Wrestling Merch Worth Your Money Before WrestleMania 41
From action figures to autobiographies, here is the gear that actually holds up.
The Bottom Line
Bret Hart's autobiography and the Cody Rhodes Funko offer the best value for your dollar, while the plastic title belt is best left on the shelf.
Gearing Up for Vegas
With WrestleMania 41 rapidly approaching in Vegas next month, our wallets are already bracing for impact. We're getting ready for Cody Rhodes defending his title on Night 2 and CM Punk's massive return to the Grandest Stage.
But before you start booking flights or buying up the superstore, let's talk about what's actually worth your hard-earned cash right now. I've spent an embarrassing amount of time digging through merch, reading complaints on Reddit, and figuring out what holds up.
Seth Rollins Elite Series 117 Figure
The Good
This Elite Collection figure captures his wild WrestleMania 40 aesthetic perfectly. The True FX facial scan accuracy is incredible, allowing for some really realistic posing if you're setting up a shelf display.
The Bad
There's a glaring omission here. You don't get an entrance jacket or robe, which feels like a crime for a Rollins figure.
Out of the box, the joints are incredibly stiff. You'll need to work them a bit before you try posing him for a Curb Stomp, as many collectors on r/WrestlingFigures have pointed out.
Cody Rhodes Hell in a Cell Funko Pop
The Good
Look, Funkos aren't for everyone, but this one rules. It perfectly captures that grueling 2022 Hell in a Cell visual.
The neck tattoo detail is surprisingly clean for a cheap desk accessory. It comes with the weight belt and sledgehammer, making it a stellar reminder to finish the story while we wait for his title defense.
The Bad
If you're an in-box collector, pray to the shipping gods. These boxes arrive dented half the time, and you might spot some minor paint flaws on the hair.
Authentic Styling WWE Championship Title
The Good
This is the ultimate impulse buy. It looks completely fine sitting on a display shelf behind you during Zoom calls.
The faux-leather strap has a decent texture. It fits a wide range of sizes, so you can absolutely wear it while watching the premium live events.
The Bad
The plates are entirely lightweight plastic. It lacks the weight of the real replicas, and the velcro closure wears out incredibly fast if you actually wear it around the house.
CM Punk "Best in The World" Ringer T-Shirt
The Good
This is arguably the most recognizable wrestling shirt of the modern era. With Punk gearing up for a massive match at WrestleMania 41 Night 1, wearing the classic ringer is just good business.
It's the officially licensed version, so it carries that timeless, authentic design.
The Bad
Ringer tees fit weird. They run a bit snug around the arms and chest, so sizing up is usually the play.
Also, the market is flooded with terrible third-party knockoffs. You really have to make sure you're buying the official one to avoid peeling graphics.
Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World
The Good
Bret Hart kept audio diaries for his entire career, and it shows. This isn't ghostwritten fluff; it's a meticulously detailed, candid account of the '90s locker room.
If you want an unparalleled look at what the business was really like behind the curtain, this is the gold standard.
The Bad
It's an extremely long read at over 600 pages. Bret's tone can also come across as incredibly bitter at times, which gets a bit exhausting during the later chapters.
The Final Bell
If you want something that lasts, grab Bret's book. The Punk shirt is a close second if you get the sizing right.
Skip the cheap title belt unless it's just going to sit on a shelf untouched. For figure collectors, that Cody Pop offers the best desk-appeal for your dollar right now.
WWE Elite Collection Series 117 Seth Rollins Action Figure
This figure nails his flamboyant WrestleMania 40 look with incredible True FX facial scanning. It's highly posable, meaning fans can recreate everything from the Curb Stomp to a superkick with ease.
What's Good
- + Incredible True FX facial scan accuracy
- + Amazing articulation for realistic posing
- + Includes interchangeable hands
Watch Out
- - Doesn't include an entrance jacket or robe
- - Joints can be a bit stiff out of the package
Funko Pop! WWE: Cody Rhodes (Hell in a Cell)
This specific Pop captures Cody's iconic 2022 Hell in a Cell look, complete with the weight belt and sledgehammer. It's a cheap, awesome desk accessory that constantly reminds you to finish the story.
What's Good
- + Great attention to detail with the neck tattoo
- + Includes his signature sledgehammer accessory
- + Perfect size for a desk or shelf display
Watch Out
- - Box can arrive dented from shipping
- - Minor paint flaws occasionally reported on the hair
WWE Championship Title Belt, Authentic Styling with Metallic Medallions
It's the perfect impulse buy for fans who want a tangible piece of the show without dropping $400 on a real replica. Great for displaying on a shelf or wearing during premium live events.
What's Good
- + Looks great on display for the price
- + Sturdy, leather-like textured strap
- + Fits a wide range of sizes
Watch Out
- - Plates are lightweight plastic, not metal
- - Velcro can wear out with heavy use
CM Punk "Best in The World" Official WWE Ringer T-Shirt
This shirt represents an entire era and a wrestler who changed the game. Wearing it is an instant sign that you're a die-hard fan who appreciates one of the all-time greats.
What's Good
- + Timeless, iconic design.
- + Officially licensed by WWE for authenticity.
- + Comfortable ringer-style fit.
Watch Out
- - Risk of buying a low-quality knockoff from third-party sellers.
- - Ringer style can sometimes run smaller than standard shirts.
Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling
Based on years of his own audio diaries, this is considered the most honest and detailed wrestling autobiography ever written. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to know what wrestling was *really* like behind the curtain.
What's Good
- + Incredibly detailed and candid.
- + Gives an unparalleled look at the '90s wrestling scene.
- + Written from decades of Bret's personal audio logs.
Watch Out
- - Extremely long (over 600 pages).
- - Bret's tone can come across as bitter at times.
What People Are Saying
"The True FX scan on that Rollins figure is insane, but I had to run the joints under hot water just to get his arms to bend."
"Honestly, the 20 dollar title belt is totally fine if you just want something to drape over your chair during PPVs."
"Ringer tees always fit me like a smedium. Definitely size up if you're getting the Punk shirt."