In a twist worthy of a signature suplex, the world of WWE trading cards is on the brink of a titanic resurgence. Fresh off their triumphant return, Topps—the beloved name synonymous with trading card creativity—is back in the game, shaking things up like a rumbling royal rumble. With their flagship deal in tow, a collaboration with none other than Netflix is stirring up an exponential interest in WWE cards. Yes, the die-hard wrestling fans and savvy collectors are indeed witnessing the birth of what could soon become the hottest segment in the card-collecting universe—wrestling cards.
Recent statistics divulge that the market for WWE trading cards is sizzling hotter than an entrance ramp pyro show. According to CardLadder’s wrestling index—tracking the ever-evolving landscape of wrestling card sales—interest in this segment surged by an astonishing 25% in just three months. This makes WWE trading cards the fastest-growing sports card category, boldly outpacing even the Pokémon phenomenon, which can only muster a half-hearted growth of 12.5%.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. As collectors held onto their breath in anticipation, December 2023 birthed not just a new winter but also a new all-time high for wrestling card sales. A 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card—one of just 17 pristine specimens on the planet—slammed down the rug at an eye-popping $132,000! This milestone toppled the previous heavyweight sale, The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which landed at a mere $126,000. Talk about a collector’s dream come true!
So why is this resurgence taking place? A significant ingredient in this invigorating recipe comes courtesy of WWE’s partnership with Netflix, a collaboration sending digital waves that resonate far beyond the Internet. The latest data from eBay reveals a noticeable spike in search activity for WWE-related items, soaring to an astonishing 2,700 queries per hour in 2024. That stands as a triumphant 5% increase over 2023, but the fever pitch hits a crescendo on January 6 when WWE made its Netflix debut. The day sparked a fervor beyond belief, pushing searches for WWE cards even higher. Certain wrestlers enjoyed even more impressive surges, with names like Rhea Ripley witnessing an eye-popping 100% increase in search activity!
And so the excitement doesn’t end there. The return of Topps as WWE’s trading card maestro positions the company just right in the arena. After years of wrestling card creations under the guidance of Panini, Topps is back, geared up to reinvent the wheel—or card—by injecting storytelling and innovation into their releases. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, shares an infectious enthusiasm, believing that the time is ripe for wrestling cards to blossom like never before. With creativity fueling their ambitions, they’re set to feature not just the athletics but also the larger-than-life personas of the superstars themselves.
2024 promises to be an electrifying year in the realm of WWE trading cards, kickstarting with the highly anticipated Topps WWE Chrome set. The set rolls out the red carpet with 12 packs per box containing eight cards each. Better yet, two autographs per box will have collectors champing at the bit, each for a retail price of $169.99. Among the hottest attractions—unique autograph inscriptions featuring wrestlers’ personal catchphrases. Imagine scoring a card autographed by Roman Reigns declaring “Acknowledge Me” or Jey Uso’s exuberant “YEET!” Collectors can practically taste the thrill already—the combination of the wrestling legacy and unique inscriptions offer a tantalizing margin.
A particular crown jewel in the 2024 WWE Chrome set is the return of none other than The Rock. His first autograph WWE cards since the late 90s are an event in their own right and come with three iconic inscriptions— “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss.” Not to mention, the inclusion of the inaugural dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin stands as a grail in the making, tantalizing collectors worldwide.
As the curtains rise on 2024, it also marks the 40th anniversary of the inaugural WWE trading card release, leading Topps to sprinkle additional magic into their Chrome set with special tribute inserts designed to invoke nostalgia. Luraschi, clearly enamored, admits that returning to the iconic designs of the beloved 1985 set brings a sweet joy unlike any other. Plus, with John Cena’s farewell tour scheduled for 2025, collectors can expect a slew of tribute cards throughout the year.
In the buzzing world of trades, there are whispers of potential game-changing innovations following the lead of MLB and MLS—namely, Debut Patch cards. These rookie cards featuring game-worn memorabilia from a wrestler’s first match could redefine the ultimate chase in the WWE card scene. While the details remain nebulous, hints from WWE insiders suggest that the dialogue is active, and big things may be on the horizon.
With the hottest names circulating within the collecting market, including the enduring icons Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and the legendary John Cena, the trade scene is sizzling with potential. Upswings in popularity are also marked by rising newcomers like Swerve Strickland, Lola Vice, and Uncle Howdy—all with increases tipping well over 200%.
Thus, as we forge ahead, the wrestling card universe is poised for an epic boom, and it’s undeniably thrilling. Whether you’re a seasoned collector with a treasure trove of cards or a curious newcomer captivated by a wrestler’s charisma, now is the moment to be part of this dynamic collector’s culture. With explosive releases and electrifying wrestlers on the rise, WWE trading cards are not just bouncing back—they’re throwing down the gauntlet, and we all have a front-row seat to the action!