As previously reported, TMZ released a video of top WWE star CM Punk approaching a fan at a hotel following night two of WrestleMania 42 on Sunday. The incident occurred after the fan began filming Bayley hugging someone. Punk smacked the phone out of the fan’s hand, and security intervened shortly afterward. Although TMZ did not identify the woman Bayley was hugging, she clearly appears to be Punk’s wife, AJ Lee.
According to a report from PWInsider.com, multiple sources at the hotel stated that Punk and others were surrounded by fans eager to take photos while Bayley and Lee were talking. One source mentioned that just moments before the incident, Damian Priest had to help a female talent escape from fans trying to swarm her for photos and autographs, highlighting that similar situations occurred several times throughout the night. WWE has not released an official statement regarding the Punk incident at this time.
Concerns about the hotel had reportedly arisen among talent as early as Thursday, with inadequate security on Wednesday night beyond what the hotel itself provided. The hotel, which was part of a large casino, had no way to restrict fan access, meaning anyone could walk around the floor or access the elevators. The lobby was filled with fans, including those camping by the elevators, who would approach any talent they encountered, including referees, seeking photos and autographs.
The report also mentioned that the lack of security was a significant topic of discussion throughout the weekend. Numerous videos circulated online, showing WWE stars such as Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre being mobbed in the hotel, sometimes stopping to take photos and at other times trying to navigate through the crowd without assistance from security. There were no dedicated security personnel assigned to help or consult, nor was local police called to address the situation.
Additionally, the report notes that at least one incident occurred where a referee was nearly knocked down by a group of fans in the hotel. PWInsider.com highlighted that unless talent stayed completely hidden in their rooms — which is not feasible due to media commitments — they had to contend with the fan situation. One reader even mentioned being able to access an area that should have been restricted, where WWE talent were preparing for the Intercontinental Championship Match.
