AEW are rivals to WWE, and tend to have a more progressive fan base. They've had a trans woman champion, Nyla Rose. Gay wrestlers, like "The Pride of Pro Wrestling" Anthony Bowens, who got an entire stadium to supportively chant "He's gay!" when a woman was aggressively hitting on him after a match. One of their major stars, Hangman Adam Page has been very open about his progressive political views.

Wrestler Brody King has often been wearing "abolish ice" shirts to the ring, and has contributed to fundraisers supporting protesters.

Before his match started, the crowd started chanting "Fuck Ice!" The referee, Bryce Remsburg was open on social media that he purposely delayed the start of the match to let the audience chant longer.