AEW announces trading card and memorabilia deal

By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)

AEW issued the following press release on Friday to announce its trading card and memorabilia deal with Upper Deck.

CARLSBAD, Ca. (July 30, 2021) – Upper Deck, the premier global sports and entertainment  trading card, memorabilia, and collectibles company, announced today a brand-new addition to  the company’s ever-growing trading card and memorabilia portfolio through an exclusive,  multi-year deal with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The first edition of Upper Deck AEW trading  cards will be released in November 2021, offering fans and collectors autograph and  memorabilia cards from AEW’s most revered icons and talented performers. 

This marks the first time in company history that Upper Deck will offer sets of professional  wrestling trading cards. The new product line will feature wrestling legends Chris Jericho and  Sting as well as AEW World Champion Kenny Omega, AEW World Tag Team Champions The  Young Bucks, AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker, and TNT Champion Miro. Past AEW Champions Cody Rhodes, Darby Allin, Nyla Rose and Hikaru Shida will also be featured  along with the popular AEW current and future rising stars.  

“We are excited to offer professional wrestling trading cards to our collectors and AEW fans for  the first time,” said Upper Deck Sports Brand Manager, Paul Zickler. “AEW is a prominent  organization in the industry with a passionate fan base, and we look forward to building a long lasting relationship and a robust wrestling product portfolio.” 

“Upper Deck is the premier collectibles company in the world for trading cards and memorabilia,  and we’re thrilled to work with them in expanding our engagement even further with fans  around the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “Since day one,  we’ve made it a priority to listen to our fans and connect with them in new and immersive ways. This includes the new AEW RAMPAGE on Friday nights on TNT, our action figures that fly off the  shelves, a next-gen console game that incorporates fans’ feedback, and now these amazing  trading cards and memorabilia. AEW has the greatest fans on the planet, and we hope they love  this new way to engage with our stars.” 

The inaugural AEW set will also include rare autographs and memorabilia cards showcasing  items like wrestler-worn shirts and mats used in matches. Fans can also look for serial 

numbered inserts like Exclusives and High Gloss, colorful parallels printed on patterned foil  board, and printing plate cards.  

Upper Deck AEW trading cards will be available starting November 2021 at hobby shops  nationwide and with Upper Deck Authorized Internet Retailers (AIRS). They will also be  available on Upper Deck e-Pack®, a robust online platform that allows collectors to buy, open,  collect and trade digital and physical cards with fans around the world. Fans can visit www.UpperDeckEpack.com to sign up for new announcements, including AEW trading card  releases. 

About Upper Deck 

The Upper Deck Company, headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., is a worldwide sports and  entertainment company built on the pillars of quality craftsmanship, authenticity, and innovation  with a dedication to creating products that turn memorable moments into collectibles. Upper Deck  is home to the world’s greatest athletes, including Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods,  Connor McDavid, LeBron James, Patrick Roy, and Ben Simmons. 

Find more information at www.upperdeck.com, www.UpperDeckBlog.com or follow us on Facebook  (UDAuthenticated), Instagram (UpperDeckSports), Twitter (@UpperDeckSports), and YouTube  (UDvids). 

Powell’s POV: While I haven’t collected trading cards since I was a kid, the Upper Deck name certainly stands out as being among the industry leaders. By the way, I might be living on a tropical beach right now had I only known then what some of those trading cards would be worth today.