In the fast-shifting arena of collectibles, a seismic shift is making waves in the world of professional wrestling memorabilia. Prepare yourself as the beloved, highly sought-after WWE trading cards are basking in the glow of a comeback like no other, largely thanks to the much-celebrated return of Topps as the official card manufacturer. With the curtains pulled back on its dramatic new streaming deal with Netflix, WWE is not just leapfrogging into uncharted waters, but it is triggering a fervor among collectors and wrestling fans alike, who are suddenly hungry for the nostalgic and electrifying embrace of trading cards that celebrate their favorite grapplers.
The stage has been set for wrestling cards to become the next big thing in the collectibles world, with figures making their rounds that suggest wrestling cards have not just gained ground but have shot up like a body slam off the top rope. Enter CardLadder, the go-to data guru for collectors, whose wrestling index has taken a glorious leap, boasting a 25% rise in card sales over the past three months – a veritable showcase of growth that towers over even the mighty Pokémon cards, which managed to only garner a modest half of that figure.
And if that’s not enough to shake things up, behold the jaw-dropping sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, PSA 9-graded and one of a mere 17 in existence, which recently fetched an astounding $132,000. This hefty sum sets a new benchmark, besting the previous record of $126,000 for The Rock’s illustrious 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1. Talk about a trading card with a legacy!
Kicking off this revival is WWE’s fabulous leap onto Netflix, which has undoubtedly drummed up interest across the board. eBay reported a surge of activity with searches for WWE-related items soaring to an impressive 2,700 per hour in 2024, marking a 5% annual increase. January 6 was especially electrifying as revenue-hungry fans rushed to search for WWE items post-debut on Netflix. Translating to a 5% spike in searches, prominent stars saw their popularity catapult into new stratospheres — Rhea Ripley leading the charge with a staggering increase of over 100%, while Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and other wrestlers climbed in tandem, proof that new fans are diving headfirst into the sea of trading cards.
With Topps making a grand return after several years of wrestling card creations courtesy of Panini, this marks a vibrant renaissance in the trading card universe. Alive with creativity and nostalgia, Topps senior vice president of product, Clay Luraschi, is all in for the ride, reveling in the opportunity to showcase the grappling wonders in innovative ways that have never been explored. It’s about storytelling, he passionately notes, the very essence that has always set WWE apart from the rest. Collectors can look forward to being thoroughly entertained by cards that encapsulate the thrilling personalities of their favorite superstars.
2024 is poised to dazzle with the inaugural release under this fresh Topps deal, the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. This glorious box of delight includes 12 packs per hobby box, eight cards per pack, and a sweet collector’s price of $169.99 for each box. Not only that, collectors can expect not one, but two autographed cards in each box—a tantalizing incentive that makes this set a must-have.
Adding a sprinkle of uniqueness to this roll-out are the autograph inscriptions, where wrestlers embrace their inner charm by etching personal catchphrases or memorable words into the cards. Imagine wrangling a Cody Rhodes card proudly stamped with “Story Finished!” or a Jey Uso card boasting “YEET!”—these aren’t just cards, they’re mini tributes celebrating the excitement that is wrestling.
But the pièce de résistance of this new line has to be the eagerly awaited return of The Rock’s first autographed WWE cards since 1998. This legendary star fills the air with anticipation as his new autographs flaunt enticing inscriptions such as “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss.” Not to mention, a glorious dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin that collectors will be chasing like gold.
As fans rejoice in this momentous occasion, it’s worth noting that 2024 is the golden anniversary of WWE trading cards, a milestone Topps will pay homage to with special inserts celebrating the iconic 1985 set. Nostalgia runs high as Luraschi himself echoes excitement, recalling his own childhood experiences with that very collection — a connection that promises to resonate with countless fans.
Gearing up for a transcendent year, the farewell tour of John Cena is set to be honored with cards tributing his illustrious career, offering even more treasures as collectors brace for a bumper crop of Cena-centric designs.
The conversation around Debut Patch cards – unique rookie cards capturing game-worn patches from wrestlers’ initial matches – is also a buzz topic among collectors, and while nothing is confirmed, the mere mention is enough to excite potential future releases.
As the dust settles on who reigns supreme in the eBay spotlight, names like Hulk Hogan stand tall, accompanied by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes, all reflecting the unwavering love collectors have for these icons. Meanwhile, the fast-rising stars on the card scene, from Swerve Strickland to Lola Vice, showcase the changing tides of popularity.
What we’re witnessing is nothing less than the reawakening of the WWE trading card universe, a beautiful convergence of nostalgia, modern-day innovation, and a horde of new fans eager to grab a piece of WWE’s history. The future looks brighter, and the thrill of the hunt for that perfect card is about to make this hobby more exhilarating than a victory celebration in the middle of the ring!
