The world of WWE trading cards is certainly not resting on its laurels as it embarks on a thrilling new chapter, courtesy of Topps’ triumphant return as the official card manufacturer. Wrestling aficionados, financial analysts, and Instagram-loving collectors alike are buzzing with excitement about this imminent trading card renaissance, as new licenses and digital partnerships pave the way for a booming market.
With WWE steadily expanding its reach thanks to a landmark streaming deal with Netflix, interest in WWE trading cards is revving like a finely-tuned muscle car. In just a few short months, key metrics reveal that the WWE trading card sector is on the fast track to becoming one of the hottest niches in sports memorabilia. CardLadder’s wrestling index, tracking the sales of crucial wrestling cards, showcased a staggering 25% increase in just three months—making it the fastest-growing segment, intersecting even the legendary Pokémon cards.
A particularly monumental moment was captured in December 2023, when a gem from the past—a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card graded PSA 9—changed hands for a hefty $132,000. This record-breaking sale blew the previous record of The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 out of the water, setting the stage for wrestling cards as a serious player in the collectibles arena.
So what’s driving this newfound frenzy? Enter the marvel that is the Netflix partnership. WWE’s transition to a streaming platform has attracted a fresh wave of fans, and the numbers are reflecting that boom. According to eBay’s data, searches for WWE-related items shot up to an astonishing 2,700 per hour in 2024—a tasty 5% uplift from 2023, with even greater spikes noted on January 6, the day the cinematic wrestling universe dropped its Netflix match.
On that momentous day, the enthusiasm was palpable, with searches for WWE cards rocketing up another 5%. Several superstar cards saw outstanding surges in interest, including Rhea Ripley’s card, experiencing over a whopping 100% increase, and the ever-charismatic Roman Reigns, whose name sent collectors into a frenzy with a 50% bump in searches. CM Punk, Liv Morgan, and a roster of other fan favorites followed closely behind, proving that Netflix is not just a streaming giant but a veritable goldmine for wrestling card enthusiasts.
As excitement reaches fever pitch, Topps is stepping back into the limelight with a renewed commitment to storytelling and innovation in trading cards. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, believes that the time for WWE cards has arrived at its zenith, and he’s poised to usher in a new era. “I’ve seen it bubbling up… and with all the things we’re doing this year—some of which we haven’t seen before—it’s going to add to that excitement,” he said, hinting at the magic we can expect.
Instilling life and personality into cards is at the core of Topps’ new mission, as they plan to capture the essence of WWE superstars with unparalleled zeal. The recently unveiled 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set is the first baby step in this well-laid plan, boasting a structure that will certainly please collectors: 12 packs per hobby box, with two coveted autographs as part of the package for just $169.99.
Beneath the glitzy chrome finish of the new set lies an added layer of intrigue as superstars sign cards with unique and personalized inscriptions. Imagine pulling a Cody Rhodes card inscribed with “Story Finished!” or perhaps a Roman Reigns card that boldly shouts, “Acknowledge Me!”—these small, charming keepakes are bound to elevate the desire among collectors, making the cards even more desirable in the secondary market.
But wait, the showstopper this year may just be the return of The Rock to WWE trading cards for the first time since the turn of the millennium. His highly anticipated Topps autographs—complete with cheeky inscriptions such as “Aloha” and “Smell It?”—evoke a delightful sense of nostalgia, especially with the set featuring the first dual autograph from The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. It’s like the Ric Flair of trading cards—a real collector’s dream that is sure to be the talk of the town.
2024 also marks a historic milestone—the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading card release. As a nod to this significant occasion, Topps is whipping out special inserts that will take fans down memory lane, plucking heartstrings while showcasing designs of the classic 1985 set. Luraschi’s enthusiasm is palpable as he reminisces about the cards of his youth, asserting that this nostalgia is precisely what they aim to rekindle.
And that’s not all! John Cena’s farewell tour, set for 2025, will see his impact acknowledged in a series of special tribute cards. During the 2024 season, collectors can look forward to more Cena-themed collectibles sprinkling through the product line, as Topps pays homage to this larger-than-life superstar.
But with the future filled with uncertainty and promise, rumors swirl about the potential introduction of debut patch cards—something even the meticulous collectors have speculated over. Whether Topps feels daring enough to introduce one-of-a-kind rookie cards featuring game-worn patches from a wrestler’s debut match remains to be seen, but one cannot help but be excited at the prospect.
With beloved legends like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and John Cena dominating searches on platforms like eBay, plus the rapid rise of newer talents such as Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice, wrestling cards are precariously perched on the edge of an exhilarating explosion into the collectibles market.
As Topps reclaims its place in the wrestling card landscape and WWE continues to weave captivating narratives, wrestling card collectors can prepare for an exhilarating journey ahead. The cards are set to soar, driven by nostalgia, innovation, and a fresh suite of talents eager to leave their mark. This year shall undoubtedly be one for the books, promising vast adventures in the world of WWE trading cards.
