The world of trading cards is buoyant and bustling, and at the heart of this passionate collector’s paradise lies an unexpected resurgence—the WWE trading card market. Wrestling fans and card aficionados alike are poised for an unprecedented expansion as Topps reclaims its role as the official card manufacturer for the WWE. With the grand opening of the gates to a brand-new audience through a landmark streaming deal with Netflix, the realm of wrestling collectibles is feverishly buzzing with excitement and optimism. As the card market begins to heat up, it’s not just WWE wrestlers hitting the mat but trading cards that are preparing for a spectacular comeback—and it’s bound to be a wild ride.
Recent data paints a rosy picture for WWE trading cards. According to CardLadder’s wrestling index, sales of key wrestling cards surged by a whopping 25% just in the last three months alone. This meteoric rise has made WWE trading cards the fastest-growing segment within the sports card sphere, leaving even Pokémon cards gasping at its heels, boasting just half the growth during the same period. The numbers don’t lie; WWE trading cards are on the brink of being the newest hot commodity in the hobbyist world.
What’s more, a record-setting sale emerged in December 2023 when a gem of a card—the 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9—changed hands for an astonishing $132,000. This sale shattered the previous record of $126,000 for The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1. When wrestling cards start selling for as much as a small home, you know it’s time to pay attention.
The drive behind this card-crazed renaissance can be traced back to WWE’s strategic move to Netflix, as well as eBay’s bustling marketplace. Data revealed that searches for WWE-themed items skyrocketed to an impressive 2,700 per hour in 2024, showcasing an uptick of 5% from 2023. However, the jaw-dropping spike came on January 6—an auspicious day marking WWE’s thunderous debut on Netflix. On that day, searches specifically for WWE cards and memorabilia spiked dramatically by an additional 5%. Certain superstars experienced even larger surges in interest. Rhea Ripley and Roman Reigns led the charge with respective increases of over 100% and 50%, while CM Punk, Liv Morgan, and others followed suite with enthusiasm galloped high.
This newfound interest in collecting WWE trading cards indicates that the promotion’s far-reaching exploration through Netflix is successfully ushering in new fans eager to dive into the memorabilia pool. With a growing number of eyes on wrestlers, the demand for cards featuring the biggest superstars is undoubtedly on the rise, fueling the fire for a trading card revival.
Topps, after a long stint of wrestling card production being held by Panini, has reclaimed the WWE license with an invigorated spirit. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, expressed a sense of urgency and opportunity. “WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards,” he proclaimed, hinting at a flurry of innovative ideas to unleash in the market. Topps is towards the front lines, celebrating the wrestling legacy while focusing on the captivating narratives and personalities that make WWE cards unique.
2024 marks a thrilling chapter with the launch of the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set—an exciting culmination of the partnership with WWE that promises to deliver unforgettable memories. The debut set will contain 12 packs per hobby box, featuring eight cards in each pack and tantalizingly offering two autographs per box, retailing at a price of $169.99. Collectors will have their eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind autographed cards containing unique wrestler inscriptions that bring an extra layer of deeply personal fan connection; think phrases like Cody Rhodes’ “Story Finished!” or Jey Uso’s enthusiastic “YEET!”
Another noteworthy addition to this set is the highly-anticipated return of The Rock’s autographed cards for the first time since 1998, complete with some notable inscriptions befitting his larger-than-life persona. His tantalizing phrases—”Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss,” paired with a first-ever dual autograph shared with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, will surely ignite the desires of hardcore fans and collectors alike.
In an especially nostalgic twist, 2024 also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading cards, and Topps Chrome will feature special inserts that pay homage to the legendary 1985 set—a treasure for seasoned collectors. Luraschi has expressed his enthusiasm about reviving this cherished nostalgia, bridging the generations of fans from past and present.
As John Cena gears up for his farewell tour commencing in 2025, the momentum around him won’t go unnoticed. Topps is planning exclusive tribute cards to honor the legacy of this wrestling icon throughout the year, giving fans yet more coveted keepsakes to chase after.
Looking ahead, discussions swirl about the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards—game-worn patches from a wrestler’s inaugural match. If Topps helps usher such rookie cards into existence, it could very well send the collecting world into a frenzy, competing with the latest headlines in other trading card markets.
Rumors are rife about which wrestlers are capturing the hearts and the wallets of collectors in 2024. Hulk Hogan remains a titan among collectors, closely followed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, but there are exciting names clawing their way up the popularity ranks, such as Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice—who’ve witnessed increases in searches by over 470% and 450% respectively.
With Topps reclaiming its place in the wrestling universe and a rapidly growing collector community injecting energy and enthusiasm, WWE trading cards are brimming with potential for a roaring return. The anticipation of rock-solid releases—from the return of The Rock to unique tributes for John Cena—creates an electric atmosphere that many fans can’t wait to immerse themselves in. The floodgates are open, and the world of WWE trading cards is ready to deliver where many may least expect it.
