In the sprawling arena of sports collectibles, where Pokemon and sports cards have long stolen the thunder, wrestling trading cards are primed for a stunning comeback. Hold onto your knee pads, because Topps has returned as the official WWE trading card manufacturer, and it’s swinging for the fences. This revitalization comes on the heels of WWE’s new streaming partnership with Netflix, marking a pivotal moment for both wrestling fans and card collectors alike. The meteoric rise in interest signals that wrestling cards might just be the next heavyweight champion of the memorabilia world.
Recent rumblings in the trading card universe tell a tale of rapid growth, particularly in WWE cards. According to analytics from CardLadder, the wrestling index, which includes a broad spectrum of wrestling cards, has experienced an impressive 25% surge in sales just within the last quarter. That growth catapults wrestling cards to the forefront, leaving even the beloved Pokémon collectibles lagging behind with only half that increase. Fans are clearly feeling the nostalgia bit by bit.
Compounding this trend, December 2023 saw 1982’s Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card go for a jaw-dropping $132,000 at auction, breaking the previous record set by The Rock’s Panini card. Both feats highlight the escalating demand for cards that immortalize wrestling’s most iconic figures.
The big play here? WWE’s recent debut on Netflix has injected life into the brand and created a whirlwind of buzz around its collectibles, evidenced by eBay data showing a 5% uptick in searches for WWE-related items since 2023. January 6, the day WWE made its streaming debut, sent card searches skyrocketing even higher, with individual wrestling personalities seeing remarkable increases. Enthusiasts were in a tizzy; Rhea Ripley’s cards soared by over 100%, while Roman Reigns and CM Punk saw their values rise by over 50% and 40%, respectively. Each spike in searches indicates that the influx of new fans is keen to dive deeper into the wrestling phenomenon, elevating the demand for trading cards like never before.
After several years of fielding cards under Panini’s banner, Topps has clinched the WWE license again, bringing its storied vision and creativity to the trading card game. Topps Senior VP Clay Luraschi seems to be feeling the electrifying excitement that permeates the air. He predicts an incredible run for WWE trading cards is on the horizon, as he has witnessed the spark begin to flicker back over the years.
One of the new strategies that Topps is planning involves embracing the intricacies of storytelling—an element that makes wrestling intensive and engaging. Luraschi emphasizes how the larger-than-life personas of the wrestlers will be woven into the fabric of the new trading cards, promising something innovative yet filled with nostalgia that appeals to both seasoned collectors and fresh faces.
Kicking off with a bang, the first trading card release under Topps’ rejuvenated partnership is the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. It features ten packs per hobby box, with two autograph cards included for a retail price of $169.99. But the excitement doesn’t stop there: each autographed card comes with unique wrestler inscriptions that reflect their iconic catchphrases and personalities, adding an exhilarating twist to the collectibility factor. Who wouldn’t want to own a card inscribed with Cody Rhodes’ triumphant phrase, “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns’ commanding call to “Acknowledge Me”?
Perhaps the most electrifying spectacle in this re-launch is The Rock’s long-awaited return to trading cards. It has been over two decades since The Brahma Bull adorned a WWE trading card, and his new autographs in this upcoming set include fan-favorite lines that promise to send shockwaves through the market. The dual autograph of The Rock alongside “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is treated as the crown jewel and is expected to be among the most desirable chase cards in circulation.
As a cherry on top, 2024 promises to hold sentimental value for collectors, marking the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards. This gives Topps a chance to pay homage to the classic 1985 cards with artwork and inserts that send collectors on a trip down memory lane. And the beloved John Cena isn’t being left out of this commemorative tribute wave. His farewell tour in 2025 will see multiple special insert cards throughout the year highlighting his immense impact on WWE.
Whispers in the community also allude to the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards, which would bear pieces of the wrestlers’ gear from their first matches—an ultimate coveted item for serious collectors. Although nothing is set in stone, it’s a tantalizing prospect that has collectors salivating.
Additionally, the pulse of the collecting market is alive and well. Research indicates that opposite to the controversial figure of Hulk Hogan, who remains at the top of the eBay search list, fan favorites like The Rock, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes are all breathing life into the market. Emerging stars like Swerve Strickland, Lola Vice, and Uncle Howdy are also captivating collectors, showcasing that new superstars can capture the spotlight with impressive sales increases.
The groundwork is firmly laid for WWE collectibles as the scene gears up for a spectacular revival. With Topps firmly seated in the driver’s seat and a growing audience engaging with WWE’s legacy, the trading card domain is expected to explode in 2024. Enthusiastic fans are lining up for a great show, with The Rock’s emphatic return, Cena’s heartfelt tributes, and enticing new initiatives promising to make this a dazzling era for wrestling cards. Collectors, get ready; it’s about to get raucous.
