Brody King has been taking his Abolish ICE t-shirt and message from Arena México to AEW programming, all the way to comics. It’s been an impressive thing to witness. He represents a kind of bravery that isn’t all that common in the wrestling world. He’s standing up against injustice and making his very presence become a signal booster for the very direct and aptly aggressive sentiment of putting a stop to the mechanisms through which immigrants are being persecuted.
To further this message, fans can now pre-order a brand new variant of Brody’s Headlocked comic “Tales from the Road: Hardcore” featuring an “Abolish ICE”-themed cover illustrated by the great Daniel Warren Johnson (Do A Powerbomb). The book’s interior art is done by Doug Hills. All the proceeds go to MIRAC: Minnesota Immigrant Resource Action Committee (which provides food and legal aid to immigrants). The comic will be shipping in February.
The comic, co-created with Michael Kingston of Headlocked Comics, had already succeeded in raising funds for families affected by ICE thanks to a Michel Mulipola “Abolish ICE” variant cover that went on sale at SDCC ‘25. Some $4000 were raised for the Local Hearts Foundation to help feed families that suffered through the Los Angeles ICE raids.
Brody had previously raised $27k with another “Abolish ICE” design he turned into a t-shirt, proving how popular and powerful the message is and how many wrestling fans seemingly agree with it.
The DWJ variant comes in three versions: the black and white virgin cover, a metal cover of the original B&W image, and a bloody chain cover. A Brody signature can be added for an extra cost.
There’s a history of activism and support from individual wrestlers in the industry at key moments in American history. Mick Foley, for instance, has been very vocal about his views on the Trump administration and how it has targeted certain group for political gain. Just recently, he refused to renew his WWE “Legends” contract in protest of the company’s ties to the President and his harmful rhetoric.
Seth Rollins has publicly supported the Black Lives Matter movement on social media, sharing posts that boosted their messages when protests were at their peak. Jesse Ventura has also voiced alarm against ICE’s tactics and how they infringe on American liberties.
Some other notable cases include Kenny Omega and CM Punk’s support of the trans community. Punk had a trans pride shirt that was available for purchase through the AEW online shop, that he wore on televised shows. Omega would purposefully go ringside to bring attention to fan posters showcasing pro-trans messages, pointing the cameras to them.
And then there’s the case of Memphis wrestling legend Sputnik Monroe in the 1950s-60s. A huge draw as a heel in the Tennessee circuit, Monroe would demand wrestling events be segregated or he wouldn’t perform. He was instrumental in making the city a wrestling haven, and his dedication to inclusion in the stands was a big part of that.
AEW stars Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale have made it clear they support the Queer community and invite whichever coded readings the audience might give their story arcs with open arms. It should be noted that, in general, AEW is often perceived as a more progressive wrestling promotion than WWE. A quick search makes it quite clear that there’s more ideological representation there than in the house Vince McMahon built. Brody seems to be in a place where his activism is not met with the resistance he would’ve faced elsewhere.
With the temperature rising fast around ICE and their assaults on migrants, innocents, and protesters, comics and wrestling initiatives like Brody’s, Warren Johnson’s, and Headlocked’s are more than just admirable. They’re necessary. Some of the covers are already sold out, so make sure to head over to Headlocked’s online store quick before it all runs out. It’s for a cause that deserves stepping into the ring for.
