AEW wrestler’s speech backing ‘Trans Youth’ ignites social media buzz.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star CM Punk made waves on social media with his powerful message of support for “trans kids” during a recent wrestling event.

After returning to the ring following an injury, Punk noticed a sign from the crowd that read “Support LGBTQ+ Youth.” He invited the person holding the sign into the ring and spoke passionately for about two minutes.

Punk expressed his empathy for those who feel trapped in a body they don’t identify with, stating, “That is why I support that. Until I found pro-wrestling, and all the freaks and geeks in the locker room were just like me… Support trans kids, support for gays and lesbians,”he said.

CM PUNK SAID LGBTQ+ RIGHTS. HE SAID SUPPORT TRANS PEOPLE pic.twitter.com/LUj9zzsH4x

— abbi (@abbipaperbag) June 18, 2023

Joined by the tag team FTR, consisting of Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood, Punk proudly held up the fan’s sign and mentioned his support for a company that donates proceeds to “trans youth.”

Punk shared, “I reposted something for Pretty Cool Ice Cream. It was an ice cream bar where a portion of the proceeds went to support trans youth. I received a lot of hate for reposting that message.”

He continued, “Somebody on the Internet said, why do you support that trash? And I thought about replying, but you can’t argue with stupid, okay? You just both look stupid.”

Punk concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of self-expression and respect for others, stating, “I want everybody to be themselves. Just do no harm to everybody else. Thank you. I love you.”

Punk’s words sparked a lively debate on Twitter, with some fans urging him to focus solely on wrestling and entertainment, while others applauded his support for the LGBTQ+ community.

This is why I don’t watch AEW. Why are they shoving this down our throats on live TV? Even if you agree with him, just wrestle, entertain us. Who cares about your political view this is wrestling not CNN. pic.twitter.com/hZSXSxDr5j

— BJ 😃 (@WWETalkTime3) June 18, 2023

Others showed their support for Punk’s speech, highlighting that his remarks were made after the live TV show had ended. They also pointed out instances where WWE had promoted LGBTQ+ issues, such as a photo of WWE star Finn Baylor surrounded by fans wearing Pride rainbow colors.

“This is why I don’t watch AEW. Why are they shoving it down our throats on live TV?” 🙄 pic.twitter.com/BBnZmoHQId

— Cactus Jackhausen (@CactusJackhause) June 18, 2023

Punk’s speech ignited a Twitter feud between AEW wrestler Brody King and retired WWE wrestler Dutch Mantel. Mantel criticized Punk for bringing “political issues on a wrestling show” and referenced controversies surrounding Bud Light and Target’s support for transgender rights.

Is this a wise move… involving political issues on a wrestling show? I guess the issue that @budlight and @target have had with the LGBTQ topic has not reached @AEW. This shot didn’t make the show but the still photo is there. Comments. @WSI_YouTube pic.twitter.com/5EIU3WvruD

— 𝔻𝕣. 𝔻𝕦𝕥𝕔𝕙 (@DirtyDMantell) June 19, 2023

King shared Mantel’s post and condemned him, comparing him to racists and sexists, and calling him an “old bag of s***.”

You probably thought it was a political issue when Black people and Women wanted equal rights too, you old bag of shit. https://t.co/ZvIJJOsPFS

— Big Bad Brody King (@Brodyxking) June 19, 2023

Punk is undeniably one of AEW’s biggest stars, having achieved two AEW World Championship titles since joining the company in 2021. Prior to AEW, Punk had a successful career with WWE, winning multiple championships before parting ways in 2014.

This speech comes at a time when several states are enacting laws to protect minors from undergoing sex change procedures and receiving hormone treatments. These laws have garnered bipartisan support.