Gatekeepers vs. Evolution: "Will Fans Accept Logan Paul’s Pokémon Card as Wrestling’s Next Auction Record?" Part 2

Part of the Market Records & Milestones series.

A couple of weeks ago, I published an article on my site titled "Will Fans Accept Logan Paul’s Pokémon Card as Wrestling’s Next Auction Record?" (updated December 29, 2025). In it, I laid out the case for why Logan Paul's PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator—worn prominently at WrestleMania 38—could shatter wrestling memorabilia sales records when it hits auction in 2026.That piece sparked some debate on X, with a few collectors pushing back hard. I'm not going to spend a ton of time rehashing every angle here—this is just a quick follow-up to address those gatekeeping comments with straight facts and additional context.

Respecting the Foundations of Wrestling Collectibles

As someone who's been deep in the world of pro wrestling collectibles for years, I've got nothing but respect for the foundations of this hobby. The "old timers"—those passionate collectors who've kept the flame alive through decades of title belts, autographed posters, ring-worn gear, and classic trading cards—deserve credit for building what we have today. Items like Hulk Hogan's Hulkamania shirts from the '80s or Stone Cold Steve Austin's beer cans from the Attitude Era aren't just memorabilia; they're pieces of history that evoke the raw energy of the squared circle. Without that dedication, niches like ours wouldn't thrive. But here's the thing: hobbies evolve, and wrestling collectibles are no exception. Right now, we're witnessing a potential game-changer that's stirring up debate—and exposing some classic gatekeeping.

The Logan Paul Pikachu Illustrator: The Facts

Enter Logan Paul's PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card. For those who might not be fully looped in, this isn't just any Pokémon card. Paul purchased it in 2022 for a record-breaking $5.275 million, making it the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold at the time. But what ties it to wrestling? Paul famously wore it encased in a custom diamond necklace during his in-ring debut at WrestleMania 38 in 2022. That's right—event-worn gear, dangling front and center as he stepped into the WWE spotlight.

Fast forward till now: Paul has put the card up for auction through Goldin Auctions, complete with the necklace, and it's generating massive buzz. As of early January 2026, bids have climbed to over $2.1 million with more than a month left until the February 15 close. Experts are speculating it could shatter its original purchase price, potentially hitting $7 million or more, especially with Pokémon's 30th anniversary ramping up excitement. If it does, it'll eclipse every single wrestling memorabilia sale on record—no belts, no boots, no robes come close.

Yet, despite these facts, I've seen pushback. In responses to my recent X post highlighting this card's potential (and linking back to the original article Logan Paul’s Pokémon Card: Wrestling’s Next Auction Record?), a few voices dismissed it outright: "It's just a Pokémon card, not real wrestling memorabilia." Or, more pointedly, "It wasn't used in the match itself." Fair enough—debate is part of what makes collecting fun. But this smacks of gatekeeping: rigidly defining what "counts" based on tradition, while ignoring how the industry has changed. Wrestling has always been about spectacle, crossovers, and larger-than-life personas. Dismissing something because it doesn't fit the old mold risks missing the bigger picture.

Provenance in Action: Ric Flair's Robes as a Parallel

Take Ric Flair's iconic robes as a prime example. "The Nature Boy" didn't wrestle in those flashy, sequined masterpieces—they were entrance gear, part of the pomp and circumstance that hyped the crowd before the bell even rang. Yet, no one questions their status as premium wrestling memorabilia. Recent auctions prove it: Flair's "Jungle Robe" fetched a staggering $103,700 in 2024, while others from his WCW and WWE eras have sold for $27,000 to $30,000 routinely. Why? Provenance. They were worn to the ring, tied to legendary moments, and embody the flair of the era. The Pikachu Illustrator fits the same bill: event-worn at WrestleMania, linked to a high-profile match, and now poised to set financial benchmarks that could draw in new collectors. If a robe counts despite not touching the mat, why not a necklace that was literally part of the wrestler's entrance gear?

Embracing Crossovers: Celebrity Cards in WWE

And this isn't an isolated case—crossovers with non-traditional wrestlers have long been embraced in the trading card space. Look at IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.), a popular streamer who is not a full-time pro wrestler. After his viral moment at the 2025 Royal Rumble (getting speared and eliminated by Bron Breakker), Topps released an official 2025 Topps Now WWE card commemorating it (#15). It sold out quickly, with short prints and even autographed variants hitting the market—and collectors snapped them up as legitimate WWE cards. Similarly, country music superstar Jelly Roll made his in-ring debut at SummerSlam 2025, taking bumps and thrilling the crowd. Topps honored it with his first-ever trading card (2025 Topps Now #85), complete with parallels and rare autographed redemptions. Print runs hit thousands, and it's now firmly part of the WWE card ecosystem. These aren't "pure" wrestlers, yet the community accepts their official Topps cards as wrestling collectibles because of their direct event ties and WWE endorsement. Why hold a different standard for event-worn items like Paul's Pikachu?

The Bigger Picture: Expansion Over Exclusion

This isn't about dethroning the classics; it's about expansion. Wrestling has intertwined with pop culture for years—think celebrity cameos, video game tie-ins, or even NFT drops. Crossovers like Paul's Pikachu card, IShowSpeed's Royal Rumble moment, and Jelly Roll's SummerSlam debut bring in younger fans from streaming, music, and Pokémon TCG communities, injecting fresh energy and capital into the hobby. Gatekeeping might feel protective, but it can alienate those who see value in hybrid items. We've seen it right in wrestling collectibles: WWE's trading cards exploded with mashups like the 2026 Stranger Things x WWE limited-edition set from Topps, which sold out in days and drew in fans from streaming and sci-fi communities, while the TMNT x WWE action figure line from Mattel has thrived since 2016 by blending '80s cartoons with superstars. Wrestling event used memorabilia could do the same, growing the pie for everyone.

Final Thoughts: The Market Will Tell the Story

This is event-worn WrestleMania 38 memorabilia. Period. The real question isn't whether it "is" or "isn't" wrestling memorabilia—it's this: If the card surges to those estimated highs, will it be because of its WrestleMania provenance? Or if it underperforms relative to past sales, will the wrestling connection be blamed? In my opinion, either outcome ultimately benefits wrestling collectibles as a whole. A massive sale proves crossover appeal and draws new eyes (and dollars) to the hobby. Even a more modest result highlights how celebrity/event ties can elevate values across the board. I'd love to hear your takes—drop a comment on the original article, or hit me up on X (@ProMemorabilia ). In the end, the market will decide, and shaking up the status quo might just be what takes our passion to the next level. Woooo!

Source: Goldin Auctions, Guinness World Records, Beckett Media, IGN, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Entertainment, Topps, Mattel, Playmates Toys, Wrestling Figure Database, The Toyark, eBay, SportsCardsPro, Trader Cracks, Heritage Auctions.

Updated: January 8th 2026

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