On January 27, 2026, a Canadian wrestler known as Kato, whose real name is Stewy Seunnapha, was dismissed from Real Canadian Wrestling after dressing as a U.S. immigration officer during a match in Edmonton. This incident occurred on the same day that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and killed a protester, Alex Pretti, in Minnesota, highlighting the tensions surrounding the agency.
Steven Ewaschuk, the owner of Real Canadian Wrestling, expressed that the promotion does not support or condone the violent actions associated with ICE. In an interview, Ewaschuk stated, "Real Canadian Wrestling is not a promotion that supports this kind of violence," and added that the current climate is "terrifying," having empathy for the families affected by such incidents.
Seunnapha's ring entrance featured the song "Ice Ice Baby," and he wore a black vest with "ICE" written on the back using duct tape. Ewaschuk, who acknowledged Seunnapha's nearly two-decade-long presence in wrestling, noted that he did not believe the wrestler intended any harm by adopting this gimmick. However, the owner remarked that the ICE vest was deemed "too far" and ultimately led to Seunnapha's removal from the company.
Throughout his wrestling career, Seunnapha has typically performed as a character who, humorously, never wins his matches. Ewaschuk described him as a "fun-loving" competitor, with past gimmicks often involving pro-American themes, including wearing a rubber mask resembling former U.S. President Donald Trump. In this context, the decision to don the ICE vest was judged unacceptable, leading to immediate consequences.
After the event, Seunnapha took to social media to apologize for his costume choice, stating that he does not support ICE and had not communicated his plans to the promoters beforehand. His apology included the acknowledgment of full responsibility for his actions, which he asserted did not reflect the values of Real Canadian Wrestling.
The incident has sparked criticism from fans, who questioned how such a costume and walkout music could go unnoticed before the event. Ewaschuk admitted that he would aspire to be more present in the locker rooms prior to matches in the future. He explained that the sound system during the event was managed by a young volunteer focused on technical aspects, leading to oversights regarding the wrestler's entrance.
This controversial episode occurred against a backdrop of increased scrutiny and protests against ICE in the United States. The agency has been in the spotlight due to its involvement in violent incidents, including the recent shooting of protesters in Minnesota, which heightened public concern and anger. Following the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions issued a statement denouncing ICE and expressing solidarity with Pretti's family and colleagues.
The federation characterized the events as "unthinkable," asserting the community's support for the values Pretti embodied. The situation exemplifies the growing divisions and tensions surrounding law enforcement practices in the United States, provoking reactions across the border in Canada, where the actions of U.S. officials have elicited significant condemnation.
