WWE World Tag Team Champion Kofi Kingston recently gave some strong words about fan behavior. He particularly spoke about personal boundaries after a disrespectful encounter on an airplane.
Speaking with Adrian Hernandez on the “Unlikely” show, the member of The New Day made it clear. Holding a ticket does not give fans the right to demand personal interactions from WWE Superstars.
Kingston was very direct about fans who feel they are owed something because they are supporters. “That’s a big ‘don’t.’ Like, don’t talk to me,” he stated.
He continued, “Don’t think that because you bought a ticket, you have the right to shake my hand… Don’t come up to me saying, ‘Well, I bought a ticket to the show, so I should be able to get a picture, and you’re obligated to come over to me!'”
Kingston firmly added to this point, “That is not true. I don’t have to do that.”
He also set clear lines about when fans should not approach him for photos or autographs. This includes early in the morning when he is trying to go to work or while he is traveling.
He specifically mentioned an incident involving a fan on a plane who acted disrespectfully for social media attention. “If I’m sitting in first class while you are on your way to ‘last class,’ don’t sit there with your camera and do a thumbs down just so you can get a little viral shot,” Kingston warned.
He then told those fans who create such content, “And then go tweet that stuff out.” Kingston also had a message for other WWE fans regarding how they react to such online posts.
“And to everyone else seeing that: don’t ‘like’ those posts,” he urged fellow WWE fans. “Don’t hit ‘like’ on pictures and posts when people share disrespectful stuff like that.”
He explained further why this kind of online support is harmful. “Don’t ‘like’ them, because you perpetuate that. You perpetuate the negativity.”
Kingston finished by saying his achievements in WWE speak for themselves against any negative comments or disrespect. “If I am in my everyday life… I don’t need you to tell me how much I suck… Look here! You see this? …That means that I don’t suck!”
He concluded with a reminder of his current status, “So don’t come across as a liar when you tell me that I do. I’m on top of the mountain with my boy Xavier Woods, one-half of the WWE World Tag Team Champions! We are your boys, The New Day!”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
