Step back, Pokémon and sports enthusiasts; it seems the squared circle—the stage for high-octane athleticism and outlandish storytelling—has put on its best spandex and is entering the trading card arena with gusto. The WWE trading card market is rapidly heating up, all thanks to the legendary Topps reclaiming its license and the excitement brewing over WWE’s new streaming partnership with Netflix. Yes, folks, it appears that trading cards are ready for a wrestling renaissance, and collectors are poised to dive into this ring of opportunity.
Recent graphs and astonishing sales data tell a compelling story. CardLadder’s wrestling index, which tracks the sales of pivotal wrestling cards, has kicked up its heels, dancing to the tune of a 25% growth over the last quarter. In an era where Pokémon cards used to reign supreme, WWE assets have left them trailing, with Pokémon growing only at half the pace of this wrestling explosion.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. December holiday shoppers got a little extra jingle in their wallets when a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card in PSA 9 condition was auctioned for a mind-blowing $132,000—smashing the previous record held by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1. It’s a remarkable revival in a space that might have seemed more laid back than a visiting wrestler after a hot tag.
One of the primary advisors driving this cartwheel of enthusiasm is undoubtedly WWE’s transition to Netflix. According to eBay’s shopkeepers, once WWE debuted on the streaming giant on January 6, searches for WWE collectibles shot up faster than a top rope splash. On that momentous day, searches for wrestling cards surged by an additional 5%, and some individual legends saw their popularity spike exponentially. Rhea Ripley experienced a jaw-dropping increase of over 100%, while Roman Reigns turned heads, grasping a 50% surge in interest. And that’s just scratching the surface—CM Punk, Liv Morgan, Solo Sikoa, and Drew McIntyre also boasted impressive double-digit growth among eager collectors.
The surge in popularity and the introduction of new fans dumbfounded by a cavalcade of wrestling’s iconic sport has acted like the ultimate adrenaline shot for the card market. At the helm of this revival is none other than Topps, returning to the WWE trading card business after spending several years in the hands of Panini. Their fresh approach to storytelling, aimed at weaving the personalities of WWE superstars into the fabric of every card, reshapes the playing field. Clay Luraschi, senior vice president of product at Topps, described this moment as the “perfect timing” for wrestling cards, “I think WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards. I’ve seen it bubbling up over the last five, six years, and now it’s just perfect timing.” Indeed, what once was a mere side show is now the main event, waiting to dazzle card collectors and wrestling fans alike.
The first punch of the renewed Topps dynamic is embodied in the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set—pay attention, mavericks of memorabilia! The set packs 12 packs per hobby box, each containing eight cards aimed to thrill and entice. Priced at $169.99 per box, this collector’s paradise is a treasure trove of autographs and unique wrestler inscriptions. As a kicker, superstars have charged their autographs with personalized catchphrases—Cody Rhodes reveals “Story Finished!”, Jey Uso shouts “YEET!” and Roman Reigns demands that you “Acknowledge Me!” These inscriptions don’t just add flair; they transform each card into coveted relics that will send collectors into a frenzy.
But let’s also talk about The Great One: The Rock is back with a bang. After a lengthy absence from WWE trading cards since 1998, his presence is poised to usher in a new wave of enthusiasm. The hype around his autographed cards, inscribed with phrases like “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss,” has collectors clamoring for what’s sure to be some of the most sought-after cards of the season. And the pièce de résistance? The first-ever dual autograph featuring The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, guaranteed to create a storm in any collector’s universe.
2024 is more than just another year—it’s the 40th anniversary of the very first WWE trading card release, an occasion Topps plans to mark in style with special inserts honoring the iconic sets that long-time fans fondly remember. As if that wasn’t enough, collectors have even more to look forward to as WWE’s golden boy, John Cena, gears up for his farewell tour in 2025. Topps has already signaled that the superstar will receive heartfelt card tributes throughout the year—legacies that will certainly tug at the heartstrings of wrestling aficionados.
There’s also chatter swirling in the trade rooms about the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards—a rarity that would feature game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match. Such innovations could catapult WWE cards right to the top of collectors’ wish lists and make for some dazzling hunt for new cards as promising statistics stack up.
Speaking of statistics, the card collecting community is buzzing about which wrestlers are hogging the spotlight. As of 2024, Hulk Hogan remains the most searched wrestler on eBay, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena not far behind. And for the spiking stars, the likes of Swerve Strickland have seen their card popularity skyrocket by an incredible 470%.
What a time to be a wrestling fan and a card enthusiast! With Topps back in the ring and WWE’s expansion into the streaming universe, the stage is set like never before. The trading card game is evolving, stories are being told, and nostalgia is blending with modern excitement. Collectors should brace themselves for a wild ride—2024 promises to be a groundbreaking year in the world of WWE trading cards.
