AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page made headlines after Wednesday’s Dynamite (Oct. 1), using social media to blast commercials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that aired during the show. In the same post, he also confirmed his upcoming title defense against Samoa Joe at WrestleDream.
Page didn’t hold back in his statement: “f–k ICE airing commercials during Dynamite, let ’em know:” He then shared links for fans to send feedback directly to the network and streaming service. The message ended with the announcement of his championship match with Joe.
The bout was set up earlier in the night during Dynamite’s sixth-anniversary episode. Page and Joe teamed with Powerhouse Hobbs to defeat the Death Riders, but tensions exploded right after the victory. Joe attacked Page, sparking a brawl that required security to break up.
Backstage segments later provided the storyline hook. Page issued the challenge, acknowledging Joe’s past help in his feud with the Death Riders, which started before Page’s AEW World Title win at All In. Joe, a former world champion himself, accepted. His motivation: to confront what he called disrespect. WrestleDream will mark the first singles clash between the two stars.
Page’s comments also reflect AEW’s culture of allowing wrestlers to speak their minds. President Tony Khan has said he supports talent expressing personal views—previously addressing both Page’s activism and Brody King’s “Abolish ICE” shirt at Grand Slam Mexico.