CM Punk Paid Tribute to Chad Gilbert at Money in the Bank
The wrestler wore a jacket honoring the late New Found Glory guitarist during his entrance at the event.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Wrestling
CM Punk wore a tribute jacket labeled CHADBALL at the 2026 WWE Money in the Bank event to honor the late musician Chad Gilbert. The gesture served as a public remembrance following the guitarist's death earlier this year.
Why it matters
The jacket served as a personal tribute to the late musician and friend of CM Punk. The wrestler previously honored Gilbert publicly following his 2024 match against Drew McIntyre.
Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist of the band New Found Glory, died at age 45. CM Punk made the gesture during his entrance at the Money in the Bank event, a match type he has previously won 2 times.
The players
CM Punk
He is a professional wrestler who is well-known for his time in WWE and for his public friendships with various musicians.
Chad Gilbert
He was the founding guitarist of the pop-punk band New Found Glory and passed away at age 45.
Corey Graves
He is a WWE commentator who identified the tribute on the broadcast.
WWE
This organization is the primary provider of professional wrestling events and media.
The details
CM Punk walked to the ring wearing a white jacket featuring the name CHADBALL as a tribute to the late New Found Glory guitarist. WWE commentator Corey Graves noted the specific reference on the jacket during the live broadcast of the event.
Timeline
2024: CM Punk mentioned Chad Gilbert after defeating Drew McIntyre.
September 20, 2026: Chad Gilbert passed away.
October 2026: CM Punk wore the tribute jacket at Money in the Bank.
The Big Picture
The tribute follows the pattern established by CM Punk's 2024 post-match tribute to Chad Gilbert. It reinforces the intersection between professional wrestling culture and the music scene that has long influenced the industry.
The jacket served as a direct tribute to the late guitarist and friend of the wrestler. Fans observed the reference during the Money in the Bank entrance, highlighting the personal connection between the two figures.
The takeaway
This tribute highlights the deep personal connections that often exist between wrestlers and the music community. It serves as a reminder of how high-profile athletes use their platforms to honor their peers after their passing.
Further reading
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