In the swirling ring of collectible trading cards, where every flick of the wrist can send values soaring, the WWE card market is poised on the brink of a thrilling comeback. Powering this revival is the iconic brand Topps, which has reclaimed the mantle as WWE’s official card manufacturer, a move celebrated with jubilant cheers from both collectors and wrestling aficionados alike. This resurgence is further inflamed by WWE’s newfound partnership with Netflix, paving the way for a tidal wave of fresh interest in WWE’s trading cards. Analysts and collectors are buzzing with excitement, speculating that wrestling cards are set to become the next heavyweight class in the collectibles arena.
A glittering spotlight is shining down on WWE trading cards, which have recently shown impressive growth. According to the latest metrics from CardLadder, a platform that tracks the sales of key wrestling cards, the wrestling card index has skyrocketed by 25% in just three short months. Remarkably, this makes it the fastest-growing subcategory among sports cards, outpacing even the beloved Pokémon cards that have enchanted fans for decades—those cards only saw a modest growth of 12% during the same period.
The buzz doesn’t stop there. December 2023 was particularly electrifying for the wrestling card scene, marked by a breaking record. A card celebrating the legendary Hulk Hogan—a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars card graded PSA 9, one of just 17 known to exist—was snatched up for a jaw-dropping $132,000. That eclipses the former record, set by a 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 featuring none other than the charismatic The Rock, which previously held its ground at a respectable $126,000.
WWE’s move onto the Netflix platform has had a profound ripple effect, contributing substantially to the swelling demand for trading cards and memorabilia. The data pouring in from eBay exhibits a discerning rise in interest, with searches for WWE collectibles surging to an astounding volume of 2,700 per hour in 2024—a notable 5% increase from the previous year. But the biggest explosion came on January 6, the day WWE made a grand debut on Netflix, where interest in WWE cards and memorabilia spiked an additional 5%. The superstars leading this newfound fervor include Rhea Ripley, with a staggering increase of over 100% in searches, and Roman Reigns, who saw a notable jump of over 50%.
With Topps stepping back into the spotlight, the reintroduction of WWE trading cards is steeped in a philosophy of storytelling and innovation. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ Senior Vice President of Product, highlights this moment as the dawn of a new era for wrestling cards. His enthusiasm is palpable, pointing out that WWE is on the threshold of an exhilarating era within collectors’ hearts and wallets, with him promising an unveiling of fresh concepts that fans have not yet witnessed. “The storytelling element is what makes WWE different,” explains Luraschi, emphasizing that Topps is keen on capturing the vibrant and dynamic personalities of superstars as they craft their trading cards.
One of the first acts under Topps’ auspices is the much-anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. Slated for release, this noteworthy set brings a treasure trove of features including twelve packs per hobby box, with each pack containing eight cards and a guaranteed two autographs per box, all at a retail price of $169.99. But hold on tight, because collectors will find something quite unique in these autographs: wrestlers are personally inscribing their cards with signature catchphrases, elevating the excitement exponentially and ensuring these cards won’t merely sit in obscurity.
Among the highlighted wrestlers is none other than The Rock, whose return to trading cards has fans in a frenzy. After a long hiatus since 1998, his autographs are available again, featuring inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Smell It?” along with a thrilling dual autograph card alongside “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. It’s hard to overstate the thrill surrounding The Rock’s return—his involvement in trading cards is akin to a superstar stepping back into the ring after a legendary career, reigniting the passion of fans everywhere.
Now zooming out to see the broader picture, 2024 marks a distinctive and nostalgic milestone—the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards. To honor this, Topps is incorporating special inserts that pay homage to the original 1985 set. “I’m geeking out because I collected that set,” Luraschi confesses, tapping into the deep well of nostalgia that resonates within many collectors.
And as if that weren’t enough, the buzz surrounding John Cena’s farewell tour in 2025 has prompted Topps to announce a series of tribute cards throughout the year. A special insert celebrating Cena will debut within the 2024 Topps Chrome, connecting collectors with one of wrestling’s most impactful figures as he edges closer to retirement.
Just how far the innovative catalog of WWE trading cards will stretch remains an open question. Rumblings of Debut Patch cards—a concept reminiscent of Major League Baseball—have surfaced. These sought-after rookie cards, featuring actual game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match, could very well become the golden ticket for collectors eager to snag a piece of wrestling history. “You’ve gotta guess that we’re having the discussion,” Luraschi teased, hinting at exciting possibilities on the horizon.
As we look ahead to 2024 amidst this fervent energy, it’s apparent that the world of WWE trading cards is set to embark on a dazzling journey. With the iconic Topps back in the card game and the unprecedented access granted by Netflix, the era of WWE collectibles is not merely around the corner; it’s charging through the ropes, ready to win over fans and collectors alike. The wrestling card universe is aligning for a spectacular comeback that promises action-packed moments and game-changing thrills for all involved. Collectors, get ready; your card buying stamina is about to be put to the test!
