CM Punk Raises Over $50,000 for Local Chicago Animal Charity

The WWE World Heavyweight Champion teamed up with a pizza restaurant to support PAWS Chicago through a specialty pizza sale.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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CM Punk, the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, has raised over $51,000 for PAWS Chicago, a local animal shelter, through a partnership with Piece Chicago pizza. The two organizations created a specialty pizza called "The Larry" in honor of Punk's late pet, with $70 from each $35 pizza sale going to the charity. In total, 730 pizzas were sold, resulting in the substantial donation to help provide care and find homes for deserving pets.

Why it matters

This campaign highlights Punk's commitment to giving back to his local community in Chicago, even as he maintains a busy schedule as the WWE champion. The funds raised will make a significant impact on PAWS Chicago's ability to fulfill its mission of animal rescue and adoption. Additionally, the partnership with a popular local business like Piece Chicago helped drive awareness and support for the cause.

The details

Punk and Piece Chicago created the specialty "The Larry" pizza, with $70 from each $35 pizza sale going to PAWS Chicago. The campaign ran for an unspecified period, during which 730 pizzas were sold, resulting in the $51,000 donation to the animal shelter.

  • The campaign ran in the weeks leading up to WWE Elimination Chamber, which takes place on February 28, 2026 in Chicago.

The players

CM Punk

The current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, who initiated the fundraising campaign for PAWS Chicago in honor of his late pet.

Piece Chicago

A local pizza restaurant in Chicago that partnered with CM Punk on the "Slice To Meet You" campaign to raise funds for PAWS Chicago.

PAWS Chicago

A local animal shelter and rescue organization that received the $51,000 donation from the campaign.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you, CM Punk. You've helped give so many deserving pets the chance to live and bring joy to the lives they touch. You are our champion.”

— Piece Chicago (Social media post)

What’s next

CM Punk is scheduled to defend his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 28, 2026 in Chicago.

The takeaway

CM Punk's charitable efforts, even amidst his busy schedule as WWE champion, demonstrate his commitment to giving back to his local community in Chicago. The successful fundraising campaign for PAWS Chicago shows how athletes can leverage their platform to make a meaningful impact on causes they care about.