In a world where nostalgia collides with the thrill of live action, WWE is about to embark on a trading card renaissance like no other. Picture this: the familiar face of Topps, the iconic card manufacturer, is stepping back into the WWE arena. Pinch your proverbial arm because this isn’t just a return; it feels like a full-fledged comeback, akin to a classic wrestler making a surprise appearance at the Royal Rumble. Topps, fresh off an electrifying Netflix deal that has catapulted the global wrestling dynasty to new heights, is about to bring the excitement back to trading cards. Buckle up, because the world of wrestling cards is about to rumble!
WWE trading cards, which once seemed like an afterthought in the grand tapestry of collectible hobbies, are now strutting down the aisle with all the tenacity of a main event superstar. Recent data has unveiled a sparkling trend: CardLadder’s wrestling index—a trusty tracker of key wrestling card sales—has surged by 25% just in the last few months alone. Yes, you read that correctly! It has outperformed even the beloved Pokémon cards, making the WWE trading card segment the fastest-growing category in the realm of sports card collecting. The era of hoarding Pokémon cards might be experiencing a slight dip in excitement; meanwhile, wrestling cards are stepping into the spotlight wearing electric blue tights and ready to steal the show.
Monumental sales are further evidencing this meteoric rise, as December 2023 saw history rewritten. A 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card with a PSA 9 rating—a rarity in its own right, with only 17 in existence—was auctioned at a jaw-dropping $132,000. That surpassed the previous record held by none other than The Rock’s dazzling 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card price of $126,000. It’s as if the trading card market is mimicking the high-stakes drama of a WWE showdown: unexpected plot twists and surprising victories at every corner.
But what’s an exciting trajectory without a sprinkle of Netflix magic? WWE’s transfer to the popular streaming platform marks a pivotal turning point that’s igniting excitement among fans both new and old. eBay reports note a sharp 5% rise in searches for WWE items leading into 2024, a reflection of the joyful frenzy sparked by their Netflix debut on January 6. On that day alone, searches for WWE cards erupted, revealing impressive spikes for star wrestlers. Rhea Ripley led the charge with a whopping 100% increase in searches, while Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Liv Morgan all boasted rises in the 30-50% range. It seems like the wrestling universe is casting its net wide, pulling fans and collectors into the ring of trading card mania.
As Topps returns to its role as the official WWE card manufacturer after a brief detour with Panini, they’re not just looking to reenter the scene—they’re hell-bent on innovating and storytelling in the realm of wrestling cards in a way that’s never been done before. Topps’ senior vice president of product, Clay Luraschi, is seeing the momentum build and feels that now is the perfect moment for this segment to thrive. With a keen focus on the larger-than-life personalities of WWE superstars, Topps aims to enrich trading cards with rich narratives that encapsulate the excitement of the wrestling world, making each card a little chapter in the saga of sports entertainment.
The inaugural card release under this fresh collaboration, the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome, promises to delight both collectors and fans alike. Scott’s honor with 12 packs per hobby box, boasting eight cards each, and including two autographs per box at a retail price of $169.99, this set is sure to fill wrestling fans’ eyes with gleam. Adding a dash of excitement, select cards feature unique wrestler inscriptions that personalize the experience and create more desirable items for collectors. Imagine holding a card marked with “Acknowledge Me” or “It’s Tiffy Time!”—these laughably signature catchphrases are perfectly poised to make their way into collectors’ hearts and homes.
Of course, no wrestling trading card tide would be complete without the return of The Rock. His first autographed cards since 1998 are featured in the WWE Chrome set with inscriptions that have “Rock” written all over them—literally. “Aloha,” “Smell It?”, and “Rock Final Boss” are just snippets of the powerful communications packed in those cards, not to mention they include the first-ever dual autographs featuring The Rock himself along with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. It’s sure to be a massive draw for collectors, as having these legends captured on one card feels as triumphant as winning the main event at WrestleMania.
As 2024 rolls into focus, there’s much more in store for WWE trading card enthusiasts. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first WWE card release, Topps Chrome will introduce nostalgic inserts that pay homage to the legendary 1985 set, reviving fond memories for longtime collectors. And with John Cena’s farewell tour marking a popular chapter in WWE lore starting in 2025, collectors can anticipate his departure to be celebrated through multiple tribute cards peppered throughout upcoming products.
Fans are also curious whether WWE might bring Debut Patch cards into the fold—this tantalizing concept features game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match, a prospect that could set the hobby aflame with excitement if pursued. As Luraschi teased, “It’s something we’re toying around with,” suggesting the next wave of WWE card collecting could take empowerment to a higher level.
So, as an eager spectator awaiting the next adrenaline-pumping match, it’s safe to say that WWE trading cards are not just on the rise—they’re about to deliver body slams of excitement in the collecting world. Thanks to Topps’ revival, the magic of wrestling and collecting feels like a tag team partnership destined for greatness in 2024. The curtain is rising, and the wrestling card frenzy is just beginning. Grab your favorite wrestling star’s card; the spotlight has never shone brighter!