In the captivating world of collectibles, where nostalgia reigns supreme and every card holds a treasure trove of memories, it seems the WWE trading card universe is preparing for an exhilarating revival. Welcome back Topps—the illustrious name synonymous with trading cards—stepping back into the ring to reclaim its license and prepare to send collectors into a frenzy. As the wrestling entertainment giants scale new heights with a landmark streaming agreement with Netflix, the fervor for WWE cards is reaching unprecedented levels. It looks like the hobby is about to get a new favorite sibling: wrestling cards poised to take center stage.
The past few months have seen a whirlwind of excitement and enthusiasm in the trading card market, and WWE cards are surging faster than a luchador off the ropes. According to the wrestling index tracked by CardLadder, sales of key wrestling cards have skyrocketed by 25% in just three months—making this the red-hot star of the collectible game. For context, those figures dwarf even the vibrant demand for Pokémon cards, experiencing a mere half of that growth. A shocking turn of events that just goes to show that while Pikachu might have a loyal following, Hulk Hogan and CM Punk are still the titans the fans want to cheer for.
Speaking of titans, December 2023 set a monumental precedent with an all-time record sale for a wrestling card. The revered 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan’s PSA 9 card, which is among the rarest with only 17 in existence, traded hands for a jaw-dropping $132,000—outstripping The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card, which set the previous record at $126,000. If WWE card collectors were trying to find the upper limits of their wallets, this certainly qualified as an eye-opening experience.
While these numbers are impressive, the catalyst behind this meteoric rise appears intricately connected to the WWE’s recent move onto Netflix. Research from eBay indicates a healthy increase in searches for WWE items, rocketing up to 2,700 per hour in 2024, a 5% uptick from the previous year. Notably, January 6 saw an explosive spike in interest on the very day WWE made its debut on the streaming platform. Individual grapplers also noted a surge in attention, with Rhea Ripley taking the lead with over 100% increase and Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and others drawing significant spikes alongside. With WWE gears grinding up to full throttle on Netflix, it’s no wonder collectors are excited to stock up on cards featuring their favorite superstars.
The returning powerhouse in the trading card sphere, Topps, is armed with innovative ideas that target the storytelling prowess of WWE. Senior VP Clay Luraschi, who’s steering this exciting new direction, believes that the timing couldn’t be more opportune. “WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards,” he asserts. Expectations are high as Topps embraces the characters that make WWE unique—the storytelling element will take the lead, spotlighting the complex personalities bursting out of the squared circle.
The pièce de résistance, the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, is anticipated by many collectors. Picture this: 12 packs per hobby box, eight enchanting cards nestled in every pack, and two autographs guaranteed to make you feel like you just pinned your opponent for the championship. Priced at $169.99, this release features some of wrestling’s all-time-darling signatures, with wrestlers adding their catchphrases and unique messages to enhance collectibility. Cody Rhodes throws down his “Story Finished!” while Jey Uso delivers a catchy “YEET!” The charisma transcends the cardboard, making them all the more coveted by aficionados yearning to scoop up the illustrious memorabilia.
But the excitement doesn’t stop at catchphrases; The Rock makes his grand entrance back into the trading card scene with a bang! His first WWE autographed cards since 1998 have wrestling fans buzzing with anticipation. Featuring various inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss,” his dual autograph with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is already being hailed as the next grail for collectors—the kind of card that could send collectors into rapturous applause.
With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, Topps Chrome isn’t shying away from acknowledging its roots. Special inserts will pay tribute to the iconic 1985 set, stirring nostalgic memories for those who fondly recall tearing into their treasure troves of collectible card packs. Luraschi’s enthusiasm is evident as he recollects the thrill of collecting these cards in his youth—his inner collector revealed!
John Cena, that enduring face of WWE, is also set to receive tribute cards throughout the year in celebration of his farewell tour kicking off in 2025. Already woven into the fabric of the WWE Chrome set with a special insert, Cena’s legacy will be honored and cherished like the champ that he is.
And as the wrestling universe continues to expand and grow its fan base, the question on many a fanertainer’s lips remains: could WWE be poised to introduce debut patch cards? These rookie gemstones—limited as they might be—sought after like the ultimate surprise finish in a wrestling match, elicit a tantalizing promise from Luraschi, “It’s something we’re toying around with.” The future of WWE trading cards does not simply hold promise; it’s a veritable Slam Jam of opportunities.
With figures from the likes of Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes taking center stage in searches across eBay, it’s evident that these iconic names continue to reign supreme. As vigilantly searched wrestlers, they help keep the flames of fandom burning bright. Meanwhile, emerging stars like Swerve Strickland are making waves, enjoying massive increases in card popularity.
This moment is undeniably crucial for WWE trading cards as they rally against the odds, driving forth in the eyes of collectors hungry for more. With Topps’ revival echoing throughout the wrestling world, a palpable sense of excitement looms ahead, hinting at ground-breaking times for wrestling aficionados. Collectors, both seasoned and new, are collectively salivating over a year that promises to deliver excitement, nostalgia, and a bounty of sought-after treasures like never before. The ring is set; it’s time to collect—and the show is just beginning!
