In a wrestling revival that would make even the most seasoned fan do a double take, the WWE trading card scene is preparing for a triumphant resurgence. Thanks to the nostalgia-infused return of Topps as the official manufacturer and a historic streaming alliance with Netflix, the market is primed, leaving collectors drooling over what promises to be both a financial and cultural bonanza. Wrestling memorabilia, long overshadowed by the likes of Pokémon, appears ready for a renaissance, with analysts proclaiming it as the next darling of the collectible hobby’s sparkling universe.
Recent figures show that the internal pulse of WWE trading cards is beating faster than ever. CardLadder, a platform dedicated to monitoring sports card sales, reveals a remarkable 25% surge in its wrestling index over the past quarter, rendering it not just the fastest-growing sports card slice of the pie, but a riveting spectacle surpassing even the fiercely popular Pokémon card phenomenon, which could only muster a mere 12.5% in growth over the same period. Amid this boom, December 2023 witnessed a historic sale, with a rare 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card fetching an astonishing $132,000. This wasn’t just a new record for wrestling cards; it trampled the previous titan, The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which sold at $126,000. Wrestling memorabilia is shaking off the dust and getting ready to rumble anew.
What’s fueling this newfound frenzy, you may ask? Well, it appears WWE’s partnership with Netflix is the secret ingredient in this rich stew. According to eBay data, searches for WWE collectibles rocketed to an impressive 2,700 per hour in 2024—a 5% uptick from last year. But the real fireworks ignited on January 6, right as WWE made its grand entrance onto Netflix, spurring an incredible search rate spike for WWE cards and memorabilia, climbing another 5%. Specific wrestlers saw astronomical increases in interest, with Rhea Ripley skyrocketing more than 100%, Roman Reigns gaining momentum with over 50%, and even CM Punk, despite his ups and downs in the ring, managing over a 40% boost. Add in Liv Morgan and the rising star Solo Sikoa, and you’ve got a party of fervent fans clamoring for cards like there’s no tomorrow.
The narrative does not stop there; the excitement is further fueled by Topps blowing the dust off their wrestling expertise. Having briefly shacked up with Panini, Topps is back in the ring, wielding renewed vigor and fresh ideas. Senior VP of Product Clay Luraschi noted that the climate is ripe for wrestling cards to thrive. “It’s perfect timing,” he believes, citing the renewed energy emanating from both fans and the product itself. Topps’ approach hinges on storytelling—capturing the essence and larger-than-life personalities that have defined WWE—an angle that has been missing from previous renditions of trading cards.
Kicking off the new era is the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome release, an offering generating significant buzz among collectors. Priced sensibly at $169.99 per hobby box, it boasts an array of perks: 12 packs per box, with eight cards each, and two autographs waiting to thrill those lucky enough to crack one open. Among the notable features is the concept of unique autograph inscriptions, allowing wrestlers to share their signature catchphrases, thus blending the charm of wrestling theatrics with collectible art. Cody Rhodes’ “Story Finished!” and Roman Reigns’ bold declaration to “Acknowledge Me” are just a few examples of the catchy ink squiggled across these cards, igniting competitive spirits among collectors.
Excitement extends with the long-awaited return of The Rock to the trading card universe. His very first autographed WWE cards since 1998, with inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Smell It?” will have collectors ready to fight over them like fans at a Royal Rumble match. Excitingly, the set also features a groundbreaking dual autograph card, a tag-team collectible with The Rock teaming up with none other than “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Luraschi emphasized, “You can’t do it without his presence,” solidifying The Rock’s place in this wrestling card comeback.
With 2024 marking the fabulous 40th anniversary of the first-ever WWE trading card release, Topps has lined up special insert cards to honor the iconic 1985 series, stirring waves of nostalgia for those who gleefully tore open yellow and blue packs long ago. Luraschi’s excitement radiates as he speaks fondly of the glory days of collecting, his childhood glimpse into card design and memories igniting a passion he is eager to resurrect for modern fans.
As John Cena readies for his farewell tour set to blossom in 2025, Topps is waiting in the wings to deliver tribute cards that fans can treasure as mementos of a legend’s illustrious career. Fans can expect these cards to appear throughout the year, ensuring that Cena’s impact continues to echo in their collectibles long after his final match.
Luraschi hinted at further potential innovations, revealing discussions revolving around unique Debut Patch cards—a possible nod to other sports trading cards trends. Imagine one-of-a-kind rookie cards featuring fabric from the wrestler’s first match—such a move might just earn a space in collectors’ hearts while helping the hobby reach dazzling new heights.
The climate is ripe, the excitement palpable, as the trading card kingdom shifts its focus back to WWE. A blend of nostalgic appeal, an expanding market presence driving interest, and a solid production team at Topps indicates that 2024 is set to be not just any year but a blockbuster era for WWE trading cards. Collectors, ready your wallets—the slam-dunk returns are evenly matched with nostalgia and innovation, poised to give the entire market a thrilling dose of high-energy excitement.
