In the ever-evolving universe of trading cards, a familiar titan is stepping back onto the stage, and this time it comes clad in spandex and colorful clash of personalities. Yes, we’re talking about the WWE trading card market, which has been generating palpable buzz with Topps reclaiming its license. The air is thick with anticipation as fans and collectors alike gear up for what could be an unprecedented renaissance for these beloved collectibles. It’s a narrative of nostalgia wrapped in stories of raw athleticism and character, and everything is aligning for a boom in the hobby.
Over the past few months, wrestling cards haven’t just crept into the corners of collector houses — they’ve jumped into the spotlight. According to data from CardLadder, which tracks the sales of key wrestling cards, their index has surged by a whopping 25% in just three months, marking it as the fastest-growing sports card category. So entertaining is this resurgence that it has even eclipsed the mighty Pokémon cards, which recorded only half that growth during the same timeframe. And as if that wasn’t enough excitement, December 2023 marked a historic milestone as a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 fetched an eye-popping $132,000 at auction, dethroning the previous record held by The Rock’s 1/1 Panini Black Prizm card.
But why this dramatic upswing? The rise can, in part, be attributed to the WWE’s strategic partnership with Netflix. With the promotion expanding its reach to a new audience, interest is permeating the collector community like never before. Data from eBay reveals that WWE-related item searches skyrocketed to an average of 2,700 per hour in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. The excitement peaked on January 6, coinciding with WWE’s debut on Netflix. On that fateful day, searches for WWE cards and memorabilia surged another 5%. Specific superstars saw their demand skyrocket — Rhea Ripley’s cards jumped over 100%, with Roman Reigns and CM Punk trailing closely behind.
Now, let’s talk about the heavyweight in this narrative: Topps. After several years of holding the card fort for WWE, Panini is stepping aside as Topps makes a grand return. Clay Luraschi, the senior vice president of product at Topps, isn’t just optimistic; he’s practically bubbling over with enthusiasm. He views this as the perfect moment for WWE trading cards to break new ground. The company is set to focus on innovative storytelling that encapsulates the legendary personalities of WWE superstars, thereby transforming trading cards from mere collectibles into a rich narrative experience.
The first major release under this new era is the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, designed to charm collectors with its notable offerings. Each hobby box boasts 12 packs, with a delightful eight cards per pack. Priced at $169.99, it promises two autographs per box, but what really catches the eye are the unique wrestler inscriptions. Imagine owning a card where Cody Rhodes has cheekily signed “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns, with an air of self-importance, demands you “Acknowledge Me.” It’s these personal touches that transform cards into true collector’s gems, making them ready to fly off the secondary market shelves.
Adding more spice to the mix is The Rock’s long-awaited return to the trading card scene, offering his first autographed WWE cards since 1998. Just think about it: “Aloha,” “Smell It?,” and “Rock Final Boss” are just a few of the cheeky inscriptions gracing these cards. The Rock also joins forces with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in what is anticipated to be one of the most sought-after dual autographs, exciting fans who still revel in the legendary rivalry between the two icons.
2024 is special for another reason; it marks the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, warranting special tribute inserts that hark back to the iconic 1985 set. Luraschi, who has nostalgia written all over his face, reminisces about his own childhood experiences collecting those early cards, promising that this year’s releases will bring back fond memories for long-time fans. And let’s not forget John Cena, who is getting a worthy send-off with tribute cards sprinkled throughout the upcoming products as he embarks on his farewell tour in 2025.
In the hypothetical world of trading cards, it’s not just about possible dream matches; collectors are hoping for Debut Patch cards, akin to what the MLB and MLS have dabbled in. These would showcase game-worn patches straight from a wrestler’s debut match, transforming them into a tantalizing treasure for collectors, and believe me, this conversation is sparking excitement behind the scenes at Topps.
As we sift through the landscape of collector interest, it is evident who reigns supreme among fan favorites. On eBay, Hulk Hogan remains the most searched wrestler of 2024, while Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and the fiercely charismatic Cody Rhodes are at the forefront of the trading card frenzy. Rapidly rising stars like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are not just pushing boundaries; they’re redefining them, showcasing increases in card popularity that are setting the collecting community on fire.
With Topps in full swing, an expanding collector base, and WWE harnessing the power of Netflix, the cards are undoubtedly primed for a thrilling revival. There’s something truly exciting about wrestling trading cards being poised to capture the hearts of both new and old fans alike, an enticing blend of nostalgia and fresh revelations. The year is brimming with promise, and for collectors and fans, it’s about to become a rollercoaster ride of excitement as they dive back into the squared circle of trading cards.
