In the dynamic universe of sports memorabilia, WWE trading cards are gearing up to become the hottest collectible since sliced bread — well, maybe even more appealing than that! Thanks to Topps reclaiming its license to craft these shiny windows into wrestling fandom, coupled with the glitzy spotlight of WWE’s brand-new streaming deal with Netflix, the trading card market is getting ready to throw a shirt-shattering suplex onto the competition.
Now, if you thought Pokémon and baseball cards had the monopoly on the hobbyist market, think again! The latest numbers from CardLadder indicate that sales in the WWE trading card category are moving faster than a surprise roll-up pin. The wrestling index has surged by a remarkable 25% over the last three months, declaring it the fastest-growing segment in sports cards. Yep, that’s a solid jump, outpacing even the beloved Pokémon cards, which have only seen about 12% growth in the same timeframe.
As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, December 2023 marked an illustrious moment in history with the jaw-dropping sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card for a staggering $132,000. This price eclipsed the previous record, held by none other than The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card, which fetched $126,000. Clearly, the market is not just ready; it’s flipping through the cards faster than Randy Orton at WrestleMania!
But what’s really lighting the flame under collectors? It’s WWE’s strategic shift to Netflix, which has sent curious fans scouring through the internet for all things wrestling. A quick peek at eBay reveals that searches for WWE items shot up to about 2,700 per hour this year, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year. And on January 6, the day WWE officially premiered on Netflix, those numbers spiked further, launching a 5% increase in searches for WWE cards and other memorabilia in a mere 24 hours. That’s the power of binge-watchable content!
Individually, the surge was even more striking for certain wrestlers. Rhea Ripley, for instance, saw an attention-grabbing rise of over 100%. Roman Reigns and CM Punk were not far behind, climbing over 50% and 40% respectively. With a squad of wrestlers like Liv Morgan, Solo Sikoa, and Drew McIntyre joining the swell, it’s evident that the WWE universe is not simply expanding; it’s going full throttle into the trading card arena.
Just as the sun can never set on a wrestling ring, it seems that Topps is getting back in the squared circle with a renewed passion and fresh energy for their WWE products. After spending several years under Panini’s banner, Topps is stepping back onto the mat, embracing a vision shimmering with storytelling and innovation. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, expressed his excitement, noting that the timing has never been better for wrestling cards to explode in popularity. His emphasis on capturing the essence of WWE’s larger-than-life personalities suggests that collectors will be in for a treat, thanks in no small part to the unique stories woven into each card.
This year, fans can eagerly anticipate the release of the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, the first to unfurl under the newly re-established partnership. With 12 packs per hobby box and two autographs per box, offering an enticing price point of $169.99, it’s bound to turn heads — and open wallets! The set stands out for its inclusion of wrestler auto inscriptions, where stars have penned their signature catchphrases or messages right onto the cards. From Cody Rhodes declaring “Story Finished!” to Jey Uso’s exuberant “YEET!”, each card promises to carry a piece of WWE charisma.
One of the biggest splashes in this year’s lineup is The Rock making a blazing return to autographed WWE cards for the first time since 1998. Wrestling aficionados can look forward to his Topps autographs featuring memorable inscriptions such as “Aloha” and “Smell it?” — undeniably collectible treasures. Not to be outdone, the set also boasts what might become holy grails for collectors: a dual autograph card combining The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.
As WWE celebrates its 40th anniversary in trading cards this year, it sets the stage for special commemorative inserts that invoke nostalgia from collectors who remember scouring shops for that iconic 1985 set. Excitement bubbles as Luraschi reveals his nostalgia-driven passion, recalling his own collecting days. “It’s great to bring that nostalgia back,” he beams, revealing a connection that bridges generations of wrestling fans.
Adding to the excitement will be tributes dedicated to John Cena in light of his farewell tour in 2025, alongside whispers from Topps that they may explore debut patch cards similar to those seen in Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer. Just imagine the thrill of holding a one-of-a-kind rookie card featuring a game-worn patch from a wrestler’s first match — collectors would be queuing up!
With calculates and savvy shoppers eyeing the market, it seems everyone is keen to know who’s hot right now in the collecting world. So far, eBay’s most searched wrestling figures include the iconic Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk, demonstrating that while the roster may change, the legends endure. Meanwhile, newcomers like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are steadily gaining traction, indicating fresh talent blossoming in the card collecting ecosystem.
As 2024 unfolds, the WWE trading card scene is not just a whisper in the shadows — it’s roaring louder than the grandest of entrances. Topps’ triumphant return, the continuous influx of new fans thanks to streaming, and thrilling releases with star-studded autographs, make it abundantly clear that the WWE trading card market is set for an electrifying renaissance. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the vibrant world of wrestling memorabilia, now is undoubtedly the time to dive right in.
