CM Punk’s Public Plea: Boundaries Crossed Again
In late October 2025, CM Punk, the reigning WWE Champion, took to Instagram Stories with a pointed message for his fans: personal boundaries matter. Punk expressed frustration with fans who had escalated their support into outright harassment, showing up uninvited at airports and hotels. “Do not turn up at airports. Do not show up at hotels. I cannot believe I have to say this. DO NOT FOLLOW PEOPLE,” Punk wrote, making it clear that repeated boundary violations were no longer simply being brushed off—they would be treated as acts of stalking[1].
Despite Punk’s direct appeal, the issue came to a head just weeks later. In November, a TikTok user known as Kingofbundy posted videos of CM Punk and his wife, AJ Lee, arriving at the Hyatt Regency. The footage captured the couple during what was clearly their private time, and the TikToker’s commentary—complaining about Punk’s “dirty look”—set off a firestorm of backlash[1].
WWE Stars Targeted: Not Just Punk and AJ
The controversy didn’t stop with Punk and AJ Lee. In a separate video, Kingofbundy filmed WWE stars Bayley and Roxanne Perez entering the same hotel. The TikToker then escalated by capturing Punk in the lobby waiting for his food delivery, mocking him with an insulting caption. This repeated pattern of following talent in non-public spaces highlighted a troubling trend: wrestlers can’t escape the spotlight, even during downtime[1].
Fan Backlash and the Ethics of Fandom
The TikTok uploads triggered a wave of criticism from the WWE fanbase. Many fans condemned the behavior, referencing Punk’s previous statements about invasive encounters. One comment summed up the sentiment: “Y’all clearly aren’t fans of his, he’s talked about how much he hates people who do this.” Another echoed the discomfort of being followed to a hotel: “I would be mad too if a bunch of strangers followed me to my hotel room.”[1]
Supporters also pointed out that the incident wasn’t about a single wrestler being approached—it was about a married couple trying to enjoy some privacy. “He’s with his wife, leave them alone, they deserve privacy,” one fan wrote. Others recognized the crucial boundary between performer and person: “BROO outside of WWE he’s Phil and in WWE he’s CM Punk, he’s just trying to live his life.”[1]
WWE Locker Room Reacts: “We’re Not Attractions Outside the Arena”
The incident has reignited an ongoing conversation about celebrity privacy—particularly in professional wrestling, where stars are expected to maintain larger-than-life personas both on and off camera.
According to a WWE insider, the locker room mood is tense: “There’s a real concern right now. Most of us love our fans, but the line keeps getting pushed. We’re not attractions outside the arena—we’re people who need basic respect.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among talent who feel trapped by the expectation to be “on” 24/7[1].
Industry-Wide Issue: Privacy vs. Accessibility
CM Punk is far from the only wrestler dealing with these challenges. Across the industry, performers have shared stories of being followed through security, approached during meals, and even having fans request their room numbers at hotel front desks. While some fans view these interactions as a badge of honor, for the stars themselves, it’s a persistent source of anxiety.
Sources close to Bayley revealed that she was “shaken” by the incident, noting, “Bayley has always been great with fans, but there’s a difference between a quick autograph and someone filming you when you’re tired and off the clock.” Roxanne Perez reportedly told colleagues, “I love meeting fans, but not when I’m just trying to get some sleep before a show.”[1]
Celebrity Culture and Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword
Social media has dramatically changed the relationship between wrestlers and their audience. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter fuel fan engagement, but they also blur the line between public and private life. Viral videos can make anyone an overnight sensation, but they can also strip performers of their personal space.
The Kingofbundy controversy is a prime example: what started as a fan seeking content quickly became a public shaming, with thousands of users weighing in on the ethics of stalking versus support. The backlash on TikTok and other platforms demonstrates that most fans recognize boundaries—but the few who cross them can have outsized impact[1].
WWE’s Response: Calls for Policy Updates
The incident has prompted discussions within WWE management about updating protocols for talent safety and privacy. While security at arenas is already tight, measures at hotels and airports are harder to enforce. Some within WWE are calling for coordinated efforts with venues to ensure that stars don’t have to worry about being approached off-duty.
One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “We’re reviewing our guidelines. The safety and comfort of our talent is paramount. Fans need to understand when it’s appropriate—and when it’s not—to interact.”[1]
The Line Between Fandom and Obsession
Wrestling’s passionate fanbase is the lifeblood of the industry, but recent events underscore the need for clear boundaries. CM Punk’s message is echoed by colleagues: respect the performer as a person, not just an on-screen persona.
As the conversation continues, fans and wrestlers alike are grappling with a key question: Where is the line between enthusiastic support and invasive obsession? The answer may define the next era of WWE’s relationship with its audience.
Backstage Quote: Punk Addresses the Locker Room
Sources backstage revealed that Punk addressed the issue directly after the incident: “We pour our hearts into this business, but we’re entitled to a life outside the ring. If you’re a real fan, prove it by respecting that.”[1]
Final Thoughts: Setting New Standards
The Kingofbundy controversy has become a flashpoint for an industry-wide discussion about privacy, respect, and the evolving role of social media in wrestling culture. As WWE stars look for ways to protect their personal lives, the hope is that fans—armed with Punk’s words—will draw the line between admiration and intrusion, ensuring the magic of wrestling doesn’t come at the cost of human dignity.