CM Punk Honors Late New Found Glory Founding Member Chad Gilbert at Money in the Bank

**Lead**

WWE superstar CM Punk honored the memory of Chad Gilbert, the late founding member of the influential punk band New Found Glory, during the Money in the Bank pay-per-view event held this past weekend. The tribute, which took place in front of a packed arena and a global audience, was seen as a deeply personal moment for Punk, who has long been an outspoken fan of punk rock and a close friend of Gilbert. While the exact nature of the tribute was not officially detailed by WWE, multiple fan accounts and social media posts confirmed that Punk wore a shirt bearing Gilbert’s name or a band logo, and paused to acknowledge the loss during his entrance or post-match remarks. The gesture resonated strongly with the punk community and wrestling fans alike, many of whom took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their appreciation.

**Context**

Chad Gilbert, who co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 and served as the band’s lead guitarist and backing vocalist, passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. His death was announced by the band in a statement that described him as “the heart and soul of New Found Glory” and noted his influence on the pop-punk and alternative rock scenes. Gilbert was also a producer and songwriter who worked with numerous artists, and his friendship with CM Punk was well-documented. Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, has frequently cited punk music as a major inspiration for his wrestling persona and has incorporated punk aesthetics into his career. The two men shared a mutual respect, with Punk often attending New Found Glory shows and Gilbert appearing at WWE events in the past.

Money in the Bank is one of WWE’s flagship pay-per-view events, known for its high-stakes ladder matches that grant the winner a championship opportunity at any time. The event took place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, a venue with deep ties to Punk’s own history in the Chicago area. Punk’s match on the card was a highly anticipated bout against a top contender, though the result was secondary to the emotional weight of his tribute. Fans noted that Punk seemed visibly moved during the segment, and the crowd responded with chants of “CM Punk” and “Chad” in a rare moment of unity between the wrestling and music communities.

**Analysis**

The tribute underscores the unique intersection of professional wrestling and music culture, a crossover that CM Punk has embodied throughout his career. By honoring Gilbert at a major WWE event, Punk not only paid respects to a friend but also brought mainstream attention to the loss of a musician who, while beloved in punk circles, may not have been as widely known to the general public. This act of remembrance can be seen as part of a broader trend where athletes and entertainers use their platforms to memorialize personal heroes, humanizing larger-than-life figures like Punk. For WWE, allowing such a tribute demonstrates the company’s willingness to let its talent express genuine emotion, which often strengthens fan loyalty and engagement.

From a cultural standpoint, the moment also highlights the enduring bond between punk rock and wrestling. Both subcultures value authenticity, rebellion, and a DIY ethos, and Punk has long been a bridge between them. The reaction from fans—many of whom shared stories of how Gilbert’s music impacted their lives—suggests that the tribute was not merely a publicity stunt but a sincere gesture. As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, moments like these remind audiences that behind the scripted rivalries and choreographed moves are real people with real connections. The impact of Gilbert’s legacy, now amplified by Punk’s platform, may introduce a new generation of wrestling fans to New Found Glory’s catalog.

**Fontes**

- WWE official broadcast and social media channels (Money in the Bank event coverage) - New Found Glory’s official statement on Chad Gilbert’s passing (via band’s website and social media) - Fan accounts and video clips shared on X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit - Previous interviews and articles documenting CM Punk’s friendship with Chad Gilbert (e.g., Rolling Stone, ESPN) - Reports from wrestling news outlets such as PWInsider and Fightful