 |
 |
| Wrestling mania brings new collectors into the ring |
| "Professional wrestling" is one of the fastest growing forms of entertainment in the United States, and the collectibles market for wrestling memorabilia has become just as hot as the show itself. Classic, one-of-a-kind items such as a Billy Whitewolf ring headdress have been highly collectible for decades, but recent television shows such as the ones staged by the World Wrestling Federation have resulted in many new lines of collectible merchandise. Action figures, trading cards, school supplies, videos, and CDs are just a few of the mass-marketed items now available. With such a variety of items to chose from, collectors new and old face the question of which wrestling personalities to collect. "Some would argue the older fellows, while some would say the money is with the new generation," said Kristian Pope, co-author of the book Professional Wrestling Collectibles. "Convincing arguments can be made either way." "Generally, a fail-safe method is to chose from all over," said Pope's co-author, Ray Whebbe Jr. "The legends, the hall of famers, the young hot shots -- they are all worthy investments. Here are a few wrestlers Pope and Whebbe recommend keeping in mind when building a collection. Hulk Hogan is probably the most mass-marketed personality in wrestling history. His likeness has graced lunch boxes, bath soap, candy, and the cover of Sports Illustrated, to name just a few items. "Most Hogan-related merchandise has collector value, so fans are encouraged to snap up what they can," said Whebbe. The 1991 Wrestlemania VII and 1990 Wrestlemania VI souvenir editions featuring Hogan on the cover are valued at $15 each. An animation cel picturing Hogan in the cartoon series "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling" has a collector value of $115. His autograph can bring $40 on the secondary market. Rubber Hulk Hogan dolls produced by LJN from 1985 to 1987 vary in value depending on the clothing. Dolls with both light and dark blonde hair and yellow trunks are valued at $50, as is the doll with a red shirt. The white-shirted doll, however, soars to up to $250 in collecting circles. Andre the Giant, a happy Frenchman who was used by regional promoters seeking sellout crowds for special events, as wellknown across the United States and abroad. "Posters advertising the Giant are popular with collectors because the man was not only a giant but a very special individual," said Pope. "His autograph is highly sought after and is getting anywhere from $110 to $150." Two names from the early 1900s are extremely collectible -- Frank Gotch and the "Russian Lion," George Hackenschmidt. Items from the historic 1908 matchup between the two are treasures for serious collectors. "Promotional fliers can get up to $100," said Whebbe. "Hackenschmidt's autograph is worth close to $100, since it is such a hard find." Original photographs of Hackenschmidt are valued by Whebbe and Pope at $35. |
 |
 |
 |
 |