JOLIET- The fans came out in force to meet WWE Superstar C.M. Punk this past Friday at the Joliet Wal-mart. Many showed up with their Wrestling Memorabilia, Autograph books, and plenty of snacks and picnic chairs to wait it out in line. "They've been lined up since 9:30 this morning, and he's been here since 9:00." say to me the Wal-mart Associates, refering to a young boy sitting up front. Julian, 13, from Lombard, was dropped off by his Aunt in the morning so he could be the first one in line.
A crowd of 600+ showed up for their chance to meet and receive autographs from the recent winner of "The Money In The Bank" Ladder Match at this Past-weekend's Wrestlemania XXIV in front of a sold-out crowd at The Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Punk, a Chicago native, was scheduled to appear from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and sign 400 autographs. However, by 6:00 there were approximately 500 fans in line with more showing up every minute. People were stunned by the size of the crowd and many-second guessed getting in line and turned around and left. They came in from all over the Chicagoland Area some as far away as Indiana and Springfield. Curious on-lookers asked what the line was for and could not believe so many had gathered for a chance at getting an autograph.
C.M. Punk walked in a few minutes after 6, with the Money In The Bank Briefcase in tow, to a huge pop of cheers and applause. He waved to the crowd before taking his seat. Julian sooned approached him and was all smiles as he shook C.M. Punk's hand and was allowed to pick up the Briefcase. Punk would then go on to meet with hundreds of fans, engaging in conversation and taking pictures with everyone almost as if they were old friends. In fact, some of his old classmates showed up with Yearbooks with his picture in them for him to sign.
C.M. Punk would then go on to sign Autographs for over four hours and made sure everybody who waited in line got to come up and meet him. He left after 10pm, over two hours more than he was scheduled. C.M. Punk says "I appreciate all the support the fans have given me throughout my career, and thanks to everybody for coming out today." He then went on to take a few more pictures with the Wal-Mart Associates and sign the banner that announced his appearance, before eventually departing through the back door of the store.
Wal-Mart Associates called the event a huge success with hundreds of DVD's sold as well as other wrestling-related merchandise and a bigger turn-out than anyone expected. They wonder how things will be this Monday when Chicago Bears player Desmond Clark will be making an appearance.