In the ever-evolving realm of sports memorabilia, once in a while, something comes along that redefines the whole landscape. This time, it’s WWE trading cards that are making headlines, poised for an exciting comeback led by Topps’ resurgence as the official card manufacturer. The wrestling card market is heating up, and fans are buzzing about the potential for this revived segment to capture the hearts—and wallets—of collectors everywhere. With a brand new streaming deal with Netflix acting like a turbocharger for fan interest, WWE’s grip on the trading card world seems stronger than ever.
The winds of change are blowing, and they’re blowing straight into the world of wrestling cards. Data emerging from CardLadder reveals that WWE trading cards have soared remarkably, boasting a growth rate that has outpaced even the legendary Pokémon cards, quickly becoming the darling of the sports card universe. With recent sales figures reflecting a 25% spike in just three months, wrestling fans are clearly feeling the excitement; ever so evidently, the nostalgia for childhood heroes is making a tremendous comeback.
The latest blockbuster sale has everyone talking—a legendary 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9, a coveted collectible that was one of just 17 in existence, fetching a jaw-dropping $132,000. Not only did it dethrone The Rock’s former record card, which sold for $126,000, but it also signaled to collectors everywhere that the wrestling card market is no longer the underdog. With the stampede of trades and sales, it seems that WWE cards are set to become the freshest hotcakes on the market.
One cannot ignore the undeniable influence that WWE’s Netflix debut had on this dramatic surge in interest. When WWE’s programming hit streaming waves on January 6, it sent fans scurrying to their keyboards for collectibles related to their favorite wrestlers. eBay’s data tells the story of soaring searches, with a 5% increase since the previous year, reaching upwards of 2,700 queries per hour. Individual wrestlers felt the impact too; the likes of Rhea Ripley saw a staggering 100% spike in searches. Roman Reigns and CM Punk were not far behind, as waves of fans jumped in to capture their pieces of wrestling history.
What happens next in the world of WWE trading cards? Enter Topps! After years in the hands of Panini, Topps has returned, and their senior vice president of product, Clay Luraschi, is positively buzzing with excitement. He sees the current climate as just ripe for the picking. According to Luraschi, the time couldn’t be more opportune. In fact, he’s convinced that captivating storytelling will be at the heart of Topps’ strategy for the new WWE trading card lineup. Each card is set to capture the essence and color of the superstars, breathing life into the collectibility factor that wrestling fans demand.
As anticipation mounts for the first set under Topps’ wing—the highly anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome—fans are being treated to a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. The Chrome set promises 12 packs per hobby box and a delightfully collectible two autographs per box, all for a retail price of $169.99. The icing on the cake? Cards featuring unique wrestling inscriptions—think Cody Rhodes declaring “Story Finished!” and Roman Reigns demanding fans to “Acknowledge Me!” These personal touches add flair and pizzazz to an already sizzling market.
And let’s not forget The Rock. Yes, the Great One is back, baby! His return to WWE trading cards marks an electrifying chapter as he presents his first autographed cards since 1998, complete with witty inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Smell It?” This is nostalgia coupled with present-day excitement—it’s a recipe made for collecting greatness! Adding to the appeal is the first-ever dual autograph alongside “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—one can only imagine how coveted these cards will become.
The year 2024 is flanked by celebration, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading card release. As Topps gives a nod to the iconic 1985 set, collectors will want to snap up something commemorative. There’s juice in the nostalgia factor for seasoned collectors, and the excitement is palpable.
With John Cena preparing for his farewell tour set to begin in 2025, there’s extra icing on the cake. Topps is prepping a slew of tribute cards to honor Cena’s monumental impact on WWE, ensuring that fans will have a chance to celebrate their hero while he’s still actively contributing to the wrestling world. As exciting as this is, collectors are left wondering about future innovations. Might we see the introduction of WWE Debut Patch cards like those seen in MLB and MLS? Could this become the ultimate sought-after chase card? Luraschi tantalizes us with hints; discussions are ongoing.
The landscape for WWE trading cards is alive with opportunity. Underpinning this boom are the most searched wrestlers this year. Hulk Hogan stands tall at the forefront, showcasing that he remains a titan in the collecting market, followed closely by The Rock, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes. In the energy of the moment, rising stars are also making waves—Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are two names that have exploded in popularity over the last year.
What does all of this culminate in? The allure of WWE trading cards, once considered a niche hobby, is now on the brink of transformation. The combination of star power, innovative designs, depth of storytelling, and the immense nostalgia factor positions wrestling cards as a prominent player in the collectible landscape. With Topps streaming in, this is definitely going to be an electrifying period for collectors and fans alike. The wrestling community stands on the cusp of something spectacular, eagerly anticipating the unveiling of WWE trading cards that are not just pieces of cardboard but vivid embodiments of their favorite grappling narratives.
