By Michael Moore, PWTorch Collectibles specialist

While some fans collect autographs, toys, and memorabilia, others are more interested in the historical record of professional wrestling. For some collectors, reading an electronic version of a wrestling-related news item from the 1970s or 1980s isn’t enough; they want to hold that old magazine or newsletter in their hands while waxing nostalgic.

Wrestling newsletters and magazines have become increasingly popular with collectors over the last several years. Some buy, sell, and trade magazines and newsletters through various online forums, but eBay is by and large the number one resource for collectors. The phrase “wrestling magazine” will return hundreds of results at any given time, and there are currently 190 auctions containing the key words “Pro Wrestling Torch.”

There are plenty of single copies of newsletters like the Pro Wrestling Torch and Wrestling Observer available at any given time; these usually sell for around $3 each. Long-time readers of these newsletters who held onto their copies over the years often sell an entire year’s worth in one auction. A complete collection of Torch newsletters from 2004, for example, recently sold for $11. Older collections often sell for more; a full set of 1997 Torch newsletters sold in early August for $19.99.

Occasionally, sellers will post a much larger lot of newsletters. A complete set of Wrestling Observer newsletters from 1989 to 1999 sold for $406, and another collection from 2000 to 2010 sold for $261.

Special publications, such as printed Torch Talk compilations or annual yearbooks, are especially popular with wrestling historians. A Wrestling Observer 1990 yearbook recently sold for $19.99, and Pro Wrestling Torch Annuals from 1995 and 1996 recently sold for $9.99 each.

Older, more obscure newsletters from the ‘70s and early ‘80s also have a fan base. Book of the Year wrestling annuals by Terry Justice usually sell for $15-20 each. Issues of the TNT Times from the 1970s can be found for about $15 each.

Wrestling magazines also have their fans. Because most were produced in much greater quantities than newsletters, it can be tricky to sort through the hundreds of auctions on eBay. There are plenty of single copies of WWF/WWE Magazine and the Pro Wrestling Illustrated family of magazines out there. Most single copies from the late-‘80s on don’t sell especially high; even specials like the PWI 500 usually only sell for a few bucks each. Some PWI annual awards specials from the early ‘80s can sometimes fetch $10 to $15 at auction.

Older magazines, especially those in pristine condition, can sell for a hefty price. A copy of Wrestling Review from 1959 recently sold for $181.50, and a lot of four issues of PWI from 1979-1980 went for $128.49. A large lot simply titled “old wrestling magazines” showed a large cardboard box full of PWI-style magazines and sold for $250.

Some of the more obscure wrestling magazines that surfaced in the ‘80s can also bring in big bucks. A magazine called “Wrestling All-Stars” from 1985 had 54 trading cards on uncut sheets inside of it; a couple of copies of these surfaced over the summer and sold for $119.99 and $127.49, respectively. This publication would appeal to card collectors as well as fans of magazines.

If there is a particular newsletter or magazine you are looking for, look around at individual items and in lots. There is a good chance you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. Keep in mind when buying large lots of publications that shipping can get very expensive due to the weight of the items.

If you have a question about wrestling collectibles or an idea for a future column, contact Michael Moore at michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com .

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