Controversy Erupts as Canadian Fans Boo National Anthem at WWE Event

Toronto, Canada — Tensions flared between American and Canadian sports fans Saturday night as spectators at WWE’s Elimination Chamber event booed the U.S. national anthem. The performance, which took place at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, featured American singer Elizabeth Irving. As she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a chorus of boos erupted from the crowd.

This incident has drawn significant attention, particularly from WWE commentator Pat McAfee, who reacted vocally during the live broadcast. “It kind of sucks that it’s in the terrible country of Canada that booed our national anthem to start this entire thing,” McAfee said, expressing his discontent with the disrespect shown towards the anthem.

The booing of the U.S. national anthem follows a pattern of animosity between the two nations’ sports fans amid heightened tensions surrounding proposed tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier in February, during the NHL‘s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, fans in both countries booed each other’s national anthems as part of a heated rivalry.

The atmosphere at the event on Saturday was charged. Many Canadian fans have used anthem performances as an opportunity to express their dissatisfaction over Trump’s comments and proposals, which include threatening to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. The proposed tariffs, which could be enacted soon, have been described as a response to issues including drug trafficking across the U.S.-Canada border.

McAfee later addressed the backlash to his remarks on his show, admitting his initial reaction was largely driven by national pride. “My entire life, my first reaction when somebody boos the national anthem is ‘f— you,’” he stated. However, he expressed newfound understanding of the Canadian perspective, admitting that Canadians have shown immense passion for their country.

“You booed my country, and I called your country terrible,” McAfee said. “Let’s shake hands and move along.” Despite his earlier comments, McAfee acknowledged the complexities surrounding the political climate affecting both nations.

This setback comes after recent events where Canadian fans protested during sports events in reaction to escalating political rhetoric. The Canadian national anthem has also been booed during previous competitions, particularly during an NHL game in Montreal just prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

As the rhetoric between the two countries intensifies, the sports world remains a prominent platform for expressing national pride and conflict. Some Canadian fans have voiced their support for continuing to boo the U.S. national anthem, citing President Trump’s comments about making Canada the “51st state” as particularly offensive.

Trump’s proposed tariffs would impose a 25% tax on general imports from Canada and additional tariffs on related goods. Economic analysts warn that such measures could increase consumer prices and contribute to inflation.

The WWE Elimination Chamber event featured several Canadian athletes, showing that despite political tensions, sports continue to unite and divide communities based on national and cultural identities.