Canadians boo US national anthem at WWE event; Pat McAfee calls them ‘terrible’
The WWE Elimination Chamber event in Toronto took an unexpected turn as fans booed the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by American singer Elizabeth Irving. The chorus of boos raining down during the national anthem left many shocked and disappointed, including sports commentator Pat McAfee who loudly criticized the Canadian fans and the country as a whole during the Peacock broadcast.
This incident comes on the heels of a series of anthem-related controversies between the United States and Canada. During the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off exhibition tournament, fans from both countries booed each other’s anthems, sparking tensions between the hockey-loving nations. The booing began in Montreal when Canadian fans expressed their displeasure with President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs and suggestions of Canada becoming the 51st state.
The animosity continued as Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem at multiple games, leading to on-ice altercations between players. The U.S. retaliated by booing the Canadian anthem at a game in Boston, further escalating tensions between the neighboring countries.
In the midst of these anthem controversies, prominent figures like Canadian men’s soccer coach Jesse Marsch and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky have been vocal about their opinions. Marsch condemned Trump’s remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state, calling them insulting and expressing his shame as an American. Gretzky, on the other hand, faced criticism for his apparent support of Trump, leading to a public declaration of his loyalty to Canada.
The rift between the U.S. and Canada extended to sports legends like Bobby Orr, who defended Gretzky against the backlash and expressed disappointment in the treatment of the hockey icon. Gretzky’s wife, Janet, also weighed in on social media, expressing gratitude for Orr’s support and emphasizing Gretzky’s pride in being Canadian.
As tensions between the two countries continue to simmer, the imposition of tariffs by Trump in response to drug trafficking at the U.S.-Canadian border looms large. The pause in tariffs agreed upon for 30 days is set to expire soon, potentially reigniting the trade dispute between the neighbors.
The anthem controversies and political tensions between the U.S. and Canada have not only spilled onto the ice and the wrestling ring but have also divided sports fans and iconic figures, highlighting the complexities of the relationship between these two North American nations.
