Kick streamer N3on apologizes after a backstage mix-up with WWE star Penta
Kick streamer N3on found himself in hot water after accidentally filming WWE star Penta without his mask in a backstage area. N3on, who has 681,000 followers, was streaming live for seven hours on the first day of Fanatics Fest in New York City—a big sports festival featuring stars from football, NBA, NFL, tennis, and more.
WWE had a strong presence at the event, with appearances from John Cena, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, and Intercontinental champion Penta. However, a bit of drama happened when N3on, whose real name is Mikyle Rafiq, ran into Penta.
In Lucha Libre tradition, Penta always wears his mask during public appearances. But back at the Javits Center, away from his signings, Penta was walking around without it, only with face paint on. N3on, who had backstage access, introduced himself to Penta and Stephanie Vaquer while streaming live.
His camera caught Penta walking by without his mask, which was placed on a table behind him. When Penta realized he was briefly filmed, he told N3on, “I use [a] mask,” then asked, “No camera?” and finally, “Can you delete this please?” N3on agreed, even though the clip was already live. He looked surprised and unsure what to do.
The clip quickly spread across social media and got millions of views. The next day, a security guard at the festival talked to N3on about the incident, mentioning he had seen the video online and reminding him about the rules against filming in the green room.
“Yesterday you guys took a video of the wrestler with his face painted and you posted it,” he said, explaining that recording wasn’t allowed there.
Despite this, N3on was still allowed to attend WWE’s show at Madison Square Garden and streamed almost the entire event after getting the okay.
During that stream, N3on addressed the controversy and apologized. He said, “I just wanted to apologize. It was a clear misunderstanding. They told him he could take his mask off in that area, and they told me I could stream there. It just clashed and stuff happened. I never meant to expose you on purpose, and I’m sorry.”
N3on was even shown on WWE’s official broadcast and shared that fans booed him when his face appeared on the screen.
In Mexican wrestling culture, masks are very important, and Penta wears his for all public appearances. He has said he’d only remove it in a special match against his brother Rey Fenix.