In a delightful twist of fate more exhilarating than a signature suplex, the world of WWE trading cards is primed for a spectacular resurgence, much like a classic pay-per-view comeback. At the heart of this electrifying revival is none other than Topps, the iconic card manufacturer creditable for chronicling iconic moments and larger-than-life characters in the squared circle. With their triumphant return as the official card producers for WWE, a realm that had been under the reign of Panini for several long and uneventful years, card collectors and wrestling fans are gearing up for a thrilling chapter in the collectibles market.
Thanks to the recent collaboration between WWE and Netflix, the excitement surrounding WWE has hit fever pitch. This landmark streaming deal has not only opened the door to new fans but has also stoked the embers of nostalgia for long-time enthusiasts. As WWE expands its reach to untapped audiences, interest in its trading cards has skyrocketed at a dizzying pace, prompting many industry analysts to suggest that wrestling cards may soon claim their rightful throne as the next hot commodity in the hobby world.
For evidence of this remarkable upswing, one need look no further than recent data highlighting the climbing trajectory of WWE trading cards. CardLadder’s wrestling index—the crystal ball of card sales—showed an impressive rise of 25% over the past quarter, comfortably positioning it as the fastest-growing sector of the ever-expanding sports card universe. Remarkably, this surge has even outmatched the much-beloved Pokémon craze, which is, until now, the darling of the trading card scene.
In yet another coup of epic proportions, the remarkable December 2023 witnessed the unveiling of an astonishing record sale for a wrestling card: a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9, one of only 17 in existence, manifested into a jaw-dropping $132,000. This princely sum eclipsed the earlier benchmark set by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which had stood tall at $126,000. Collectors are clearly ready to dig deeper into their pockets, and the sumptuous profits from these sales show that the wrestling card renaissance is no fleeting phase.
Tapping into the Netflix phenomenon, eBay analytics revealed that searches for WWE items swelled to an astonishing 2,700 per hour as we stepped into 2024—a tantalizing 5% increase compared to the previous year. However, it was on that fateful January 6, the magic day of WWE’s streaming debut, when the excitement surged most dramatically. Individual cards related to the superstars experienced staggering interest spikes, with Rhea Ripley leading the pack, boasting a phenomenal increase of over 100%. Other wrestling luminaries like Roman Reigns and CM Punk experienced surges of over 50% and 40% respectively, as the rising star-studded roster became the talk of the trading card town.
The masterminds behind this magical revival are none other than Topps. The company’s seasoned vice president of product, Clay Luraschi, is convinced that this is the quintessential moment for wrestling cards to explode and capture hearts once more. Armed with novel approaches and a storytelling emphasis, Topps promises to breathe fresh life into WWE cards, accentuating the rich personalities that define WWE itself. Gone are the days of bland portrayals; it’s time to give fans the vibrant, character-driven narratives they crave, turning each card into a unique storyteller.
The first offerings from the freshly signed deal comes in the form of the fervently anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. Each hobby box, retailing for a princely $169.99, is bursting at the seams with 12 packs containing 8 cards each. Collectors can expect to uncover two coveted autographs per box, with some surprises thrown in for good measure. Perhaps the most thrilling aspect of this new release is the unique autograph inscriptions featured on select cards, where fan-favorite wrestlers showcase their beloved catchphrases. Images of “Story Finished!” from Cody Rhodes and “Acknowledge Me” from Roman Reigns are already dancing at the fingertips of collectors, making them more alluring as trade pieces.
A historic moment awaits collectors in the form of The Rock’s much-awaited return to WWE trading cards, with these being the first autographed inserts since 1998. Fans eagerly anticipate a new generation of The Rock’s signature cards adorned with various catchy inscriptions. Beyond the nostalgia, a dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is poised to set the collector realm ablaze—an almighty prize for those who dare.
With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, Topps has made sure to sprinkle in some love for nostalgia with special inserts honoring the revered 1985 card set that kickstarted it all. Embracing this trip down memory lane, Luraschi proudly recalls the hullabaloo of collecting packs from that era, akin to clutching golden tickets.
Meanwhile, as John Cena embarks on his farewell tour in 2025, Topps earmarks special cards throughout the year to honor the living legend whose impact on WWE is nothing short of monumental. The anticipation for tribute cards is palpable, as collectors begin to ink their lists of must-haves.
One tantalizing prospect swirling in the air is whether WWE will follow in the footsteps of other leagues and initiate Debut Patch cards—exclusive rookie cards, possibly featuring authentic game-worn patches from a wrestler’s initial match. Speculative discussions are afoot, and fans are holding their breath, proving that wrestling fervor knows no bounds.
This thrilling resurgence in WWE trading cards has ignited conversations and generated excitement, swelling with potential. With Topps in control and the methodology set for innovation, 2024 promises unparalleled opportunities for collectors, fueled by a hunger for history and passion that wrestling fans hold dear. As card sales and interest soar through the roof, an unparalleled sequel to the wrestling card saga is ready to spit out champion-worthy moments just waiting for eager fans to collect, share, and celebrate.