Autograph Authentication – Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mike Tyson, Shawn Michaels

Confidence Grade: B (Likely Authentic)

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Overview

This analysis covers a signed promotional photograph featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mike Tyson, and Shawn Michaels. The image is a black-and-white WWF WrestleMania promotional print with legible and visually distinct signatures in blue ink placed above each individual’s photograph. The signatures show evidence of hand-applied ink with natural variation and realistic pressure profiles, though some layered traits require scrutiny.

Candidate Identity (Investigative)

Not triggered – all signers are known and pre-identified as Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mike Tyson, and Shawn Michaels.

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Forensic Ink and Substrate Evaluation

• Ink Type: All three signatures appear to have been applied with blue permanent marker ink (likely a standard felt-tip or Sharpie-style marker).
• Substrate: The photograph is printed on semi-gloss photo stock paper, common for wrestling promotional materials from the 1990s.
• Ink-Substrate Interaction:
• There is visible ink absorption without significant bleeding, suggesting hand-application rather than print.
• Telltale signs of pressure texture are observed, with minor indentation and stroke density variations in curved and tapered sections.
• The ink exhibits shine variance under light reflection consistent with physical pen strokes rather than mechanized or printed reproduction.

Conclusion: No evidence supports the use of printed methods (inkjet, laser, photocopy). The ink-substrate interaction is consistent with direct, manual autograph application.

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Individual Signature Analysis

🔹 Stone Cold Steve Austin

• Location: Top-left above his photo.
• Stroke Behavior: Fast, slightly angular script consistent with public exemplars. Notable looping “S” shape at the beginning of “Steve”.
• Pressure & Tapering: Evidence of increased pressure along curves and lifting toward stroke ends—indicative of fluid wrist movement. No flat tension or homogeneity to suggest autopen or traced input.
• Red Flag Review: No pixel-repetition or mechanical cues observed.

🔹 Mike Tyson

• Location: Centred over his face.
• Stroke Behavior: Elongated loop structures are present in the “T” and “y” forms. Narrow baseline with angular compression in the strokes—typical of Tyson’s fluid but forceful signature style.
• Pressure & Tapering: Clear tapering at stroke terminals; some erratic deflection consistent with hand execution under speed.
• Red Flag Review: Passes autopen and print artifact checks. Minor over-inking in cross-strokes appears natural.

🔹 Shawn Michaels

• Location: Lower right, across his photo.
• Stroke Behavior: Signature shows noticeable stylistic flair. Distinct long horizontal stroke in the “H” with quick flick-ups in “l” and “s”.
• Pressure & Tapering: Pressure variation consistent with normal hand physiology. Initial downstroke is strong, transitioning smoothly.
• Red Flag Review: No evidence of automated stroke or repetition. Slight ink drag suggests mild smudging during execution—which supports authenticity.

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Collective Signature Analysis

Taken together:

• The three signatures demonstrate unrelated stroke patterns, velocity profiles, and positional logic—strong signs of individual execution.
• Ink flow and adhesion behavior varies slightly across the three, further indicating they were not applied at the same time or with a mechanical batch method.
• The signatures intersect or avoid photo elements in a seemingly spontaneous manner, defying the alignment tendencies of printed replicas.

Conclusion: Collective evidence supports the theory that these signatures were added manually and individually, likely in a backstage or fan interaction setting.

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Red Flags

• Minor smudging on Shawn Michaels’ signature could appear suspicious but actually supports honest hand application due to its imperfect finish.
• Slight curvature of the medium may suggest post-signature storage or environmental bending but causes no forensic red flags.

No evidence of autopen, inkjet, laser-print or factory reproduction identified.

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Market Comparison and Similar Item Sales

Comparables:

• Stone Cold Steve Austin Signed WWF Photos

• eBay Sale – Signed WrestleMania promo photo (authenticated): $85 – $150

• Heritage Auctions – Signed 8×10 promo: $100 (w/ COA)

• Mike Tyson Signed Photos (Wrestling-Context)

• Goldin Auctions – Dual-signed Austin/Tyson promo: $250 – $300

• eBay – Tyson signed WrestleMania hallway photo: $120 – $160

• Shawn Michaels Signed Promo Photos

• Pristine Auction – WrestleMania signed flyer: $90 – $130

• eBay – Dual signed HBK/Triple H promo: $100 – $120

Multi-signed crossover item values:

• Trios with Austin/Tyson/HBK from this WrestleMania promotion variant show up infrequently, suggesting limited print quantities. Typical value range: $350 – $500 depending on authentication and condition.

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Final Summary

The autographs featured on this item show hallmarks of manual signature execution: pressure variation, natural tapering, unrefined transition points, and variant signature ergonomics. No autopen, print, or photocopy artifacts were identified. Though full provenance is not included here, the tactile specifics and organic behavior of each signature lend strong credibility.

Grade: B – Likely Authentic

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Submitted Image: