The world of sports trading cards is a fickle landscape—one moment, a segment is on fire, and the next, it’s smoldering in the ashes of obscurity. But the WWE trading card market, it seems, is fueling up for a magnificent comeback, and the return of Topps as the official card manufacturer could spark a glorious renaissance. With excitement building like a heavyweight match about to unfold, the wrestling card scene is not just on the verge of growth, it’s probably stepping into the ring, robe and all, ready to claim the championship.
A surge in enthusiasm is afoot as collectors and analysts alike point to a significant uptick in interest within the WWE trading card sphere. This renaissance is not just passing idle rumbles; according to the wrestling index tracked by CardLadder, wrestling card prices have skyrocketed about 25% over a mere three-month period. This exciting accomplishment means that wrestling cards are now leading the pack as the swiftest-growing sports card category—outpacing even the powerhouse that is Pokémon.
Setting the stage for historical significance, December 2023 witnessed a monumental event when a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card—which is as mythical as a legendary wrestler—was sold for an eye-watering $132,000. This not only broke the previous record (held by none other than The Rock) but also sent ripples across the collecting community. What makes this momentous occasion even more exhilarating is that there are only 17 of these coveted Hogan cards in existence, making it an undeniable treasure for collectors.
But hold onto your foam fingers because the momentum doesn’t stop there. One might aptly attribute wrestling’s latest surge to WWE’s dazzling leap into the streaming universe with Netflix. This merger is like a surprise tag-team partner entering the ring, bringing fresh energy and interest with it. Data from eBay shows that interest surged dramatically, with 2,700 searches for WWE items per hour—a sharp 5% bump compared to 2023. However, the real fireworks ignited on January 6, the day WWE debuted on Netflix. On that specific date, searches for WWE cards and memorabilia surged by another 5%. Certain superstars saw mind-blowing boosts: Rhea Ripley had her interest skyrocket over 100%, while the likes of Roman Reigns and CM Punk saw their fanfare flourish, each with increase rates of roughly 50% and 40%, respectively.
It’s crystal clear—WWE’s arrival on the Netflix scene is acting as a magnet, drawing in new fans who are eager to jump into the exhilarating hobby of collecting wrestling cards featuring their favorites. Talk about a winning pinfall!
After an era under the wings of Panini, WWE trading cards are proudly strutting back under the banner of Topps, and the excitement is palpable. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, expresses a stirring anticipation for wrestling cards, proclaiming that the timing couldn’t be better for this exhilarating run. His plans are as grand as a WrestleMania main event, promising storytelling woven expertly into the designs of the cards, not to mention a revitalized character portrayal that gives fans and collectors a vivid glimpse into the personalities of the wrestling superstars.
The first major release from Topps under this renewed agreement is set to be the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome. This enticing collection boasts twelve packs per hobby box, each containing eight cards. With two autographs stuffed in with each box, card enthusiasts will find themselves reaching for these treasures with a retail price tag of $169.99.
A cheeky highlight of the WWE Chrome set is the unique autograph inscriptions available on wrestler cards. Personalized catchphrases and messages are woven into the fabric of the excitement found in this set. Take a look at some of the top-shelf inks: Cody Rhodes’ signature reads “Story Finished!” while Jey Uso rattles off “YEET!” and Roman Reigns graciously commands, “Acknowledge Me.” Even Tiffany Stratton’s signature delivers a burst of charisma with “It’s Tiffy Time!”
Let’s not forget about one of the biggest draws to this collection—the re-emergence of The Rock. With the first autographed WWE cards of his since he last graced the trading card scene in 1998, collectors are now on the hunt for his jaw-droppingly exciting inscriptions, like “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss.” Plus, who could resist the allure of the first-ever dual autograph featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin? These may soon become the crown jewel in any collection.
As 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, there’s more than just heightening anticipation; there are also celebratory special inserts paying homage to the classic 1985 set. For the nostalgic fans who lived through the golden age of wrestling cards, this is like revisiting the glory days, complete with the thrill of unpacking new treasures.
In addition, John Cena’s farewell tour is set to begin in 2025, leading to an array of tribute cards dedicated to his legacy, drumming up further excitement for collectors. The anticipation surrounding the speculative Debut Patch cards is palpable as well. These mythological rookie cards would feature patches from a wrestler’s debut match—a true ultimate prize if Topps decides to take the plunge into this idea.
Across eBay, chatter is swirling around the hottest wrestlers, with Hulk Hogan reigning supreme as the most searched wrestler, closely followed by the unstoppable forces of The Rock, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes. In terms of the fastest-rising wrestlers, names like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are making waves with staggering increases in popularity, further illuminating the promising future of WWE cards.
To grasp the excitement surrounding WWE trading cards is to witness the team spirit of fandom at its most magnificent. The stage is all set, and with the launch of the Topps WWE Chrome and the ongoing wrestling cultural shift, 2024 is set to be a grand spectacle for collectors eager to amp up their collections.
