Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Earlier today, CM Punk made a rare public appearance at Challengers Comics in Chicago. The signing was to promote the "Thor" Annual #1 comic book, of which Punk wrote. The signing itself began at noon, with fans lining up hours ahead of time in the freezing 15 degree weather. The event was limited to just 400 ticket holders. When I arrived at approximately 10:30 AM, the line stretched to nearly two entire city blocks. Challengers employees were actively walking the line of waiting fans, informing people that if they hadn't already purchased a ticket, they would not be permitted into the building.
The ticket to the CM Punk signing was incredibly hard to get. Challengers Comics limited the signing to just 400 tickets. With a face value of just over $6.00, a ticket entitled you to a copy of "Thor" Annual #1, meeting CM Punk and him signing up to 5 items (the comic did not have to be one of the five). I ran into someone who had stated they purchased a ticket, secondhand, for $150.00... however, that came with an unfortunate result for that person. Challengers was enacting a very strict policy for ticket holders; photo IDs had to be presented by each and every individual upon entry to the building. Your photo ID had to match the name on the ticket that was purchased. If the name didn't match up, you weren't allowed in. This process of cross checking IDs with tickets resulted in very long wait times. I finally made it into the building at around 2:30 PM. Once I did make it to the building's door, I snapped a quick photo of the line that remained. It still stretched an entire city block.
Once inside and your ticket was verified with your ID, staff provided you with your copy of "Thor" Annual #1. They also reiterate what other employees who had been walking the wait line has been stating all along; that under no circumstances were photos or video permitted in the signing area. In the entry area was a posted notice, stating that by taking part in the event, you were agreeing to be used in a documentary that was being filmed. We had noticed a professional camera crew a couple of hours earlier, complete with heavy equipment and a boom mix, interviewing several fans outside of the building. It would appear that I some aspect, CM Punk is documenting his life and experiences post-WWE.
After waiting in a secondary line inside the building, small groups of fans were ushered into a small room where Punk was signing. People were allowed to have essentially anything they wanted autographed. In addition to the "Thor" comic, people has brought action figures, magazines, posters, commemorative chairs from previous pay-per-views, replica championship belts and other items. So long as you didn't have more than 5 items, Punk signed anything and everything. He's seen that I had my phone with me and gave me a nod, allowing me to snap this photo.
CM Punk was in good spirits! He seemed to be happy and healthy, having obviously dropped some weight (one would assume to meet weight class requirements for UFC). He was personable and interacted with everyone. I told him that I contributed to PWInsider.com and thanked him for taking the time for his fans, given the circumstances of the last year. He gave me a smirk and said, "ah, a dirt sheet guy! Send them my love!". He then offered his fist and we bumped knuckles. It may seem silly to some, but it was a genuine moment where he came off as a really cool, normal guy. He was kind enough to sigh my ECW Championship replica, as well as a couple of photos, including one that he personalized for my wife and I. When I left Challengers, the line still stretched down the block, so I feel for the poor souls who waited 4+ hours to get inside. The brutal Chicago wind, coupled with the temperature outside, made for an interesting wait to say the least! All in all, it was a great experience and Punk came off extremely well!
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
