It seems that the world of wrestling memorabilia is on the brink of a thrilling comeback, with WWE trading cards poised to reclaim their spot under the spotlight, thanks to Topps regaining its licensing rights. Something about trading cards has this alluring magic, like a golden ticket in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, but oh, the thrill of card collecting is a whole different adventure! With WWE making a grand entry into the Netflix arena, it marks the perfect confluence of nostalgia and fresh interest that has hobbyists hustling to dust off their binders and showcase those prized cards once again.
The elation in the wrestling card market is palpable. Recent analytics uncovered by CardLadder showcases a jaw-dropping 25% increase in their wrestling index over the past three months—a meteoric rise that has dazzled even the most seasoned collectors. To put it into perspective, this upward trend is so spectacular it has outshined other card categories, including the ever-popular Pokémon, which only managed a modest 12.5% rise during the same period.
But hold onto your hats; it’s not just statistical flourish at play here. The card fanatics bore witness to a record-breaking sale in December 2023 when a rare 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card—of which there are only 17 in existence—fetching a thrilling $132,000. It blows the previous record set by the dazzling The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 clean out of the water. Talk about a jaw-dropper!
The insatiable appetite for WWE memorabilia, especially trading cards, has reached fever pitch, particularly due to WWE’s high-profile partnership with Netflix. Just when it seemed the demand couldn’t possibly skyrocket any further, 2024 saw eBay searches for WWE items soar to an impressive rate of 2,700 per hour—a commendable 5% increase compared to 2023. And then came the dramatic debut of WWE on Netflix on January 6, which further amplified this already expanding universe of wrestling fandom.
Searches spiked twofold on that fateful day, and what stands out are the explosive individual increases for top-tier wrestlers—Rhea Ripley led the charge with over 100% increase in searches, followed by Roman Reigns and CM Punk with substantial growths of over 50% and 40%, respectively. It appears that the dynamic personalities who grace the squared circle are drawing in both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers into the vibrant world of wrestling cards.
Then comes the sensational news that gets enthusiasts buzzing—the return of Topps as WWE’s official trading card manufacturer. Gone are the years under Panini, as Topps brings in a renewed sense of artistry and storytelling passion that resonates with the emotional core of WWE. According to Clay Luraschi, the senior vice president of product at Topps, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for wrestling cards to flourish. The mission is clear: harness the dramatic narratives and larger-than-life personas that wrestling embodies and translate that essence onto sleek cardstock.
An early foray into this reinvigorated brand of trading cards kicks off with the highly anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. Containing 12 packs per hobby box with eight cards in each pack, collectors can expect the thrill of not one but two autographs for a retail price of $169.99. However, what makes this set particularly irresistible are the unique autograph inscriptions that wrestlers have chosen to include—think of these cards as tiny canvases that tell magnificent tales. Cody Rhodes is taking the storytelling aspect to heart with “Story Finished!” while the ever-charismatic Jey Uso decides to capture his persona with a delightful “YEET!”
And let’s not forget about The Rock—arguably the biggest superstar of all time—who is luring collectors back with first-ever autographs since his 1998 hiatus from trading cards. Autograph inscriptions like “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss!” ignite excitement, making his card a must-have. To top it off, wrestling aficionado enthusiasts can even snag the very first dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—a true collector’s dream.
But that’s not all. As WWE gears up for a massive celebration of its 40th anniversary in trading cards, Topps has plans to awaken nostalgia with special inserts reminiscent of the fan-favorite 1985 set. Luraschi’s enthusiasm as a collector himself is contagious; he relives memories of popping open packs as if shedding light on a childhood treasure hunt.
With rumors swirling about the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards—cards that feature game-worn patches from a wrestler’s inaugural matches—the future of WWE trading cards appears to be a thrilling roller coaster ride just waiting to unfold. How exhilarating would it be to own a piece of history from a rookie’s debut match?
As we scamper towards the spotlight leading into 2024, the allure of wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena continues to command the attention of collectors. New talents have begun carving their niche—they may not have the gravitas (yet) of the legends but the numbers speak for themselves. Names like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice have rocketed into the limelight, boasting staggering increases in popularity.
In the swirling world of WWE trading cards, an exhilarating landscape is shaping up for card enthusiasts: Topps is steering the ship, The Rock’s return is generating ripples, and the nostalgia of yesteryears is colliding with fresh collectibles. This is just the beginning of an exhilarating journey for WWE trading card aficionados—hold onto your chairs because things are bound to get wild in 2024 and beyond!
