In the electrifying realm of wrestling, where larger-than-life characters collide every week, a niche market has been quietly heating up and is now on the brink of explosion. WWE trading cards, those cherished tokens of fandom, are poised for a resurgence, thanks to the welcome return of Topps to the trading card scene and WWE’s groundbreaking partnership with Netflix. Yes, it’s time to dust off your binders and start practicing your best autograph, because this isn’t just a blip; it’s a bonafide boom that could very well place wrestling cards on the collector’s hot list.
The WWE trading card market has been experiencing a dazzling revival lately, reminiscent of a well-executed finishing move that leaves fans shouting for more. Recent reports indicate that the CardLadder wrestling index—a respected metric that monitors sales trends—has leaped up by an impressive 25% over just three months. This meteoric rise has put WWE cards at the forefront of the sports card revolution, surpassing other popular categories, including Pokémon cards, which only managed to muster half that growth. Who knew that body slams and suplexes would also lead to soaring sales figures in the world of collectibles?
Adding an exhilarating twist to this revitalization is the astounding record-breaking sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card graded PSA 9, which sold for an eye-watering $132,000. That sale not only shattered previous benchmarks (farewell to The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 record of $126,000) but also signified a cultural moment where nostalgia, pop culture, and commerce intersect. With only 17 examples of this Hogan card existing, collectors were given an opportunity to own a piece of wrestling history—an opportunity they evidently seized with both hands.
Part of the swirling hype can be credited to WWE’s entry into the Netflix domain, which has effectively broadened its audience and brought a new wave of fans into the wrestling card universe. According to eBay data, the appetite for WWE merchandise, particularly trading cards, spiked significantly in early 2024, averaging around 2,700 searches per hour—a 5% jump from the previous year. But the real fireworks went off on January 6, the day WWE made its debut on streaming. Live searches for WWE cards surged not just slightly, but like a climactic scene in a well-scripted match—as fans rushed to secure their favorite wrestlers’ cards. Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk were among the standout stars whose card interest saw exponential increases of over 100%, 50%, and 40%, respectively.
Back on the production side of things, Topps has reclaimed its title as the official WWE trading card manufacturer, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, has a vision that extends beyond just mere cards; it’s about storytelling and capturing the vibrant, intricate lives of beloved superstars. In his words, “The storytelling element is what makes WWE different,” highlighting the unique fusion of sports and theatricality that wrestling embodies. With this newly found creative freedom, Topps is set to unveil a host of innovative products—devoting considerable effort to personifying each wrestler’s unique narrative through their cards.
When it comes to the highly anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, boxing aficionados will be thrilled with features like unique autograph inscriptions. Picture this: instead of generic signatures, you’ll find amusing catchphrases that represent the wrestlers’ personas. Cody Rhodes signifying the narrative of his career with “Story Finished!”, and Jey Uso’s exuberant “YEET!” are just a couple of the playful inscriptions that collectors will be yearning to add to their collections.
One of the most monumental comebacks in wrestling card history is set to rock the market: the return of The Rock—Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—who will have his first autographed wrestling cards since 1998. Imagine the frenzy as collectors lay eyes on cards featuring not just signatures but cherished inscriptions like “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss.” Furthermore, the set will also deliver the ultimate fan fantasy—a dual autograph card featuring The Rock and his rival, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, poised to be one of the most coveted pieces in the entire product lineup.
As the wrestling world gears up to celebrate WWE’s 40th anniversary in trading cards in 2024, collectors can expect delightful throwbacks to the iconic 1985 release that sparked a trading card revolution in wrestling. Clay Luraschi expresses his own nostalgia with gusto, recalling the joy of collecting from that era. And let’s not forget the impending farewell tour of John Cena in 2025; Topps will ensure he gets the tribute he deserves with exclusive cards to honor his invaluable legacy.
But hold on—there’s a tantalizing whisper regarding the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards, which could put WWE on par with baseball and soccer card collectors. Picture one-of-a-kind rookie cards featuring actual match-worn gear from a wrestler’s debut performance; this could propel collectors into a wild frenzy, resulting in must-have chase cards that could drive markets to new heights.
As we cast our gazes at the hottest wrestlers in the collection market, it’s no surprise that legends like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and John Cena continue to reign supreme. But rising stars are also swiftly climbing the ranks, with the likes of Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice marking exponential increases in enthusiasm and market interest, captivating collectors’ imaginations as they leap from a lesser-known status to prime collecting material.
With this perfect storm brewing in the community of wrestling card enthusiasts, the stage is beautifully set for an exhilarating comeback. The marriage of Topps’ historical prowess, the magnetic pull of WWE superstars, and the revolutionary potential of new releases signifies one thing: 2024 is poised to deliver unprecedented opportunities for fans and collectors alike, reshaping the landscape of WWE trading cards for years to come.
