Punk urges fans to stop harassing wrestlers after earning title shot

CM Punk warned fans to stop following and harassing wrestlers after he became the No. 1 contender for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship by winning a triple-threat main event on Monday Night Raw in Perth, Australia. The victory on October 13 earned him a title shot against Seth Rollins, and Punk used social media in the days after to urge people not to approach performers at airports or hotels.

Punk published a filmed statement on his Instagram Stories saying, "Do not turn up at airports. Do not show up at hotels. I cannot believe I have to say this. DO NOT FOLLOW PEOPLE." He added that individuals who continue to pursue wrestlers after being told no are not fans but stalkers who will be treated as such. He has made similar posts this year, at one point writing, "Stop touching strangers, PLEASE," and asking the public to respect privacy and not use children as an excuse to follow performers.

The No. 1 contender status returns Punk to the center of WWE's top title scene. The championship picture is unsettled: Rollins sustained an injury during a recent high-profile match, and WWE has written him off television following an on-air attack by former allies. Depending on Rollins'...