NJPW Issues Statement Asking Fans To Refrain From Contact With Wrestlers Outside Of Designated Fan Events

New Japan Pro Wrestling issues a statement regarding fans attempting to meet with wrestlers.

Many videos of fans waiting at airports and hotels for wrestlers have went viral in recent months. Many other fans have criticized this behavior, noting that it violates the private and personal time that the performers have away from the squared circle.

It appears that NJPW is going to begin cracking down on this behavior, as the promotion released a statement on Monday, October 30. The statement asks for fans to refrain from making contact with NJPW wrestlers outside of officially designated fan meeting events, noting that it takes away from their personal time. The promotion also noted that future behavior like this that is considered to be “overtly aggressive” will be discussed with local law enforcement.

From NJPW:

Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

On principle, we ask fans to refrain from contact with NJPW wrestlers outside of officially designated fan meeting events. This includes waiting for wrestlers on entrance and exits from venues. 

Please bear in mind that around venues and hotels where wrestlers are staying, waiting for wrestlers and pressuring for autographs and pictures puts a strain on personal time as well as disrupts regular business for other guests and staff. 

Please understand that in future actions deemed to be overtly aggressive or be construed as stalking will be discussed with local law enforcement and dealt with appropriately.

We kindly ask fans to refrain from the following:

Waiting at Dojos, venues, hotels and places of transit (airports etc) for wrestlers as well as photography and video taken without consent.

Approaching wrestlers and requesting photographs and autographs outside of designated meet and greet events. 

Directly bringing gifts and fan mail to wrestlers.

Gathering in large numbers around venues for wrestlers.

NJPW and its wrestlers deeply appreciate the support of our great fans and ask for your co-operation in respecting personal space as well as local residents and institutions.

Fans can keep up with the latest results from New Japan Pro Wrestling shows by visiting our results section.