CM Punk wanted to do something special for his longtime fans in Chicago due to the support they gave him over the years while he was away from wrestling. 

When he returned to the business in August 2021 at AEW Rampage: The First Dance, Punk went all out while in the spot after seven long years of fans chanting his name. Now, he has given insight into how much money he had to shell out to give all the fans who attended that episode ice cream. 

During a sit-down interview on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and T.J. Jefferson, Punk revealed that he spent $40,000 of his own money on ice cream bars for every fan in attendance that night. 

The gesture was made out of sympathy and empathy for people. He also understands why wrestlers may have been upset with him while the fans chanted for Punk while working in the ring.

“Anytime they were in Chicago, there was anticipation or hope that I’d show up,” Punk explained. “That’s why I spent $40,000 on ice cream bars when I came back in 2021—because that was legit a thank you.”

Punk added, “I wouldn’t be anywhere, and I wouldn’t be back here if it wasn’t for a great many circumstances, but one of them is the fans—especially in Chicago.”