Once upon a time, in a wrestling ring that resonated with the roars of enthusiasts, WWE trading cards captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Now, it seems this enchanting realm is poised to make a stellar comeback, courtesy of Topps regaining its coveted license as the official card manufacturer and a blockbuster deal with none other than Netflix. The crossover appeal between WWE and the streaming giant is fueling speculation, as collectors and analysts confidently predict that the fervor for wrestling cards is about to hit its zenith, potentially reigniting the pinfall for collectors everywhere.
The card market for WWE has already begun to showcase some promising numbers that make even the best wrestling foils seem tame in comparison. In just the past three months, CardLadder’s wrestling index—tracking key wrestling cards—has surged an incredible 25%, outstripping even the beloved Pokémon cards that have long enjoyed their own popularity. The wrestling card market appears to be not just growing, but exploding with potential.
Further adding to the fervor, December saw the birth of a new record for wrestling card sales. Hold onto your chairs; a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, graded PSA 9 (one of a mere 17 in existence), crossed the finish line with a jaw-dropping price of $132,000, surpassing The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which previously held the title at a mere $126,000.
As we venture deeper into this transformative era, it becomes clear that one major factor is driving the interest pent-up in WWE trading cards—WWE’s collaboration with Netflix. A glance at eBay data reveals that searches for WWE memorabilia skyrocketed, hitting an exhilarating 2,700 queries per hour in 2024, marking a 5% growth from the previous year. But the highpoints erupted phenomenally on January 6, the day WWE made its Netflix debut. On that fateful date, searches for cards bearing the WWE logo climbed another 5%.
The appeal of individual wrestlers has also caught the attention of collectors, resulting in staggering growth rates. Rhea Ripley, for example, saw over a 100% increase in searches, while Roman Reigns and CM Punk trailed not far behind, with over a 50% and 40% increase, respectively. Clearly, the expanded reach of the WWE universe is ushering in a tidal wave of new fans eager to jump into the world of card collecting.
Turning our focus back to Topps, the brand is donning its cape once more as it re-enters the wrestling card arena, after a few years in the sidelines under Panini’s stewardship. With Topps coming back into the game, there’s a renewed sense of enthusiasm bolstered by a commitment to innovative storytelling and capturing the dynamic essence of the stars that grace the ring. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, is riding this wave of excitement, suggesting that the wrestling card scene is ready for a meteoric rise. “WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards,” he remarked. This energy will undoubtedly reflect in their upcoming card releases.
Kicking off this revival, Topps is unveiling the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, loaded with features meant to amplify the love for wrestling. Each hobby box will contain 12 packs, each with eight cards, and will include two autographs—setting collectors back $169.99 per box. Among the most captivating aspects of this release is the unique autograph inscriptions from wrestlers. Think of it as a personalized touch in the card collecting journey—catchphrases from the grapplers themselves that fans will cherish long after they’ve left the ring.
Not to be overlooked, The Rock’s return to WWE trading cards with his first autographs since 1998 adds an electrifying appeal to the set. These autographs come with a variety of iconic inscriptions, including “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss,” making them an essential get for hardcore fans. And don’t forget the dual autograph that features both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a mighty prized gem for any collector with an eye for the unique.
Furthermore, 2024 is not just any year; it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first-ever WWE trading card release. Topps looks to commemorate this milestone with special inserts that pay homage to the 1985 set. The nostalgia factor has never been higher, as even Luraschi admits, “I’m geeking out because I collected that set” himself.
Looking ahead, as John Cena prepares to embark on his farewell tour beginning in 2025, fans can expect several special tribute cards to appear throughout the year, including a dedicated insert in the WWE Chrome set. The emotional weight of such tributes speaks volumes, as Cena has left an indelible mark on the wrestling universe.
In the buzz of speculation, one of the hottest topics among collectors revolves around the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards, reminiscent of similar concepts in MLB and MLS. Could these rookie cards, which carry unique game-worn patches from a wrestler’s very first match, be on their way to the market? Luraschi tantalizingly hints, “It’s something we’re toying around with.”
As we look into the upcoming wrestling card horizon, it’s clear that certain superstars are capturing collectors’ attention like wildfire. The list of most searched wrestlers—from Hulk Hogan to Cody Rhodes—shows that the fan favorite status remains fiercely competitive. Notably, there’s also a flurry of rising stars making their poignant mark within the card market, with Swerve Strickland’s popularity skyrocketing over 470%.
The tapestry woven from Topps’ renewed partnership, the electrifying expansion of WWE’s reach, and the iconic return of wrestling legends in card form paints a bright future for fans and collectors alike. With the stage set for an exhilarating 2024, wrestling cards aren’t just making a comeback; they’re ready to take the spotlight in a way that will make any wrestling enthusiast want to climb into the squared circle for a perfect pinfall.
