The world of wrestling is not just confined to the squared circle; it extends into the realm of collectibles with an agonizingly underrated yet vibrant wrestling card market. And now, WWE trading cards are gearing up for an exhilarating revival. Reinvigorated by Topps reclaiming their official license and the company riding the wave of a lucrative streaming deal with Netflix, it’s as if the curtain has risen on a new act in the trading card saga. As WWE captures the hearts of new fans, excitement is building, creating an atmosphere ripe for collectors eager to add wrestling’s rich history to their troves.
In a landscape where card collecting has ascended to stratospheric popularity, WWE cards are emerging as a fiery contender, fueled by recent endorsements from enthusiastic collectors and savvy analysts. According to CardLadder, the wrestling index, which meticulously tracks the sales of pivotal wrestling cards, has surged by a staggering 25% in just the last three months. Yes, you heard that right! That meteoric rise outpaces even the sensational Pokémon cards, whose growth stagnated at half that rate. It’s an arena where the athleticism of superstars is now matching the competitive spirit of card valuation!
But the thrill doesn’t stop there. The stakes have been dramatically raised, with December 2023 marking a watershed moment in wrestling history. A 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, graded PSA 9 and one of merely 17 to exist, sold for a jaw-dropping $132,000. Not only did it set a new record for the genre, but it left the prior record— a card paying homage to another wrestling legend, The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1—behind in the dust, which was sold for a paltry $126,000. The trading card game is proving that the clash between wrestlers can extend in more ways than one!
Central to this resurgence is WWE’s strategic partnership with Netflix, which has propelled the wrestling brand into homes around the globe. When eBay began tracking search data, it recorded a staggering increase in interest surrounding WWE memorabilia and collectibles, skyrocketing to 2,700 searches per hour in 2024. This represents a 5% growth from 2023, which is an achievement in its own right. Yet, January 6th was the date that ignited fireworks in the world of WWE fragrances—er, cards! On the day WWE made its glorious debut on Netflix, searches for various WWE cards and memorabilia spiked by another 5%. Individual superstars shone even brighter, with search interest exploding for Rhea Ripley (over 100% increase), Roman Reigns (50% increase), and other iconic figures. It seems the streaming service’s entry into the wrestling universe is transforming sporadic fandom into full-blown collector craze!
On the horizon, Topps has made a triumphant return to the WWE fold, rekindling a relationship that promises a renewed passion for storytelling within its trading card offerings. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ Senior Vice President of Product, is bursting with expectations for wrestling cards going forward. With aspirations to capture the unique charisma of WWE superstars, Luraschi envisions a new era defined by bold narratives. “‘The storytelling element is what makes WWE different,” he joyfully exclaimed. As fans continue to gravitate toward such compelling personalities, Topps aims to translate this energy into card formats that resonate with old and new fans alike.
The 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set is the first exciting installment in this highly awaited chapter. Enclosed within the glimmering packs—boasting 12 packs per hobby box and 8 cards per pack—collectors can look forward to the exhilaration of unearthing autographed cards that sport unique inscriptions. “Story Finished!” from Cody Rhodes or “Acknowledge Me!” from the indomitable Roman Reigns is bound to send chills down the spine of fans, igniting a collector frenzy like no other. Those personal catchphrases breathe life into these cards, provoking a joyous shout of nostalgia and collectibility amongst enthusiasts.
And the pièce de résistance? The Rock’s much-anticipated comeback! 2024 WWE Chrome marks a monumental occasion: The Rock’s first autographs in trading cards since the era of dial-up Internet and grunge music. Serving up an incredible three different inscriptions, The Rock’s involvement is set to drive card values skyward. “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss” tease a taste of nostalgia, while a chase card featuring the Rock alongside “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will undoubtedly be the crown jewel for any collector worth their salt.
As the saga unfolds, the exciting prospects for WWE trading cards seem to be limitless. 2024 is not just a year for new releases; it’s the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading cards, adding an extra layer of historical significance. Topps Chrome will include distinct inserts celebrating that iconic 1985 set, paving the way for breathtaking nostalgia.
In another feather on Topps’ cap, they are gearing up to pay tribute to wrestling titan John Cena during his farewell tour, slated to kick off in 2025. Expect to see special insert cards featuring Cena’s vestige throughout the year—his impact on WWE is undeniable and deserves extravagant homage.
Should you find yourself pondering the potential for WWE to introduce Debut Patch cards—unique cards infused with actual game-worn patches from a wrestler’s inaugural match—rumors suggest that discussions are underway. If such cards take shape, they could soon emerge as the ultimate treasures for aficionados.
So, when the dust settles and the last card is filed away into a protective sleeve, one thing remains crystal clear: With Topps back in the ring, a flourishing collector base, and the expansion of the WWE universe onto Netflix, wrestling cards are poised to break free of past constraints and soar to newfound heights. The excitement and anticipation simmer palpably in the air as wrestling cards leap into a vibrant future, ready to enthrall collectors who are more than eager to get in on the action.
