The world of wrestling is as electrifying as a surprise RKO, and the latest surprise? WWE trading cards are gearing up for a renaissance, ignited by the return of Topps as the official card manufacturer. After several years in the hands of Panini, wrestling cards are brushing off the dust, stepping into the spotlight, and ready to capture the hearts of collectors and fans alike. With a turbocharged partnership with Netflix hitting full throttle, WWE is capturing new audiences as excitement around its trading cards soars to dizzying heights.
The numbers tell a compelling story, and they seem to be flexing harder than a WWE champion. Data from CardLadder’s wrestling index shows that WWE trading cards have surged by 25% in just the last three months, conquering the sports card scene as the fastest-growing segment. To put things into perspective, even the Pokémon cards, mini-monsters of nostalgia, only managed a modest half of that growth. The excitement of card collecting seems to have undergone its own evolution, and wrestling has emerged as a prime contender in the hobby scene.
Adding to the excitement, December 2023 marked a watershed moment for wrestling cards, with a historic sale capturing everyone’s attention. A near-mythical 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card, of which only 17 exist, sold for a staggering $132,000—a record-breaking feat that toppled the previous high from The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card, which sailed off for $126,000. It’s a dramatic tug-of-war, raising the stakes for wrestling collectibles, making clear that the love for these cards is not just alive but thriving.
What’s spurred this fervor? The answer lies in the undeniable relationship between WWE and Netflix. As fans eagerly tuned in to catch all the action (and melodrama) in the ring, searches for WWE merchandise spiked, with eBay recording a sensational 2,700 searches per hour in early 2024—a notable increase of 5% from the previous year. And that’s not even the best part! When WWE debuted its content on Netflix on January 6, 2024, interest surged a further 5%. The rising stars of the squared circle saw their card futures twinkle brighter than ever, with icons like Rhea Ripley’s search-peaking hitting over 100%.
Topps isn’t just stepping back into the game—it’s ready to start a new match altogether. WWE trading cards now boast a fresh focus on storytelling and character depth, an area Topps is eager to explore. As Clay Luraschi, Senior Vice President of Product at Topps, puts it, this moment is simply soaked in potential for wrestling cards. The company aims to tap into the unique quirkiness and grand narratives of the WWE universe that have entranced fans for decades.
Their inaugural product under this rejuvenated partnership is the all-new 2024 Topps WWE Chrome collection, promising a treasure trove of goodies, including 12 packs per hobby box and a delightful two autographs in every box. Priced at $169.99, it’s a sweet bargain for collectors eyeing those precious second-hand market cards later on. But what truly sets it apart is the incorporation of unique autograph inscriptions from superstars that capture their personalities perfectly—think Cody Rhodes declaring “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns declaring “Acknowledge Me” in his distinctive style. These whimsical inscriptions are bound to elevate the allure for collectors.
Perhaps the crown jewel of the 2024 WWE Chrome release is the highly anticipated return of The Rock’s autographed cards, making a comeback after a lengthy hiatus of over two decades. Among his iconic inscriptions are “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss,” as well as the one-of-a-kind dual autograph featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin that is bound to send collectors into a frenzy. Luraschi’s assurance that “You can’t do it without his presence” underlines the magnitude of The Rock’s influence on WWE trading cards.
Moreover, 2024 also marks a milestone—WWE’s 40th anniversary in trading cards. What better way to celebrate than to incorporate nostalgic inserts echoing the beloved 1985 card set? Luraschi is like a kid in a candy store when discussing these tributes, clearly fired up to reignite the memories of card collectors from decades past.
And with John Cena poised to kick off his farewell tour in 2025, Topps has announced it will be paying homage to his legendary career in the form of tribute cards throughout the year. It’s not just hype; as Luraschi said, “Someone like him—who’s had such a massive impact on WWE—deserves something special.” The sentiment of nostalgia and tribute will permeate this year’s offerings, ensuring both seasoned collectors and fresh faces feel a connection to the heritage of WWE.
As the dust begins to settle on 2024, one question looms large: Will WWE also introduce Debut Patch cards, akin to their counterparts in Major League Baseball or MLS? Imagine rookie cards emblazoned with pieces of game-worn fabric from a wrestler’s inaugural match—now that would be the crème de la crème for collectors. With Luraschi hinting at discussions around this possibility, the excitement only builds.
Meanwhile, certain wrestlers are emerging as hot commodities in the collecting landscape. Hulk Hogan once again reigns supreme among the most searched WWE wrestlers on platforms like eBay, while The Rock, John Cena, and rising star Cody Rhodes remain on the must-have list. On the other hand, fresh faces like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are making major strides in card popularity, boasting staggering increases in their search metrics.
WWE trading cards are poised to springboard into a sensational new era. With Topps back in the driver’s seat and WWE’s strategic alliances creating new waves of interest, the stage is set for a dazzling 2024. Exciting releases featuring beloved legends and the potential for innovative collectible mechanisms are putting wrestling cards on the fast track of collecting success, catering to aficionados who wear their fandom proudly. The tapestry of wrestling just got a whole lot richer, and collectors are in for a treat as they gear up to seize the action.
