Rob England is the self-proclaimed king of all wrestling cards. And it’s hard to argue otherwise.

England, 49, has spent over $300,000 on wrestling cards but also sells a few. His collection is worth far more than what he has paid. 

This is a staggering number but card collecting is a revolving door. England estimates he has over 25,000 wrestling cards, but that’s not the number that counts. He has had 3000 wrestling cards authenticated ($60,000 in today's currency). 

The King of Wrestling Cards says it’s worth every penny. 

His Dan Gable rookie card — one of the crown jewels of his collection — has a 9 rating (mint). If a 10 exists, England will find it and obtain it. 

He sends his best cards to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) to have them graded. The highest possible grade is 10 (gem mint) and the lowest is 1 (poor). Each card costs $18 for authentication and they send it back in a plastic case with the grade. 

Autographs typically increase the value of a card, and so does PSA. The higher the PSA grade, the higher the value of the card. 

England has the highest-graded Dan Gable rookie card (PSA 9), which he estimates is worth $5000. Without the high PSA grade, it might be worth $100. 

The value of a card increases if it's a limited edition. Several of England's cards are one of 10 in existence. The John Smith Sports Illustrated for Kids card (listed below) was mass-produced; therefore, not as valuable. 

The king of wrestling cards wants to stay the king of wrestling cards. He'll stop at nothing to stay on top.

“It’s pretty amazing what that authentication does because there is a multiplier effect for a card,” England said. “The grading game is fun to play because it increases the value of cards. One of the reasons I like to (have cards graded) is because I’m naturally competitive and it gives me a natural outlet to get the best. 

“Once you have those 9s and 10s it’s really tough to beat. If anyone gets into the grading game then they’re going to have to compete against me. I scout out wrestling cards every day. I’m relentless.”

Below are 10 wrestling cards from England’s massive collection with approximate value and the rare card he doesn't own. 

PSA Grading

Cael Sanderson: 2007 Topps Allen & Ginter
Limited Edition (8/10)
Autographed
PSA Rating: 10 (Gem Mint)
Approximate Value: $1500

Dan Gable and Cael Sanderson: 2009 Press Pass Fusion
Autographed (Limited Edition)
PSA Rating: 10 (Gem Mint)
Approximate Value: $2000

Dan Gable: 1972 Panini Munich (Rookie)
PSA Rating: 9 (Mint)
Approximate Value: $5000

Henry Cejudo: 2012 Topps USA Olympics (Rookie)
Autographed
PSA Rating: 10 (Gem Mint)
Approximate Value: $600

John Smith: 1991 Sports Illustrated For Kids (Rookie)
PSA Rating: 9 (Mint)
Approximate Value: $150

Jordan Burroughs: 2014 Topps Allen & Ginter (Rookie)
Limited Edition (7/10)
Autographed
PSA Rating: 9 (Mint)
Approximate Value: $750

Lee Kemp: 1980 Panini
PSA Rating: 6 (Excellent-Mint)
Approximate Value: $200

Dave Schultz: 1995 Grapple
PSA Rating: 9 (Mint)
Approximate Value: $500

Brock Lesnar: 2009 Press Pass Fusion
Autographed (limited edition)
PSA Rating: 9 (Mint)
Approximate Value: $1000

Kurt Angle: 1998 Culture House (Rookie)
Autographed
PSA Rating: 9 (Mint)
Approximate value: $2000

The King Can't Have It All!

England might be the Wrestling Card King, but he doesn't have a limited edition FloSports Jordan Burroughs card. 

Approximate value: PRICELESS

Bonus

It cost $2 to watch the 1970 NCAA Championships where Dan Gable famously lost his last match in college after an undefeated high school and college career. 

Approximate value: $2000

Some of the above information was adapted from a Trackwrestling story on England that you can read here.