WWE Star CM Punk Honors Late Guitarist at Major Event
CM Punk stepped into the ring wearing a tribute to New Found Glory's Chad Gilbert, who died at 45 after battling cancer. The touching gesture shows how the wrestler has kept his friend's memory alive across multiple WWE events.
When CM Punk entered the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans for WWE's Money in the Bank, fans noticed something special on his white jacket. The phrase "ChadBall" was emblazoned on the right side of his chest, honoring his late friend Chad Gilbert.
Gilbert, a founding member of the rock band New Found Glory, passed away peacefully in September at age 45. He had fought adrenal cancer since 2021 and underwent brain surgery in February when doctors discovered tumors.
The guitarist died surrounded by family and friends, with his wife Lisa and mother Jackie by his side. His family shared that while he was known as a legendary musician, his favorite role was being a husband and father to his daughter Lily.
Punk's tribute runs deeper than a single jacket. When Gilbert's death was announced, the wrestler posted a heartfelt Instagram photo showing Gilbert playing with Punk's dog Larry, who also passed away earlier this year. "This isn't goodbye. I'll see you tomorrow," Punk wrote in the caption.
The friendship between the professional wrestler and the punk rock guitarist has been visible throughout WWE events over the years. Punk dedicated his victory at Bad Blood 2024 to Gilbert, keeping his friend's spirit present even during major career moments.
Why This Inspires
In a world of carefully managed celebrity images, Punk's consistent tribute to his friend shows genuine friendship transcending the spotlight. He didn't just post a quick memorial and move on. Instead, he's woven Gilbert's memory into his most public moments, turning personal grief into lasting honor.
The gesture reminds us that true friendship doesn't end with goodbye. By wearing his heart on his sleeve (or in this case, his jacket), Punk shows millions of wrestling fans what loyalty looks like. He transformed his platform into a memorial, ensuring that Gilbert's legacy reaches beyond music fans to an entirely new audience.
Friendship like this inspires us to honor the people who matter most, even when the world's watching.
Based on reporting by Fox News Latest Headlines (all sections)
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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