By Michael Moore, PWTorch collectibles specialist

In A Sentence: A Triple H autograph being offered as a bonus item by WWE may turn out to be one of the most popular collectibles ever offered by WWE.

WWE has added several new items to the collectibles section of its online store, including a rubber replica mask of the skull and crown mask that Triple H wore at WrestleMania 27, which WWE VP Stephanie McMahon showed off during a recent interview on Bloomberg television. But, the mask probably isn’t what most collectors are after.

For $75, you’ll get the mask and, as a bonus, a certified autograph of Triple H on a 5x7 card. For collectors of wrestling autographs, this is huge news.

Triple H is a notoriously tough signer. He hasn’t attended a lot of public signings over the years, and to date has only one certified autographed trading card, which typically sells in the $250-350 range.

Even if you have no interest in the mask, $75 for a Triple H autograph is a good deal. While it’s always possible that he’ll start signing more trading cards and other collectibles, history suggests otherwise. His only certified autograph appeared in a Fleer set way back in 2002. Since then, Topps has advertised his autograph for past WWE sets, but they’ve never materialized.

If all you’re interested in is the autograph, you can always give the mask to a younger family member as a gift or for a Halloween costume, or sell it online to recover some of the original cost.
WWE has made numerous autographs available of John Cena, Randy Orton, and other top stars, but it’s not too often that a signature from Triple H pops up for sale.

Miz supports fans

Torch reader Dan H. related a story about an encounter with Hulk Hogan and The Miz, both of whom were appearing at a recent electronics industry trade show. Dan had taken with him a card of Hogan, which he had hoped to get signed.

“Hulk wasn't signing autographs, just taking photos,” Dan recalled. “I even tried to get his attention after the event was over and he was leaving, but he basically ignored me.

“I also managed to catch Miz as he was leaving. Security was trying to escort him out, but I got his attention and asked if he would sign my Hogan card.”

Miz appeared baffled by the request. Why would he sign the card of another wrestler?

“I explained that I had brought it with me, but Hogan wouldn't sign it,” Dan said. “The Miz actually asked me, ‘What do you mean he wouldn't sign it?’ with a surprised look on his face.”

Miz took the card, signed it, and handed it back to Dan. In addition to his unique signature – which always includes a cartoon face inscription – he wrote, “Always support fans.”

“The Miz is a class act, and he really made my day by taking the time to think out what he was going to put and signing that card for me,” Dan said. “It's now my favorite piece of wrestling memorabilia that I own, and I would never sell it.”

***

Author’s note: The article on Ringside Fest 2011 that was mentioned in last week’s column will be published next Thursday, October 6.

Do you have a question about wrestling collectibles, or a story you’d like to share with other readers? Contact Michael Moore at michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com.

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