The fan whose phone was knocked away by CM Punk in a Las Vegas hotel lobby following WrestleMania 42 has spoken to TMZ — and his request is considerably more measured than the incident’s online reception might suggest. Speaking anonymously, the fan said he has no intention of pursuing legal action and is asking only for a personal acknowledgment from Punk.
“I want an apology — shake my hand — I’m not gonna sue him or put him in jail. I just want an apology,” the fan said. Additional footage released by TMZ has provided more context around what happened before Punk knocked the phone down. The video shows Bayley and AJ Lee being filmed by multiple fans in the hotel lobby before the two sought privacy by moving toward an elevator bank — only for the fan in question to follow them. Bayley put her hand up to block the man’s phone and told him to leave, before Punk stepped in and knocked it away. Ace Steel and security intervened to prevent any further escalation.
CM Punk Has Previously Spoken Out Strongly Against Fans Who Track Down Wrestlers at Hotels and Airports
The incident occurred shortly after Punk main evented WrestleMania 42 Night Two in a loss to Roman Reigns. Security throughout WrestleMania weekend has been described as an ongoing concern, with reports suggesting not enough was done to give performers privacy while navigating public hotel areas filled with fans. Punk has previously been vocal about his opposition to fans who show up at hotels and airports seeking out wrestlers — making his reaction in the moment consistent with a position he has advocated for publicly over many years. Punk subsequently appeared on Raw after WrestleMania and teased an upcoming program with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
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