Will Fans Accept Logan Paul’s Pokémon Card as Wrestling’s Next Auction Record? Part 1
Part of the Market Records & Milestones series.
An Unprecedented Crossover Threatens the Record Books
Logan Paul’s ultra-rare PSA Grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card is generating intense buzz in the collectibles world as it prepares to head to public auction in early 2026. Although the sale has not yet been completed, the combination of its previous record-breaking value, extreme rarity, and wrestling provenance from WrestleMania 38 positions it as a strong contender to surpass existing auction records for wrestling-related collectibles.
The card itself — widely regarded as the rarest Pokémon card in existence — was purchased by Paul in 2021 for approximately $5.275 million in a private transaction, breaking records at the time in the trading card market. Guinness World Records
Unlike traditional wrestling memorabilia, this item’s connection to the sport comes from the spectacle: Paul prominently wore it as part of his entrance at WWE’s flagship event, WrestleMania 38, a moment that instantly broadened its cultural footprint beyond card collecting circles.
Logan Paul wearing his PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator card during his entrance at WrestleMania 38, linking the record-setting Pokémon collectible to WWE’s biggest stage.
At a Glance
- Item: PSA Grade 10 Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon Card
- Event: Worn at WrestleMania 38 (part of Logan Paul’s entrance presentation)
- Acquired: Private transaction (2021)
- Previous Recorded Value: ~$5.275 million (Guinness World Record for most expensive trading card privately sold)
- Auction Status: Scheduled for early 2026 (Goldin Auctions anticipated)
- Record Status: Strong contender for highest-priced wrestling-related collectible once sold
Why This Item Matters
The Pikachu Illustrator card is legendary within the trading card community due to its scarcity: only 39 original copies were ever awarded, and only one PSA Grade 10 is publicly confirmed. This makes it a grail item among Pokémon collectors and, by extension, has captured mainstream attention.
Paul’s decision to wear the card into WrestleMania 38 gave it a crossover moment that no other trading card has enjoyed in wrestling history, blending internet culture, collectibles investment, and professional wrestling in an unprecedented way.
The Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card, widely regarded as the rarest Pokémon card ever produced and previously valued at approximately $5.275 million in a private transaction.
How It Compares to the Current Wrestling Benchmark
At present, the highest public sale price for a wrestling collectible recognized on this site is held by Heritage Auctions. 1982 Wrestling All-Stars, Series A Set, which was ranked #4 on the PSA Set Registry! Setting the bar to $170,800 on August 23rd 2025.
Those cards set a clear benchmark for wrestling memorabilia. In contrast, the Pikachu Illustrator’s value lies in its traditional value. However, I can only wonder until the final hammer falls. The Illustrator now being WrestleMania event-worn piece. Will Logan Paul break his own record?
If the card sells for a number anywhere near estimates floated — from $7 million to over $10 million — it would easily surpass any wrestling-related item sold publicly to date. Possibly, surpassing the most expensive card sell at auction, the $12.6 MILLION, 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle, sold in August 2022.
Classification and Fan Reception
Some collectors and fans view this potential as exciting proof that wrestling memorabilia can evolve beyond its traditional definitions. Others argue that only genuinely match-used or in-ring items should qualify as wrestling collectibles for record considerations. That debate highlights how lines are blurring between sports memorabilia, pop culture artifacts, and entertainment history and Pro Wrestling Collectibles is here for the ride!
Regardless of the final sale price, the auction of Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator card is forcing the community to reconsider what constitutes a “record holder” in the context of wrestling collectibles.
What This Could Mean for the Market
If the card’s auction results exceed even conservative estimates, it will not only redefine the numerical ceiling of wrestling-related collectibles but also expand how the market perceives crossover items. Wrestling memorabilia has traditionally been dominated by cards and physical gear — boots, belts, garments worn during competition — but this sale may set a new precedent where cultural context and media visibility carry equal weight.
Whether fans fully embrace it as a wrestling record remains to be seen — but the auction itself will be a milestone regardless.
Mattel’s WWE Ultimate Edition Logan Paul figure features the Pikachu Illustrator card as part of his WrestleMania 38 presentation.ere to add text.
Sources: Guinness World Records, Dexerto, Goldin Auctions, Pro Wrestling Collectibles archives
Updated: January 8th, 2026
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