The Star-Spangled Banner Booed At WWE Elimination Chamber 2025

The political tensions between the United States of America and Canada affected the opening of WWE Elimination Chamber.

Ahead of the main show getting underway, Elizabeth Irving sang 'The Star-Spangled Banner' which prompted loud boos throughout the United States national anthem from the fans inside Toronto's Rogers Centre. There were then loud cheers for 'O Canada', the Canadian national anthem.

The US national anthem has often been booed ahead of sporting events in Canada in recent months due to US President Donald Trump's comments that Canada could become the "51st state" of the United States. Trump has also proposed imposing tariffs on Canada which has prompted many Canadians to refuse to buy goods from the United States.

US/Canada tensions were a key element of the 4 Nations Face-Off Ice Hockey games between Canada and the United States earlier this year, with three fights taking place in the first nine seconds of the match when the teams first met. The two sides then met in the final of the tournament in Boston, Massachusetts which was won in overtime by Canada. After the game, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: "You can't take our country - and you can't take our game."

Sami Zayn stated ahead of Elimination Chamber that he didn't expect the political tensions to affect the show. That ultimately turned out to not be the case, however.

Cultaholic is now on WhatsApp! Follow us here. Sign up to the Cultaholic Wrestling Newsletter now.