When it comes to the world of trading cards, WWE is poised to take a giant leap. After years in limbo, the spotlight is once again shining brightly on WWE trading cards, ignited by the grand return of Topps as the official card manufacturer. This enthusiastic revival is being fueled not only by nostalgia but by a fresh streaming deal with Netflix that has thrust WWE into the homes of a new generation of fans. As the wrestling promotion catches the eye of curious onlookers, the demand for collecting WWE trading cards is experiencing a remarkable surge, capturing the attention of seasoned hobbyists and newcomers alike.
The excitement surrounding WWE trading cards is palpable, and recent statistics indicate that this segment is not just blossoming—it’s exploding. According to data from CardLadder, the wrestling index—which tracks the sales of prominent wrestling cards—has spiked an impressive 25% in just three months. This makes wrestling cards the fastest-growing breed among sports card categories, surpassing even the ever-popular Pokémon cards, which only saw half that growth. With numbers like these, you can practically hear the collective cheers of card enthusiasts and avid WWE fans stocking up on their favorite memorabilia.
Adding to the excitement, December 2023 was a monumental month for collectors. An eye-popping sale shattered previous records when a rare 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card—one of a mere seventeen in existence—changed hands for a staggering $132,000. This eclipsed the previous record set just weeks earlier when The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 made headlines with a $126,000 sale. The combination of nostalgia and the thrill of collecting is igniting a robust market that hasn’t seen this kind of energy in years.
The surge in interest particularly correlates to WWE’s partnership with Netflix. eBay data indicates a spike in demands with searches for WWE items ballooning to 2,700 every hour in 2024—an uptick of 5% compared to 2023. But hold on to your belts because January 6 marked a pivotal change when WWE debuted on the streaming platform; that was the day searches for WWE cards and memorabilia witnessed a subsequent 5% increase. Individual wrestler searches told their own exhilarating stories, with Rhea Ripley leading the charge: her searches climbed over 100%, followed closely by Roman Reigns with more than 50%.
A nostalgic twist in this trading card saga comes from the prodigious return of Topps as WWE’s trading card creator. After having trodden the boards under Panini for several years, wrestling cards are back with Topps, signaling a reboot aimed at harnessing the dynamic storytelling prowess unique to WWE. Clay Luraschi, Senior VP of product at Topps, sees this revamp as a golden opportunity. “I think WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards,” he claimed, expressing his enthusiasm for the unprecedented developments in store.
A crucial element of Topps’ strategy is spotlighting the compelling characters that define wrestling lore. With Luraschi emphasizing the importance of storytelling within this realm, fans can expect this new wave of trading cards to capture the unique personalities of wrestlers like never before.
Kicking off this sensational revival is the anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, which is hitting hobby boxes with flair and fanfare. Shoppers can grab these boxes for $169.99, and each box includes twelve packs with eight cards apiece. In a lucrative twist for collectors, each box promises not one but two autographs! Talk about a deal!
Among the most coveted offerings in the WWE Chrome set are special autographed cards adorned with unique inscriptions from wrestlers, providing an innovative layer of collectibility. Fans can snag cards with phrases like Cody Rhodes’ “Story Finished!” and Roman Reigns’ commanding “Acknowledge Me.” These inscriptions not only add a personal touch but elevate the excitement of collecting to new heights.
However, the crown jewel of the 2024 WWE Chrome set is The Rock’s previously elusive autographs, which haven’t been seen since 1998! Featuring inscriptions including the catchphrases “Aloha” and “Smell It?” collectors can rejoice at getting their hands on these highly sought-after pieces of memorabilia once again. To top it all off, fans can also look forward to the first-ever dual autograph featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—a dream for many wrestling aficionados.
This year also holds a special place in WWE’s history as it marks the 40th anniversary of their inaugural trading card release. To celebrate, Topps is introducing special inserts that pay homage to the classic 1985 set, stirring up fond memories among avid collectors like Luraschi himself. Expect homage cards throughout the year along with tributes to duration-defining icons like John Cena as he embarks on his farewell tour.
With potential plans for introducing Debut Patch cards—an innovative idea mirroring baseball’s approach—fans can’t help but feel the anticipation building for what could unfold in the trading card landscape. This tantalizing prospect suggests that the imaginative minds at Topps are gearing up for something that could truly shake the hobby’s foundation.
As temperatures climb in the collecting market, certain names continue to stand tall while others seem to be shooting up like rockets. Most searched wrestlers on eBay include household names like Hulk Hogan and The Rock alongside today’s superstars such as Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. Meanwhile, some wrestlers are breaking new ground with their meteoric rises in card popularity, with Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice leading the pack with astonishing increases.
What’s apparent is that 2024 is set to be a blockbuster year for WWE trading cards as Topps takes the reins with creative flair and an unapologetic love for the sport. With increased exposure via Netflix, collectible releases brimming with nostalgic charm, and enviable autograph opportunities, one can only wonder how high the excitement surrounding WWE cards can truly soar!
