Wrestler CM Punk Goes Viral Standing Up for Trans Kids From Inside the Ring

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.