After competing in his first match since September 2022, All Elite Wrestling star CM Punk used his platform to deliver a pro-Pride message, specifically in support of transgender kids.
Punk, who won his return match on Saturday, brought a fan into the ring holding a sign that read "Support LGBTQ+ Youth." The 44-year-old wrestler held up the sign himself to loud cheers from the audience.
Punk, whose real name is Phillip Brooks, then took a moment to address the audience and share a pro-LGBTQ+ message.
He told the crowd that he was criticized for sharing an Instagram post from Pretty Cool Ice Cream in Chicago promoting a "Protect Trans Kids" ice cream bar and a fundraising initiative for the transgender community in the area.
"I got a lot of hate for reposting that message,” Punk said, adding that he chose not to respond to the backlash because "You can't argue with stupid."
“The reason I support trans kids, trans grown-ups, gays, and lesbians is because I know when I was growing up, I didn’t fit in anywhere," he continued. "That it was because of the clothes I wore, what my hair looked like, the music I listened to. Those are all things I can rectify. I can comb my hair, I can listen to jazz, I don’t know what."
"But to be somebody who’s gay, lesbian, and especially trans -- I don’t know what it feels like to be trapped in a body that I don’t feel I belong in. That is why I support that.”
Punk concluded his speech in the midst of applause, saying, "Support trans kids, support gay and lesbian rights. I want everyone to be themselves. Just do no harm to everybody else. Thank you. I love you."
Photos and videos of the fan interaction and speech have gone viral on social media.
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