MURPHY: Asuka's warnings on social media a reminder for fans to respect wrestlers' privacy
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Hey, you! The guy in the airport scanning for World Wrestling Entertainment stars as they arrive or depart for their next event!
And you, the dude using his kids as bait to stop a WWE star outside their hotel!
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MURPHY: Asuka's warnings on social media a reminder for fans to respect wrestlers' privacy Back to video
And you, the person who interrupts a WWE star during their meal, or workout, or a conversation!
Just chill.
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Scary stuff was posted by WWE superstar Asuka on her social media this week, detailing how she’s “feeling in danger” lately when it comes to interactions with fans.
The four-time women’s world champion posted on her X account on Wednesday, expressing worries and fears over recent fans’ interactions with her and their desire for a romantic relationship. They were concerning enough that she contacted law enforcement about it.
“I’ve been feeling in danger recently,” Asuka wrote. “I’ve already consulted the police. At this rate, even if fans approach me at the airport or in the city, I will feel the possibility that something might happen, and it will scare me, making me unable to respond.”
You, that fan, NOT COOL!
A long time ago, over dinner with Tommy Dreamer, I asked what etiquette should be used as a fan when it comes to asking for an autograph, and when it’s appropriate.
He told me that you never bother them while they’re eating or in a conversation. At the airport is iffy, as most times, they’re restricted just like anyone in terms of getting to where they need to go. A polite hello, maybe a selfie, but don’t push it.
But to go so far as to make a person feel unsafe or threatened, that crosses some serious boundaries of even being a decent human being.
I get it, you’re a fan. So am I. And it would take every ounce of strength within me to leave Stone Cold Steve Austin alone should I encounter him on my travels, but I’d like to think the decent human being in me would overrule the fanboy.
And, honestly, it’s one thing to approach a six foot, 280-pound man who could whoop your ass in an instant and get in their face. But it’s a whole other thing to make a woman feel unsafe — it’s just gross.
That Asuka even had to post about this says something.
The Japanese star, who is pretty private outside the ring, also said that she will “absolutely reject any romantic or personal approaches toward me.”
“Please don’t have romantic feelings for me,” Asuka wrote. “It’s meaningless — 100% pointless. There is absolutely no possibility for others to interfere in my private life.”
Deranged or pushing fans aren’t new to sports, or sports entertainment.
In 2020, fellow WWE star Sonya Deville was the subject of harassment when a fan, Phillip Thomas, drove from South Carolina to the Tampa area with the intent to kidnap Deville while carrying a knife, zip ties, duct tape and mace — even breaking into her home.
In 2023, the crazed fan was sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempted kidnapping, aggravated stalking and armed burglary.
In August 2015, police shot 29-year-old Armando Montalvo outside the Performance Center after he threatened them and ignored commands. Montalvo was “obsessed” with female wrestler AJ Lee, the wife of CM Punk, and made numerous attempts to trespass through the facility, despite an injunction against him by WWE.
These are but two examples in recent years of fans abusing the already-wide boundaries afforded them by WWE talent, which are much, much more accessible than sports stars and actors, despite enjoying equal or great fame as many in sports or film and TV.
As someone who has covered this industry for upward of three decades, I’ve seen professional wrestlers change lives with a simple high five, create magical moments that will last a lifetime with a simple autograph or a photo op and inspire generations to follow with just a few kind words.
Let’s remember that kindness can be — should be — a two-way street.
Don’t be a creep.
Jan Murphy is a journalist and former editor with the Kingston Whig-Standard, a national pro wrestling columnist and has never sought an autograph at an airport.
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