Sent in by Mike Informer:

http://www.topps.com/Sports/news/toppsNews.aspx?news_id=41

New York, NY --  New WWE Heritage Cards Will Feature Past, Present and Future WWE® Superstars!

Topps announces it has acquired the license from World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE) to produce and market official WWE trading cards.

WWE Heritage, the debut card release under the new agreement, represents the first time Topps is leveraging its popular Heritage brand with wrestling. The series – shipping in November – will feature current day and legendary WWE Superstars; showcased in vintage Topps card designs, on traditional gray back stock.(image attached) WWE Heritage cards will come wrapped with retro-inspired graphics and a stick of bubble gum inside every pack. Authentic autograph and memorabilia cards will be randomly inserted in shipments to hobby shops.

WWE Superstars – past, present and future – abound in WWE Heritage. From legends such as Hulk Hogan™ and Gorilla Monsoon™, to current WWE Champion John Cena® and World Heavyweight Champion Batista™, to all-time greats including Undertaker® and Ric Flair®… 90 of the most recognized, most idolized names in the sports entertainment business will appear in this unique card product.

"We’re currently enjoying a great run in Europe with a best-selling line of WWE collectibles", says Ira Friedman, Topps VP of Publishing. "Now, we’re looking to the domestic marketplace for continued success with this fabulous franchise."

"We’re delighted to welcome Topps/US to our growing family of partners, says Florence De Giorgio, Global Licensing Director of World Wrestling Entertainment. "Their commitment to excellence, strong consumer and retail franchises make Topps the ideal choice to take WWE trading cards to the next level".

"We’re thrilled to be publishing wrestling cards once again and can’t wait until November when our first WWE card set hits the market," says Topps’ Friedman. "Rest assured, the fun won’t stop with WWE Heritage as we have many exciting ideas for subsequent releases and are looking forward to an association with this very special brand for years to come," says Friedman.