Hulk Hogan has once again left his mark, not within the wrestling ring but in the realm of collectibles. The weekend brought the sale of a 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card for a staggering $132,000, shattering records and establishing a new benchmark for wrestling cards. This sale not only confirms Hogan’s status as a wrestling icon but also elevates him as the central figure of one of the most esteemed card sets in wrestling lore.
Surpassing the previous record held by a 2022 Prizm Black 1/1 card of The Rock, which fetched $126,000 earlier this year, Hogan’s triumph in the collectibles sphere echoes his supremacy in the squared circle, serving as a poignant reminder to fans and collectors of his enduring legacy.
The venerable 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set stands as the pinnacle of wrestling cards, renowned for containing the “rookie” cards of legends such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and André the Giant. This set has stood the test of time as a cornerstone of wrestling memorabilia, with Hogan’s card emerging as the shining gem among them.
Prior to this groundbreaking auction, Hogan’s card had already commanded significant value, with previous sales hovering around $50,000. Additionally, other cards from the set have fetched notable prices, such as a BGS 9.5 André the Giant card selling for $47,970.
The scarcity of the card plays a significant role in driving its value, with only 18 PSA 9-graded copies in existence and no documented PSA 10s. The card that sold over the weekend also boasted an MBA Gold sticker, designating it as one of the best-graded examples available—an aspect that, coupled with Hogan’s legendary status, propelled it to its record-breaking price tag.
The recent auction was part of a triumphant weekend for Heritage Auctions, which reported a total of over $22.7 million in sales. Noteworthy highlights included a 1979 O-Pee-Chee case containing Wayne Gretzky rookie cards that was previously sold for $3.7 million before being resold for $2.5 million, still a commendable figure despite the lower price.
While the 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set remains unmatched in its status as the king of wrestling cards, modern releases are steadily gaining traction. The 2002 Fleer Royal Rumble set, showcasing rookie cards of stars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Batista, poses a potential challenge to the All-Stars set in the future. With its lineup of superstar rookies, the Fleer set holds promise as possibly the next big thing for wrestling card collectors.
Currently, Hulk Hogan’s $132,000 card reigns supreme, underscoring the enduring allure of nostalgia and the growing demand for vintage collectibles in the expansive sports card market. This sale signifies more than just a triumph for Hogan—it serves as evidence of the increasing recognition of wrestling cards as valuable assets within the broader sports card collecting realm.
In the world of collectibles, Hulkamania isn’t merely alive—it’s thriving.
