In an exhilarating twist for fans of body slams, suplexes, and, let’s face it, some of the most colorful characters on the globe, WWE trading cards are gearing up for a spectacular comeback. With Topps back in the mix as the official trading card manufacturer, wrestling aficionados are on the brink of a renaissance in card collecting. Combine this nostalgic revival with WWE’s groundbreaking streaming deal with Netflix, and we have a cocktail of enthusiasm that’s sending collectors into a frenzy as they scramble for their holy grails.
Over the course of the last few months, the wrestling card market has been bubbling with promise, punctuated by data from CardLadder showing a staggering 25% bump in their wrestling index. This means that, when it comes to sports cards, wrestling is the flavor of the month – outpacing even the ever-popular Pokémon, which has only mustered half that growth. Coincidence or correlation? As more fans tune in to watch their favorite grapplers, they’re also diving headfirst into the world of trading cards.
If that news alone isn’t enough to get your hands sweaty with excitement, brace yourself for a new record that was set in December 2023 within this wrestling card renaissance. A gleaming gem, the 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 (limited to just 17 copies) sold for an eye-watering $132,000. This sale knocked The Rock’s previous record of $126,000 out of the ring — talk about a match made in collector’s heaven!
A pivotal contributor to this fresh wave of interest in trading cards is WWE’s strategic move to Netflix. The numbers speak for themselves: as searches for WWE memorabilia shot up to an eye-popping 2,700 searches per hour in early 2024, fan engagement skyrocketed by 5% over the previous year. The stark spikes were especially noticeable on January 6, the day WWE dropped its new content on Netflix – a day when searches soared another 5%, showcasing the deepening connection between the streaming platform and the wrestling universe.
Some wrestlers have seen their cards become highly desirable, with search interest spiking dramatically. Rhea Ripley led the charge with over a 100% increase in searches, followed by big names like Roman Reigns and CM Punk, showing that fans are not just passively watching — they’re actively hunting down their favorite athletes’ memorabilia.
Now, one cannot talk about the resurgence of WWE trading cards without discussing the triumphant return of Topps, which has quite the reputation in the industry. After a several-year stint under Panini, Topps is back in the game, armed with an invigorated focus on storytelling that taps into the captivating drama that is uniquely WWE. This change has left Clay Luraschi, the senior vice president of product at Topps, practically buzzing with enthusiasm. He recognizes the momentous opportunity to showcase the characters behind the personas, offering fans more relatable, layered narratives in their trading cards.
Kicking off this vibrant new chapter is the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, set to dazzle collectors with its glimmering assortment of rookie card goodies. Each hobby box showcases 12 packs, with two tantalizing autographs waiting to be grasped by eager hands. The price tag of $169.99 per box may cause some eyebrows to raise, but these cards are not merely pieces of cardboard; they are portals to the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling — a world where catchphrases become cherished inscriptions.
Speaking of inscriptions, fans will find one of the most coveted elements of the WWE Chrome set will be the unique autograph inscriptions that wrestlers have penned, blending personalized flair with collectibility. Who wouldn’t want to nab a card featuring “Acknowledge Me” inscribed by Roman Reigns himself? Or perhaps “Story Finished!” from Cody Rhodes? With such memorable quips added to their autographs, these cards are destined to escalate in desirability on the secondary market.
And as if that wasn’t enough to send collectors into a wild spin, The Rock makes a grand return, with his first autographed WWE cards since 1998 included in the 2024 set! Three inscriptions that fans will adore accompany these cards, crooning classic sentiments like “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss.” Additionally, a first-ever dual autograph featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is sure to shoot up the value charts faster than a top rope splash.
2024 serves as a landmark year, celebrating 40 years of WWE trading cards. To honor this milestone, special inserts that hark back to the popular 1985 set will bridge time, igniting nostalgia in collectors who proudly sport their original cards from that golden era of wrestling history. And let’s not forget John Cena’s farewell tour coming up in 2025; fans can expect waves of tribute cards that spotlight his monumental impact on the sport.
Rumors are also swirling regarding the possibility of WWE introducing Debut Patch cards, akin to those in MLB and MLS, featuring game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match — imagine the buzz when and if that gets the green light! Luraschi hinted that discussions are indeed in motion, piquing the curiosities of collectors who are simply itching at the thought of another ultimate chase card.
With a perfect concoction of nostalgia, innovation, and growing interest from new fans, WWE trading cards are poised for their breakout moment. As collectors line up to snatch up their favorite wrestlers’ cards and engage deeper in the hobby, it’s clear that 2024 could be a blockbuster year — and folks, you’ll want to grab your front-row seat for this extravaganza!
