WWE star CM Punk competed at the Money in the Bank event in New Orleans wearing a tribute to a friend he lost last month.
Punk entered the Smoothie King Center in a white jacket bearing the phrase “ChadBall” on the right side of his chest. WWE announcer Corey Graves told viewers the detail honored Chad Gilbert, founding member of the band New Found Glory, who died at 45 after battling adrenal cancer.
Gilbert had fought the disease since 2021 and underwent brain surgery in February after doctors found tumors. His family and his band announced his death in a joint statement posted to social media on Sept. 20.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep. He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished,” the statement read. “We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true.”
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
When news of Gilbert’s death broke, Punk posted a photo to Instagram showing the musician playing with Punk’s dog Larry, who also died earlier this year. “This isn’t goodbye. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Punk wrote.
This wasn’t the first time Punk has carried Gilbert’s memory into the ring. He dedicated a win at Bad Blood 2024 to his friend as well.
