Two WWE stars found themselves on the receiving end of unwanted and inappropriate attention in the days leading up to WrestleMania 42.
Oba Femi was spotted outside his hotel just days before his scheduled match against Brock Lesnar at the Show of Shows when a group of autograph scalpers approached him. Video of the incident showed the group hovering nearby and staring at Femi in an attempt to get his attention for items they intended to resell. Femi chose to ignore them and continued waiting outside his hotel without engaging.
Dominik Mysterio faced a different but equally uncomfortable situation when he was confronted by an angry individual after declining requests for photos and autographs. Footage showed Mysterio exiting a vehicle as multiple people approached him. One person in the group could be heard telling him to “have a heart” before adding, “don’t forget, we made you.”
The comment drew a sharp reaction online, with many pointing out that performers are not obligated to fulfill fan requests outside of scheduled appearances and paid meet-and-greet events. Telling a professional athlete or entertainer that fans are responsible for their success as a means of pressuring them into compliance is a tactic that has been widely criticized.
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Both incidents are part of a broader pattern of WWE talent being harassed in public settings in the lead-up to WrestleMania 42. Stephanie Vaquer recently addressed a fan who followed her outside Madison Square Garden on her birthday after she politely declined autograph requests, making hurtful comments and continuing to film her despite repeated requests to stop. Vaquer’s response on social media drew widespread support.
The issue is not new to the Mysterio family. Rey Mysterio faced similar pressure from fans in the past when he declined to sign multiple items at once, having suspected the items were intended for resale rather than personal collections. That suspicion is well founded, as professional autograph scalpers regularly target athletes and entertainers in hotel lobbies, airports, and event venues in cities hosting major shows.
WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
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