WWE Toronto Fans Boo US National Anthem: Controversy Erupts

As evidenced by an incident that occurred at the World Wrestling Entertainment event (WWE), tensions between Canada and the United States are escalating in unexpected areas. WWE fans at the WWE event in Toronto on Saturday night booed loudly the U.S. National Anthem. This was a protest of President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

WWE Incident: Context

The WWE’s disapproval of the event was a result of ongoing political and economic friction between two North American neighbours. Trump administration considered significant tariffs for Canadian imports. It was also suggested that Canada might become the 51st US state. However, Canadian leaders dismissed the idea. It is clear that the incident at WWE reflected a rising sentiment in Canada of nationalism against what many perceive to be unfair U.S. trading practices.

WWE Protest Details

Before the WWE “Elimination Chamber”, showcase, at Toronto’s Rogers Centre took place, American singer Elizabeth Irving received a chorus boos and jeers when she started to sing the U.S. National Anthem. MeidasTouch shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, that captured the audience’s intense reaction to the show. ESPN commentator Pat McAfee was present and criticized Canadians for the way they responded to the national anthem.

Tariffs and Trade Relations Background

The WWE event was booed in light of the upcoming tariffs that the Trump administration announced on imports coming from major trading partners such as China, Mexico and Canada. Tariffs that will take effect March 4 following a brief period of negotiation include a tax of 25 percent on imports to the US and Canada in general, as well as a tariff 10 percent on Canadian energy and an additional tariff 10 percent on Chinese products. Tariffs on imports, usually paid by businesses, can be transferred to the consumer through higher prices.

Tariffs often protect local industries by increasing the costs of goods imported, encouraging customers to purchase alternatives produced locally.

Although the Trump Administration claims these tariffs were imposed to address drug trafficking issues and trade imbalances in general, experts warn that it could increase prices on consumers’ products, contributing to inflation.

Previous Disapproval Displays at Sporting Events

It is important to note that the WWE incident was not an isolated event. Other recent incidents have shown Canadians expressing discontent over the U.S. Government’s policies. Toronto Raptors basketball supporters booed U.S. national song in February after Trump threatened tariffs. In addition, both Boston and Montreal fans have also booed national anthems during international hockey matches.

The Canadian National Anthem was booed by Boston’s hockey fans on the night of the U.S.-Canada 4 Nations Face Off championship.

It was only a few days before that, fans from Montreal had booed loudly “The Star-Spangled Banner”, during a testy game between the U.S. team and the Finnish squad in Montreal. The U.S. eventually won the match 3-1. The U.S. National Anthem was also booed by Montreal hockey fans when they played Finland days earlier.

Reactions and commentaries

MeidasTouch posted the video to X following the incident. They stated that the boos reflected opposition towards President Trump’s administration. This could be a sign of a major shift in Canada’s economic relationships, with fewer reliances on single partner economies.

Payne stated that the trend towards alternative vacation destinations and the support of Canadian producers will “remain regardless of what the result of the tariff dispute is”; however, the boycotting of American products would “depend on the U.S. government.”

The working class on both side of the border will suffer if President Trump goes ahead with the tariffs.

All these actions should be a big wake-up for Canadians. They need to reconsider their trading relationships and stop being so dependent on a single partner, he added.

Donald Trump, the President of the United States posted on Truth Social a blog on Thursday. According to the report, illicit drugs including fentanyl have been smuggled at “unacceptable” levels into the U.S. Import taxes are supposed to pressure countries like China and India to stop trafficking.

He wrote: “We can’t allow the scourge of terrorism to continue harming the USA. Therefore, we will implement the proposed TARIFFS on MARCH 4th as planned, until the scourge stops or is severely limited.” China will also be assessed an extra 10% tariff on this date.

The Future

Mexico and Canada, as of yet, have not announced any official retaliatory action in response to impending tariffs. Although it’s widely expected they will do the same, there is no official confirmation. Further, Trump indicated on Twitter that he would be making an announcement about a new trade policy for April 2. This could cause further tensions with U.S. traders. The recent developments indicate that the trade tensions could continue to increase between the U.S.