The fan‑related incidents that surfaced online during WrestleMania 42 weekend were only a small sample of what WWE talent experienced at the company‑assigned hotel, according to extensive reporting from Fightful. Wrestlers across all locker rooms described the situation as far more chaotic and intrusive than the public realized, with many expressing frustration at what they viewed as a lack of adequate security from WWE and TKO.

Fightful noted that when wrestlers were asked about hotel security, several responded with the same question: “What security?” The sentiment was nearly unanimous — talent believe WWE and TKO should provide on‑site security at major events, especially when performers are housed in a centralized location. While talent typically book their own hotels for most shows, WWE arranges accommodations for WrestleMania. Even so, multiple wrestlers chose to stay elsewhere specifically to avoid crowds of fans and autograph seekers, though doing so reportedly complicates WWE’s travel logistics.

WWE Talent Slam Security Issues at WrestleMania 42

The incidents that did become public represented only a fraction of what occurred. CM Punk knocked a fan’s phone away after the individual followed AJ Lee and Bayley into an elevator bank. Nearly every wrestler Fightful spoke to said the fan “had it coming,” with only one talent suggesting Punk should have handled it differently given his history. WWE sources do not expect legal action.

Other issues included Royce Keys asking a fan to respect his time, Booker T revealing that a fan filmed him in a bathroom — something multiple wrestlers privately echoed — and Seth Rollins nudging a fan who stepped directly into his path while he and Becky Lynch were walking through the hotel. Sean Waltman said he was physically assaulted and had a camera shoved in his face. Damian Priest confronted a fan who refused to respect the personal space of female wrestlers.

A WWE source also raised concerns about physical contact at Meet and Greets, noting that videos have surfaced of fans initiating unsolicited hugs with talent. The source encouraged fans to avoid physical contact unless invited, citing both comfort and health concerns.

Talent offered various theories on why the situation has escalated. One wrestler pointed to rising prices under TKO and Fanatics, suggesting that fans who can no longer afford official meet‑and‑greet access instead approach wrestlers in uncontrolled environments. “They charge inaccessible prices,” the wrestler said.

Others expressed frustration with fan behavior. Drew McIntyre said fans often use their children to pressure wrestlers into signing items, adding, “If we don’t, they put phones in our face and try to guilt trip us.” Another superstar offered a more resigned perspective: “It’s WrestleMania and there are wrestling fans in town. What do people expect?” A staff member joked that talent “should be allowed to superkick one annoying fan a day.”

One prominent women’s wrestler summarized the structural issue bluntly: “It’s Vegas, we were fed from the beginning. WWE never actually pre‑arranges good security. It’s like they wait until s*t happens, then they do damage control or add security. We love the personal security teams, and they did as much as they could, but hotel security was busy taking care of the problems you already have in Las Vegas.”

Across the board, talent agreed that the responsibility now falls on TKO and WWE — either provide proper security at major events or begin covering the cost for talent to hire their own.

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