WATCH: CM Punk pays heartfelt tribute to 'New Found Glory' guitarist Chad Gilbert with special gesture at WWE Money in the Bank 2026

CM Punk made a memorable appearance on Saturday night at WWE Money in the Bank 2026. The former World Heavyweight Champion showed his emotional side to the WWE fans as he paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and 'New Found Glory' guitarist Chad Gilbert, who passed away last month following a battle with cancer. As Punk walked into the arena for the men's Money in the Bank ladder match, fans noticed something special about his entrance gear. The WWE superstar wore a shirt carrying a heartfelt message for the late musician, showing that some friendships remain close to the heart even after death.

PUNK HONORS LATE FRIEND CHAD GILBERT WITH 'CHADBALL' TRIBUTE

Punk made his way into the arena wearing a shirt featuring the word 'Chadball' across the front, a touching tribute to Gilbert, who died on September 20, 2026 due to complications related to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the adrenal glands.

The tribute carried a special meaning as 'Chadball' was inspired by Madball, the influential hardcore punk band that Gilbert admired throughout his musical career.

Gilbert was best known for his work with 'New Found Glory' and previously played with the hardcore band Shai Hulud. According to F4WOnline, members of New Found Glory also wore 'Chadball' shirts during their first performance following the guitarist's death, making Punk's gesture another heartfelt acknowledgment of his legacy.

PUNK MISSES MONEY IN THE BANK VICTORY AFTER EMOTIONAL ENTRANCE

Despite the meaningful tribute, Punk's night inside the ring ended in disappointment. The Chicago native entered the men's ladder match hoping to become the first wrestler to win the Money in the Bank briefcase three times. However, his pursuit ended after a chaotic contest that saw him repeatedly clash with Kevin Owens.

Punk was eventually taken out of contention when Bron Breakker delivered a devastating spear. Penta ultimately emerged victorious after hitting Breakker with a Mexican Destroyer on a ladder before climbing up to retrieve the briefcase.



Saturday's tribute was not the first time Punk had honored a late friend through his wrestling attire. Earlier this year, he remembered Bo Lueders, guitarist for the hardcore band Harm's Way and co-host of the Hardlore podcast, during WrestleMania. Lueders died in April.

Punk also lost another friend, former AEW wrestler Andy Williams, better known as 'The Butcher', on September 5. For Punk, whose ties to the hardcore music scene run deep, the "Chadball" tribute was more than just a gesture. It was a personal way of remembering a close friend during a year that has brought the loss of several people dear to him.