In a plot twist that could rival any unexpected turn in the squared circle, WWE trading cards are gearing up for a meteoric ascension. The catalyst? None other than Topps returning to the ring as the official manufacturer of these collectible treasures. Coupled with WWE’s strategic partnership with Netflix, the trading card market is buzzing like a crowd anticipating the arrival of their favorite superstar. It seems as though a resurgence is not just on the horizon; it is barreling down the tracks faster than a wrestling-themed freight train.
Wrestling cards, particularly those bearing the iconic WWE logo, are experiencing an exhilarating uptick. Those who keep a keen eye on the market have noted that CardLadder’s wrestling index—a tracking mechanism for the trading card community—has soared by a remarkable 25% in just the past three months. Yes, that’s right. This scorching growth rate demolishes the competition even among the likes of Pokémon cards, which managed a more temperate rate of increase over the same period.
A prime example of this exhilarating boom is the recent record-setting sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card graded PSA 9. Hold your applause; it fetched an impressive $132,000, eclipsing the previous record of $126,000 held by none other than The Rock’s coveted 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card. These heights not only indicate a market teeming with fervor but also showcase the immense nostalgia collectors hold for the legends of wrestling.
One key factor driving these numbers skyward is WWE’s much-publicized shift to Netflix. As fans rotate their wrestling-themed binge-watching sessions, they are also scouring online marketplaces for memorabilia that connects them with their favorite performers. eBay sales data is a treasure trove showcasing this trend, revealing that searches for WWE items surged to a staggering 2,700 per hour in early 2024—an increase of 5% from the previous year.
But wait, the plot thickens! On January 6, the day WWE debuted on Netflix, searches for WWE trading cards and memorabilia surged another 5%. Individual wrestlers hit record spikes as fans flooded the market for their favorites. Rhea Ripley led the charge with more than a 100% increase, followed closely by Roman Reigns, who saw his statistics boosted by over 50%. CM Punk, Liv Morgan, and others aren’t far behind. It appears the Netflix phenomenon is drawing fresh fans to the wrestling universe, thereby igniting interest in the associated trading cards.
As the trading card scene ramps up, Topps is returning from a decade-long absence after their previous tenure was sidelined by Panini. With renewed enthusiasm, the company aims to blend storytelling with trading cards, leaning on the WWE’s knack for drama and striking character arcs. According to Clay Luraschi of Topps, this is truly the moment for wrestling cards to shine, thanks to innovations in card design and the powerful narratives that these superstars embody. Fans can expect Topps to innovate in ways that haven’t been seen in the trading card industry before.
The inaugural WWE trading card set from Topps since their return hits the shelves in 2024, branded as the Topps WWE Chrome set. Imagine holding in your hands a hobby box containing 12 packs laden with 8 cards each. Each box, priced at $169.99, boasts two autographs, but that’s not all. Topps has rolled out personalized autograph inscriptions that elevate collectibility to a new height. Imagine owning a card inscribed, “Acknowledge Me”—that’s Royal Rumble-level excitement captured on cardboard!
No overview of this trading card revival would be complete without mentioning the blockbuster return of The Rock to trading cards. Not since 1998 has there been a Topps autographed card featuring the Great One, but now fans can grab one of his cards with enticing inscriptions like “Smell It?” or “Rock Final Boss.” Furthermore, the exclusive dual autograph card, showcasing both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, promises to be a prime grab in the chase for valuable cards.
As if that weren’t enough, the year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, with Topps crafting special inserts that nod back to the iconic 1985 card series, stirring nostalgic waves among collectors. John Cena’s impending farewell tour is also not going unnoticed, with Topps planning several tribute cards laden with stories of Cena’s legendary career throughout the year.
With whispers in the collector community hinting at the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards—unique rookie cards featuring patches from a wrestlers’ first match—the buzz is palpable. The collector’s landscape is fertile with speculation as Luraschi hinted at exciting developments hinted behind closed doors.
Fans are keenly interested in who remains atop the collecting market. The most searched wrestlers on eBay are a mix of legends and contemporary stars: Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena still parade their popularity, while Cody Rhodes has also carved a formidable niche. Meanwhile, other rising talents like Swerve Strickland, Lola Vice, and Uncle Howdy are making waves with staggering percentage increases in card popularity that only suggest excitement ahead.
As 2024 unfolds, the WWE trading card scene is a goldmine ready to be tapped. With a mix of nostalgia, legendary returns, and fresh fan engagement driven by Netflix, plus a collaborative push from Topps ushering in unparalleled storytelling, wrestling cards are prepped to rocket forward in ways the market has never seen before. We’re in for a thrilling ride in the WWE card universe!
