Buckle up, wrestling fans and trading card collectors! The WWE trading card universe is gearing up for an electrifying comeback, much like a returning superstar crashing through a table on live television. With Topps triumphantly stepping back into the ring as the official card manufacturer, and the promotion’s new partnership with Netflix inspiring legions of fans, the trading card scene is larger and livelier than ever. It seems as though wrestling cards are on the brink of a remarkable renaissance, as collectors are already sensing a seismic shift—potentially positioning themselves for the biggest breakout segment in the trading card market.
Let’s set the scene: the wrestling card landscape has not always been a smooth-sailing journey. But recent reports are indicating that WWE trading cards are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready for a heavyweight match against other popular trading card genres, especially Pokémon. According to data from CardLadder, which monitors the wrestling card economy with surgical precision, the wrestling index has soared a staggering 25% in merely three months. That’s right! We’re seeing wallet-busting action likely to make your heart race faster than a high-risk finisher off the top rope—not even Pokémon can compete with numbers that hefty.
And just to raise the stakes, the wrestling card world recently witnessed a record-breaking sale: a mint condition 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card (one of a mere 17 known to exist) fetched an astonishing $132,000! This not only shattered the prior record of $126,000, set by The Rock’s 1/1 Panini Black Prizm, but it also marked a significant moment in wrestling card history that collectors won’t soon forget.
As if that wasn’t enough to tickle your wrestling fancy, let’s not overlook the staggering impact of WWE’s shift to Netflix. The streaming giant premiered WWE content, leading to a whirlpool effect that sent collectors diving into action. A whopping average of 2,700 searches per hour for WWE items emerged on eBay in the early months of 2024—a 5% increase compared to 2023. But, hold on to your championship belts—on January 6, the day WWE debuted on Netflix, searches for WWE cards rocketed up yet another 5%. Certain athletes saw their popularity soar over 100%, illustrating how the new fans were sprinkling pixie dust on long-forgotten favorites.
It is awe-inspiring to witness growing interest for wrestlers like Rhea Ripley, whose card searches jumped over 100%, and Roman Reigns, whose numbers ballooned by 50%. The likes of CM Punk, Liv Morgan, Solo Sikoa, Drew McIntyre, and Jey Uso all basked in newfound search-light celebrity, proving that the Netflix exposure is making a substantial difference in demand. WWE could very well be casting a wider net, pulling in new fans who are eager to dive into the world of trading cards.
In a move that has set collectors buzzing like an electrified fence, Topps is rolling out a captivating new series: the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. This launch marks their resurgence after a few years in the hands of Panini. This new release has true card enthusiasts leaping like a luchador from a 20-foot-high turnbuckle. The set features a delightful stack of offerings, including 12 packs per hobby box, two autographs per box, and boasts a retail price tag of $169.99. Enthusiasts will find themselves salivating over some unique autograph inscriptions. Who wouldn’t want Cody Rhodes’ “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns’ “Acknowledge Me” inscribed on a shiny card?
But wait, there’s more! The event everyone’s been waiting for—The Rock’s return to autographed WWE cards since 1998—is finally upon us. His new cards come with a trio of enticing inscriptions: “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss.” Moreover, the entire set tantalizingly features a dual autograph showcasing The Rock alongside “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—the kind of card that even non-collectors drool over!
As we traverse deeper into the robust timeline of 2024, it’s essential to put our hands together for WWE’s 40th anniversary in trading cards. How does one celebrate such a feat? Through special inserts that pay homage to the unforgettable 1985 set, of course! Topps’ senior vice president Clay Luraschi is practically giddy as he remembers collecting that iconic set himself. “I still remember the packs and the design—it’s great to bring that nostalgia back,” he said, echoing the sentiment of countless fans. Nostalgia is a powerful market force, and it is not lost on Topps.
And if you were wondering whether the magic ends there, think again. As John Cena gears up for his farewell tour in 2025, Topps aims to shower fans with tribute cards throughout the year, ensuring Cena’s illustrious career is immortalized in various forms.
The potential of introducing Debut Patch cards, one-of-a-kind rookie cards emblazoned with game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match, has collectors on the edge of their seats. The murmurs around the card community buzz with excitement as Luraschi admits they’re flirting with the idea.
To cap it all off, let’s also address the wrestlers making waves. Hulk Hogan remains the undisputed champion of search popularity on eBay, with The Rock, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes nipping at his heels. But in an exciting twist, rising stars like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are blowing up with jaw-dropping percentages in card popularity.
With the tides turning, and Topps at the helm of this exhilarating expedition, WWE trading cards stand poised for astonishing growth. Investors, collectors, and fans alike should strap in—because as we step into 2024, the ring side promises to bubble over with anticipation, innovation, and of course, great storylines. One thing is for certain: the trading card game is ready for the main event.
