Former Divas Champion AJ Lee issued an emotional statement today regarding the passing of her and CM Punk’s beloved dog, Larry. While World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk originally announced the news in December 2025, AJ broke her silence on Instagram on January 13, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the famous rescue dog.
In her post, AJ thanked fans for their donations to the animal rescue organization PAWS Chicago in Larry’s memory. She detailed Larry’s difficult beginnings. AJ highlighted the profound impact Larry had on her mental health, crediting him with helping her through “depressive cycles” and becoming her emotional support.
She also celebrated his rise to fame, pointing out that he went from a “discarded underdog” to having his face on merchandise, action figures, and billboards at the United Center. Check out her statement below:
“Thank you all who donated to animal rescue org @pawschicago in Larry’s memory.
Over a decade ago our Larry Talbot was surrendered there for doing the most. Multiple fosters gave up on him, one stating on record ‘I cannot allow this chaos in my home any longer’. A professional trainer called him ‘a lost cause’. He survived abuse and abandonment and was just misunderstood. We knew he was perfect for us. He snuggled on his terms, like a prickly cat. He stole entire pizzas and donuts off countertops and swallowed them whole like a snake. One time a little abuela saw him on the street, clutched her chest, and yelled ‘El Chupacabra!’ He helped get me out of the deepest depressive cycles and was the center of my happiest days. He went from discarded underdog to having his face plastered across billboards, the United Center, ASPCA campaigns, Rolling Stone, and had more action figures, merchandise, and fan art than most pro athletes. In his golden years, he grew the long beard of a wise wizard and became velcro, permanently attached to my lap. It was the greatest honor to become his emotional support after he spent so long being mine. I just know he’s now with my other furry angels Mugsy and Nacho, causing absolute f-ing mayhem.
I am not okay, half my heart is gone. I get really quiet and private during the hard stuff but I wanted to come on here and say, if you need a best friend who will make every day brighter, who will save your life right back, please adopt don’t shop. Rescue dogs are a special kind of magic.”
Punk recently got a new tattoo to honor their late dog, which you can see here.
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