As the curtain rises on a bold new chapter for WWE trading cards, collectors are buzzing with excitement. In a comeback story fit for any storyline scripted in the squared circle, Topps has once again seized the license to produce WWE trading cards, igniting a spark of interest that could catapult these collectibles to unforeseen heights. Alongside a strategic streaming partnership with Netflix, WWE is capturing the imaginations of both long-time fans and curious newcomers alike. That’s right; it’s time to get ready for a trading card phenomenon as colossal as a John Cena comeback!
For those who haven’t been paying attention, the world of trading cards has seen an explosive revival recently, with various sports and pop culture memorabilia capturing the hearts of fans and collectors. The latest stats from CardLadder’s wrestling index confirm that WWE trading cards are rapidly ascending the ranks, reporting an impressive 25% growth over the last three months alone. Imagine that! Cards are growing faster than even the mighty Pokémon collectibles, which hobbled along with only half that same growth rate.
Now, let’s drop the hammer on this eye-catching development: December 2023 went down in history when a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9—a gem of a card if there ever was one—shattered records by selling for a jaw-dropping $132,000. That’s right, folks! This glorious piece of nostalgia not only highlighted Hogan’s legacy in the wrestling realm but also bested the previous record held by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1.
But the buzz doesn’t stop there! Many collectors are attributing part of this fervor to WWE’s new partnership with Netflix, which has expanded its footprint considerably. The data from eBay can’t lie; searches for WWE items rocketed to a staggering 2,700 per hour in 2024. Even while investor interest in memorabilia was already on the rise, WWE’s Netflix debut on January 6 threw gasoline on the fire with a spectacular 5% increase in that very same hour.
Individual wrestlers experienced even greater surges in search excitement following this seismic event. Superstars such as Rhea Ripley and Roman Reigns saw interests explode—over 100% and 50% increases, respectively. CM Punk, Liv Morgan, Drew McIntyre, and even the charismatic Seth Rollins aren’t lagging far behind. Each of them is capitalizing on the surge in interest, as fans flock to snatch up cards featuring their favorite grapplers.
In a stroke of genius, Topps is returning to the forefront of WWE trading cards and is bringing an array of innovative ideas along for the ride, aiming to attract a new generation of collectors. To Topps’ senior vice president of product, Clay Luraschi, this resurgence means everything. “The storytelling element is what makes WWE different,” he proclaims, promising that the new products will spotlight dynamic wrestlers like never before. “We’re going to bring that out in trading cards this time.” Each card will showcase the rich narratives that have defined wrestling, capturing the essence of larger-than-life personas.
Kicking things off is the brand-new 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, sweetening the deal with 12 packed hobby boxes featuring two autographs each for just $169.99. For eager collectors, the excitement reaches new heights through unique inscription autographs that see wrestlers pen their catchphrases or personal notes. This quirky addition transforms an autograph into not just a signature but a piece of storytelling that makes cards irresistible to fans.
Among the jewels of this set is the long-awaited return of The Rock to WWE trading cards after a two-decade absence. Wrestling aficionados had been yearning for this moment, and it has finally arrived! Luraschi sets the stage: “You can’t do it without his presence.” Fans can scoop up The Rock’s autographed cards, each featuring different inscriptions as he taps into his catchphrase arsenal like an old-school classic movie trailer.
Adding to the anticipation, Topps is celebrating the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, launching special inserts that pay homage to the beloved 1985 set. Talk about a nostalgic journey for those who remember desperately collecting packs, hoping for that elusive Hulk Hogan masterpiece.
As if that weren’t enough, collector anticipation skyrockets with the whispers of John Cena tributes sprinkled throughout the year in honor of his farewell tour commencing in 2025. Topps is ensuring that wrestling fans will be treated to myriad special inserts paying tribute to this icon, proving that Cena’s impact will be commemorated in more ways than one.
Amidst this tidal wave of excitement, the hot topic of conversation has been the possibility of introducing Debut Patch cards, similar to those celebrated in baseball and soccer. What’s a Debut Patch card, you ask? Imagine limited-edition cards featuring game-worn patches from wrestlers’ first matches, generating a frenzy among collectors yearning for pieces of wrestling history. Luraschi tantalizingly teases that discussions about this ground-breaking concept are indeed on the table.
Collectors have been on the lookout for trends in rising superstars, with names like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice leading the pack with astonishing increases in popularity—over 470% and 450%, respectively. The wrestling card market is eclectic and ever-changing, mirroring the high-energy unpredictability of wrestling itself.
There’s no doubt that with Topps reclaiming the WWE license and the expanded reach on Netflix, the wrestling card market is ripe for explosive growth. As traditional barriers crumble, new fans emerge, and the nostalgic allure of iconic wrestlers stirs a movement among returning collectors. With several groundbreaking releases on the horizon, 2024 has all the makings of a game-changing year for WWE trading cards. The crowd is roaring, the bell has rung, and all that’s left is for fans to get ready to join the action!
