CM Punk, the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, recently revealed a deeply emotional reason for his latest tattoo, commemorating his late dog Larry. The tattoo, featuring Larry’s paw print, is inked just below Punk’s chest to keep the memory close and visible. The Second City Saint shared this tribute shortly after Larry’s passing in December 2025, a loss that profoundly affected him and AJ Lee.
The Relationship Between CM Punk and Larry
In a heartfelt interview, Punk recounted how Larry’s paw was a subtle yet persistent way his dog communicated his needs. Punk described Larry’s behavior when he needed attention, explaining how the dog would gently “beat” him and finally stand on his chest, staring until Punk responded, usually by offering a walk. This intimate moment of connection lives on as the inspiration for the tattoo.
“The Larry tattoo is, it is obviously his paw print, umm, that I knew I was gonna get eventually, and it’s just a fun way to remember him. He would stand on me if I was lying down, and [if] he needed anything, he would get up, and he would kind of beat me a little bit, and I would ignore him playfully, and then he would just stand on my chest and stare at me until I would finally say, ‘Do you wanna go for a walk?’ And he would get all excited, so his foot would go right there, and his other foot would just hit me in the face,” he said.
Placement and Pain of the Tattoo
Punk chose the location of the tattoo deliberately to ensure it would always be seen and serve as a daily reminder of his beloved companion. Despite the pain involved in getting the tattoo, he described the process as bittersweet, representing the mixture of grief and joy connected with Larry’s memory. For Punk, the tattoo is a tribute to the joy Larry brought to his life, even amid the sorrow of losing him.
“And I’m also kind of out of space, and I didn’t know where else to put it. So, I put it right there because it’s, I mean, you can’t miss it. It’s super visible. Umm, and it was painful, and I think that’s kind of beautiful in a way too… It was the worst day of my life, but he gave me so many great days. So, it’s just a way to remember him,” he added.
CM Punk’s Reaction to Larry’s WWE Legacy
Following the announcement that Larry would be featured as an in-game manager in WWE 2K26 MyFACTION mode, Punk opened up about how much this tribute means to him in a conversation with GAMING BIBLE. He expressed how Larry’s death has left a lasting emotional impact, revealing that he has been moved to tears daily since Thanksgiving. Yet, remembering Larry also brings smiles amid the pain.
“It means a lot. I’ve cried once a day since Thanksgiving, you know, so it’s still pretty fresh, and it’s still pretty raw. I don’t know if it’s ever gonna go away, but looking at pictures of him always makes me smile. Being able to share that joy with the world, it means a lot, you know,” he said.
Upcoming WWE Championship Match
Amid this emotional period, CM Punk remains focused on his upcoming WWE World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. The bout is highly anticipated and carries significant weight for Punk, who balances personal loss with the pressure of maintaining his status as “The Best in the World.”
Emotional Impact and Legacy of Punk’s Tribute
CM Punk’s decision to honor Larry with a visible tattoo highlights the profound bond between athletes and their companions. It reflects a deeply personal way to cope with grief while sharing the memory of Larry with fans globally. The inclusion of Larry as a character in WWE 2K26 further solidifies the dog’s lasting influence within the wrestling community, blending Punk’s personal story with his professional journey.
