By Michael Moore, PWTorch Collectibles specialist

In Brief: Since C.M. Punk’s departure from WWE on Jan. 27, there appears to be a slight uptick in secondary market prices for his collectibles.

The C.M. Punk saga has been a fascinating one for the last three years. Ever since cementing himself as a legitimate WWE main-eventer with a 434-day WWE Title reign, Punk’s merchandise and collectibles have consistently been hotter than those of anyone else in wrestling.

At the start of 2011, Punk was just another WWE upper mid-carder with a cult following, which showed in the value of his collectibles. Secondary market sales of his action figures and trading cards were solid but unspectacular. Even in the weeks after his now famous “pipebomb” promo, sales were flat. Punk’s certified autographs from Topps WWE trading cards held steady in the $15-20 range.

At Money in the Bank 2011, things started to change. As soon as the Chicago crowd spotted the white “Best in the World” t-shirts, they snatched them up. Within minutes of selling out at the merchandise stands, they were fetching over $100 on eBay. Within 24 hours, they were going for hundreds more.




Sales of autograph and memorabilia cards held steady, and secondary market value on his collectibles started to creep up. Interestingly, it was just as Punk was getting hot that two key action figures hit the market. Prior to 2011, all of Punk’s toys from Jakks Pacific and Mattel sported the long, scraggly hair that Punk wore for most of his early career. But during the summer of 2011 – the Summer of Punk – Ringside Collectibles offered toy collectors an exclusive “Straight Edge Society” C.M. Punk, with a shaved head and lucha libre-style mask, for $29.99. Mattel also released a more updated Punk figure to the masses: a short-haired Punk in a New Nexus t-shirt in its 11th series of Elite figures.

Collectors wanted a modern-looking Punk, and they were willing to pay for it. The Ringside Collectibles exclusive was selling for double its suggested retail price on eBay while it was still available, and the $16.99 Elite 11 figure was regularly selling for $50.




Since then, Punk has solidified himself as the collector’s choice. His figures are usually the most popular of any set, outselling even John Cena. Granted, Cena’s figures are almost innumerable and carry very little differences from figure to figure. Punk was the most consistent performer in WWE for almost two years; his collectibles were just as consistently popular. Even a heel turn and a tasteless feud with The Undertaker didn’t deter collectors.

So what has happened over the nearly two weeks since Punk departed WWE? Are fans paying a premium for what may be the last C.M. Punk items for a while? Or are collectors already moving on to wrestlers like Daniel Bryan and the Shield?

It’s a very difficult question to answer. Every Punk item sells differently; it’s difficult to say that a C.M. Punk autograph sells for X amount of dollars, because every item is different; scarcity, serial numbering and other factors influence value. But looking at a few key Punk items, it does look like there has been a slight increase in demand in his action figures and merchandise over the last 10 days.

The easiest Punk action figure to track is his Elite Series 16 toy, which is the quintessential Punk action figure. He is depicted wearing the same trunks he wore during his big moment at Money and the Bank, and also comes with his signature white “Best in the World” t-shirt. It is easier for collectors to find than other scarcer, older figures, but wasn’t as mass-produced as some newer toys.

In the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble, this figure new in package was regularly selling in the $20-35 range. Since Punk has disappeared with TV and more fans have become aware of his departure, the price seems to have climbed, with many eBay auctions ending in the $50-60 range.

More white “Best in the World” t-shirts have sold on eBay over the last 10 days as well. For the two weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble, many of these shirts were selling in for as low as $7. Since the Royal Rumble, most of the t-shirts have sold for more than $20.

It’s difficult to say if these prices are the natural progression of collectibles that were already popular and increasing in value, if a few buyers are overreacting to the effect Punk’s departure might have on the value, or if more collectors are legitimately buying Punk’s items at higher prices.

WWEShop.com hasn’t pulled or marked down any of Punk’s merchandise. As of the time this article was published, Punk t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other items were still available at regular price.

Punk’s collectibles may experience some volatility over the coming weeks, but are unlikely to be impacted too positively or too negatively. Punk has a very loyal legion of fans who will continue to drive demand for his t-shirts, action figures, and autographs.

PWTorch Collectibles Specialist Michael Moore can be reached at michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MmooreWriter .

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