allegiances. The latest incident occurred at WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto, where the performance of the U.S. national anthem was met with a chorus of boos, escalating existing tensions and prompting strong reactions from prominent figures.
American singer Elizabeth Irving, known for her performances at Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Whitecaps games, took to the stage to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" ahead of the event Saturday night. However, her rendition was met with a noticeable wave of boos from the Canadian crowd, sparking immediate controversy and drawing criticism from across the border.
The reaction was particularly sharp from sports commentator Pat McAfee, who was broadcasting the event on Peacock. McAfee did not hold back, vehemently criticizing the Canadian fans for their actions and even taking aim at the country as a whole.
"It kind of sucks that it’s in the terrible country of Canada that booed our national anthem to start this entire thing," McAfee exclaimed during the broadcast, his words amplifying the already heightened tensions between the two nations.
This incident at the WWE event is not an isolated one. It follows a pattern of national anthem booing that has been occurring at hockey games in both countries, further exacerbating the strained relationship.
Just a week prior to the WWE event, during the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off exhibition tournament, fans in Canada and the U.S. engaged in reciprocal booing of each other’s national anthems. The animosity first surfaced on February 13 in Montreal, where Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem. This reaction was widely attributed to recent comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to impose tariffs on Canada and even suggested that the country should become America’s 51st state.
The booing in Montreal ignited a series of altercations between Canadian and U.S. players during the first meeting of the tournament between the two teams on February 15. The U.S. ultimately won that game 3-1, but the on-ice rivalry was clearly fueled by the off-ice tensions.
The tit-for-tat booing continued, with the Canadian national anthem being met with jeers at TD Garden in Boston before a 4 Nations game between Canada and Finland. The U.S. and Canada faced off again in the tournament final on February 20, and American fans in Boston once again booed the Canadian national anthem, although reports suggest the booing was less intense than previous instances. Despite the less hostile reception, Canada emerged victorious in overtime, winning the game 3-2.
Since these incidents, the already tense rhetoric between the two countries has escalated, permeating even the realm of sports. Canadian men’s soccer coach Jesse Marsch publicly criticized Trump for his "51st state" remarks, calling them "insulting" and expressing his personal shame.
During a CONCACAF Nations League media day on Wednesday, Marsch didn’t mince words when addressing Trump’s comments. "If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state," Marsch stated emphatically. "As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies. But one thing’s for sure, when I look forward a month from now, this will fuel our team. The mentality we have, the will we have to play for our country."
The controversy extends beyond just the booing incidents and political statements. NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, revered as a national icon in Canada, has also faced criticism from fellow Canadians for his perceived support of Trump.
Trump recently stated that he had asked Gretzky to become the next "governor of Canada" after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a hypothetical resignation. However, after Gretzky reportedly expressed support for Canada remaining a separate country, Trump declared Gretzky a "free agent."
This seemingly lighthearted exchange has sparked further debate, with some Canadians questioning Gretzky’s allegiance and political leanings. In response, hockey legend Bobby Orr, another iconic Canadian figure, defended Gretzky in a column published in the Toronto Sun. Orr expressed his disappointment at the criticism directed towards Gretzky, someone he considers one of the "greatest Canadians ever."
"How fickle can people be, when someone who has given so much time and effort to Canadian hockey is treated in such a way," Orr wrote. "Listen, we all have our personal beliefs as they pertain to things such as religion and politics. Wayne respects your right to such beliefs – why can’t you respect his?"
Janet Gretzky, Wayne’s wife, responded to Orr’s column on social media, expressing her gratitude for his support. "Thank you Mr. Bobby Orr. Your words mean the world to Wayne and his family," she wrote in an Instagram post. "I have never met anyone who is more Proud to be a Canadian and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments. He would do anything to make Canadians Proud, with his Love for Hockey and his Country."
The underlying issues contributing to this cross-border tension extend beyond just political rhetoric. The potential imposition of tariffs by the U.S. on Canadian goods, initially paused by Trump in February, looms as a significant economic threat. These tariffs are reportedly a response to concerns about drug trafficking at the U.S.-Canadian border.
The recent events, from the booing at sporting events to the political jabs and economic anxieties, paint a picture of a relationship between the U.S. and Canada that is currently strained. Whether these tensions are fleeting or indicative of a deeper rift remains to be seen, but the incidents highlight the complex interplay between national pride, political ideologies, and economic realities that shape the relationship between these two neighboring nations.
