WWE Draws Massive Crowd in Chicago for CM Punk vs. GUNTHER Steel Cage Match

WWE’s December 29 live event at the Allstate Arena in Chicago proved to be a box-office smash, with ticket sales skyrocketing in the final days leading up to the show. The event, headlined by CM Punk’s steel cage match against GUNTHER for the World Heavyweight Title, brought wrestling fans out in droves to see the hometown hero in action.

According to WrestleTix, WWE distributed 11,936 tickets for the event, with only 871 remaining as of Sunday morning. Over 1,400 tickets were sold in just two days before the show, making this near sell-out crowd one of the most successful house shows of the year. The Allstate Arena has long been a hotbed for wrestling, and CM Punk’s involvement, coupled with the dream match against GUNTHER, undoubtedly drove the late surge in sales.

Punk’s history with the Chicago crowd is legendary, from his iconic WWE Title win at Money in the Bank 2011 to his drawing power during his AEW tenure. Despite falling short to GUNTHER in the steel cage, thanks to interference from Dominik Mysterio, Punk’s star power continues to pack arenas.

The event also featured Seth Rollins defeating Chad Gable, Rey Mysterio topping Dominik Mysterio, and title defenses by Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker and Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan.

The Allstate Arena proved once again why it’s the heart of wrestling in Chicago, with fans packing the venue to witness CM Punk’s return to his hometown stage. With nearly every ticket sold, this live event was a testament to the star power of Punk and GUNTHER.