In the ever-evolving world of collectibles, one segment is gearing up for a breathtaking revival that is sure to have the proverbial crowds cheering and collectors emptying their wallets. Enter the WWE trading card market, which stands on the brink of something truly monumental. With Topps triumphantly reclaiming its license and a groundbreaking streaming deal with none other than Netflix, the excitement for wrestling trading cards is reaching fever pitch. The wrestling universe is expanding, and collectors are keenly aware that they might just be witnessing the dawn of the next big thing in the thrilling realm of trading cards.
Imagine the spirited buzz among fans as they rummage through packs of cards, each fervently hoping to pull that rare gem. Indeed, recent figures show that WWE trading cards are escalating in popularity at a dizzying rate. The numbers don’t lie; CardLadder’s wrestling index, a trusty oracle in the trading card world, reveals that sales of pivotal wrestling cards have soared by an impressive 25% in just the last three months. This meteoric rise outstrips even Pokémon – yes, you read that right – which has seen a growth rate that barely touches half of WWE’s impressive numbers.
December 2023 was particularly electrifying, crowning a new champion in the world of wrestling card sales. A pristine 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, boasting a PSA 9 rating and one of a mere 17 copies worldwide, sold for a staggering $132,000. This sale not only eclipsed the previous record established by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which fetched $126,000, but also reinstated Hulkamania as an unstoppable force in the collectibles arena.
One cannot overlook the major players behind this booming interest, notably WWE’s strategic transition to Netflix. Recent eBay data indicates that searches for WWE-related items surged to an astounding 2,700 per hour in 2024, marking a definitive 5% uptick from the previous year. January 6, however, emerged as a landmark day. On the heels of WWE’s debut on Netflix, searches for cards and memorabilia saw yet another 5% spike – and some wrestlers experienced even more explosive rises in interest. Rhea Ripley’s card searches shot up by over 100%, while Roman Reigns garnered a solid 50%. Other stars, including CM Punk and Liv Morgan, also saw double-digit increases, signifying that WWE is drawing in fresh fans eager to dive into the hobby.
With Topps back in the WWE ring after a lengthy stint with Panini, the card manufacturer aims to innovate while championing the narratives and vivid personalities that characterize the wrestling realm. Topps’ senior vice president of product, Clay Luraschi, is confident that the stars have aligned for wrestling cards to not just take off but soar into the collectible stratosphere. “WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards,” he asserts.
The new 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set serves as the inaugural release under this triumphant collaboration. It comes packed with desirable features: twelve packs in each hobby box, eight cards per pack, showcasing two autograph cards in every box, and a retail price of $169.99. Among the most tantalizing elements within this set are the signed cards that come with unique wrestler inscriptions. Just imagine owning a piece of history that has Cody Rhodes shouting, “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns asserting, “Acknowledge Me.”
Perhaps the pièce de résistance in this set is the much-anticipated return of The Rock’s autographed cards, making their appearance after a long two-decade hiatus. His Topps autographs will feature various cheeky inscriptions, including, “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss.” Additionally, this release marks the very first dual autographed card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, setting the stage for a treasure that is nothing short of a must-have for collectors.
No wrestling card release would be complete without nods to legendary figures, and 2024 also signifies the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading card release. Topps has decided that nostalgia is an essential ingredient in this year’s offerings, adorning them with special inserts paying tribute to the timeless 1985 set that sparked an obsession among many collectors. “I’m geeking out,” Luraschi confessed, reflecting on his own youth spent collecting those original cards, underscoring the deep sentimentality that is part of this trading card renaissance.
John Cena’s farewell tour on the horizon in 2025 also holds the promise of special collectible cards to commemorate his monumental impact on WWE. Look out for unique tribute cards featuring Cena in the upcoming products, a tribute fitting for a star of his stature.
Meanwhile, whispers in the trading card community suggest exciting possibilities, like the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards, which would include pieces of gear from wrestlers’ first matches. “You’ve gotta guess that we’re having the discussion,” teased Luraschi, keeping the collectors intrigued by the mere concept of such a collectible.
A glance at eBay reveals that nostalgia and current hot topics are intertwined in the wrestling collectible marketplace. Hulk Hogan, The Rock, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes rank among the most searched wrestlers, while a blend of newer names like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice show a meteoric rise in interest. The combined historical and evolving narratives create a rich tapestry for collectors to dive into.
As the WWE trading card landscape transitions into this new era, it’s clear that between the revival of The Rock’s autographs, tributes honoring John Cena, and the tantalizing prospect of debut cards, the horizon looks bright and full of potential. The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and the audience is on its feet, ready for an exhilarating show. WWE trading cards are not just poised for a momentous comeback – they are primed for a lasting legacy within the ever-expansive universe of collectibles.
