The world of WWE trading cards is buzzing with excitement, and it seems like the cards are poised for a spectacular comeback, much like a legendary wrestler making a triumphant return to the ring. The catalyst for this resurgence? None other than Topps, who has re-entered the squared circle as WWE’s official trading card manufacturer, and they’re not coming back lightly. This shift comes hand-in-hand with WWE’s groundbreaking streaming partnership with Netflix, which is expanding the sport-entertainment juggernaut’s reach into homes across the globe.
Recent statistics are nothing short of exhilarating for collectors and analysts alike, who are shedding their skepticism and throwing themselves into the fray. WWE trading cards have been showing a robust increase in value and interest. The latest figures from CardLadder reveal a staggering 25% growth in their wrestling index over the past three months, marking it as the fastest-growing segment in sports cards. Ironically, even the likes of Pokémon, which has always enjoyed a robust following, could only muster half that growth during the same period. It’s a vibrant testament to the surge of enthusiasm engulfing the wrestling card landscape.
In December 2023, history was made when a highly coveted 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card changed hands for a jaw-dropping $132,000. This sale broke the previous record, which was held by another wrestling icon, The Rock, whose 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card fetched $126,000. This rivalry for the top dollar is heating up, and as collectors brace themselves for what’s next, they appear more ready to jump into wrestling card investing than ever before.
The sparks igniting this trend are largely attributed to WWE’s recent debut on Netflix, which has acted like a jolt of electricity to the fandom and market. Data from eBay indicates that searches for WWE memorabilia have surged to an impressive pace of 2,700 queries per hour, reflecting a significant uptick from 2023. The day WWE premiered on Netflix—a date etched in the annals of wrestling history—searches for cards and other memorabilia skyrocketed an additional 5%.
The keen collectors are now keenly monitoring individual wrestlers as they ride the waves of newfound enthusiasm. For instance, Rhea Ripley saw a jaw-dropping increase of over 100% in searches, while Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Liv Morgan also enjoyed notable increases—proving that this resurgence isn’t just a one-wrestler circus.
Now, let’s delve into what’s to come from Topps as it steps back into the WWE cardmaking ring. After a stint under Panini, Topps is revamping the WWE trading card experience with an emphasis on storytelling intertwined with the electrifying personalities of superstars. According to Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, this timing couldn’t be more fortuitous. Emphasizing their commitment to innovation, he noted that the upcoming releases aim to capture the larger-than-life personas of wrestlers, a hallmark that sets WWE apart from other sports and entertainment entities.
One of the anticipated releases is the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, a card pack bursting with excitement—boasting 12 packs per hobby box, each containing 8 cards, and with two autograph cards per box available at a retail price of $169.99. But it’s the personalized autograph inscriptions that have everyone’s senses tingling. These inscriptions—those memorable phrases that fans associate with their favorite wrestlers—are adding an intriguing layer of collectibility. Imagine scoring a card inscribed with “It’s Tiffy Time!” from Tiffany Stratton or witnessing one of Cody Rhodes’ indistinguishable catchphrases, “Story Finished!” immortalized in card form. Yes, trading cards have just leveled up!
And for those nostalgic for the days of yore, brace yourselves—the 2024 set has officially marked the return of The Rock’s first autographed WWE cards in over two decades. Featuring three dynamic inscriptions, including “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss,” collectors are eagerly lobbying for bags full of enthusiasm as they chase after these nearly-mythical cards. Oh, if that’s not enough to send us spinning like a top rope splash, the set also boasts the first-ever dual autograph featuring The Rock with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, making it an ultimate trophy for collectors.
Further fueling the frenzy is how 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of WWE’s trading card debut, and Topps is certainly not skimping on how they honor that milestone. The latest offerings will include special inserts reminiscent of the iconic 1985 set, which customers have fawned over for generations. Luraschi’s giddy excitement as he reminisces about his collection during childhood is palpable, as nostalgic vibes waft through each card design.
Don’t think that John Cena will be left out of the spotlight as he prepares for his farewell tour in 2025. Topps promises multiple tribute cards throughout the year, and we can expect prominent inserts dedicated to him in the Chrome set, because let’s face it, no farewell deserves to be uncelebrated.
As Topps continues to explore new frontiers, there are murmurs on the horizon regarding the introduction of Debut Patch cards similar to MLB’s rookie cards, which could mark the penultimate collecting experience for wrestling fans. Imagine holding a one-of-a-kind card featuring a game-worn patch from a wrestler’s debut match! Intriguing possibilities abound, and Luraschi is hinting at those conversations already bubbling to the surface.
In a landscape where Hulk Hogan remains the most searched wrestler, with The Rock, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes hot on his heels, it’s apparent that the stars are aligning nicely for wrestling cards. Meanwhile, new faces are rising through the ranks with astounding growth in card popularity, like Swerve Strickland, who has seen a skyrocketing increase of over 470%. It’s akin to watching a rookie breakout and become a household name overnight.
The stage is set for a dramatic new entry into the realm of WWE trading cards. With Topps now ringing the bell as the official card manufacturer, it’s not just the wrestlers stepping into the spotlight—collectors are ready to dive into a world of nostalgia, innovation, and electrifying excitement. All signs point to a year that will resonate through the annals of trading card history, and wrestling fans will be right in the thick of it, scorecard in one hand and a pack of unsorted cards in the other. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie drawn in by the resounding clamor of WWE’s booming presence, 2024 is undoubtedly your year to embrace all things wrestling—and the trading cards that come with it.
