No touching: The changing relationship between wrestlers and fans

In modern time, it’s best if fans keep their hands to themselves. | (Photo: WWE) When I began watching wrestling in 1985, it was common to see fans reaching over the guardrail to try to shake hands with or high-five the wrestlers as they came to the ring. Often, the babyfaces would greet the fans in return. Meanwhile, the heels would react by pulling their arms away and snarling at the fans. In Texas, where the Von Erichs were gods, female fans would pull them in for hugs all the time. The same was true for other heartthrobs like The Fabulous Ones and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express. But in 2026, touching the wrestlers has become a no-no or at least highly discouraged, and probably for good reason. This week alone, we covered two stories involving fans making contact with wrestlers, ranging from obnoxious to outright disrespectful. At Saturday Night’s Main Event last weekend, Fallon Henley was shoved by a young fan. She later posted on social media, “Don’t touch the wrestlers.” On Friday,