In an exhilarating twist in the world of collectibles, WWE trading cards are gearing up for a spectacular resurgence, reminiscent of a jaw-dropping WrestleMania moment that leaves fans cheering. With Topps reclaiming its status as the official manufacturer of WWE trading cards after years of play under Panini, a revolution is blossoming in the card collecting arena. Recent reports reveal that this niche market is teetering on the brink of explosive growth, particularly fueled by the spunky partnership between WWE and Netflix, which is sending waves of intrigue across the card-collecting landscape.
The landscape of wrestling cards is undeniably shifting, and it’s not just the stale scent of arena popcorn that’s causing a stir; it’s the numbers that are rolling in. Recent data, courtesy of CardLadder’s wrestling index, reveals a staggering 25% boost in WWE card sales over the past three months. This startling growth has catapulted the WWE card segment to the top tier of the sports card hierarchy, outpacing even the beloved Pokémon cards, which could only muster a mere 12.5% increase during the same period.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there—December 2023 witnessed a watershed moment as the market saw its largest transaction to date. One particularly coveted card, the iconic 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9—one of only 17 in existence—fetchingly sold for a whopping $132,000. This eclipsed the previous all-time record, a Rock-certain 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 that topped out at $126,000. It’s safe to say that the WWE card market isn’t just alive; it’s thriving with all the energy of a WrestleMania main event.
The WWE’s monumental leap onto the Netflix platform has injected fresh enthusiasm into the trading card world. Since its unveiling on January 6, 2024, searches for WWE-related items on eBay surged to an impressive 2,700 per hour, marking a 5% increase over 2023. Specifically, when WWE hit Netflix screens, there was yet another spike, pushing interest for WWE cards and memorabilia upwards by an additional 5%. Notable wrestlers like Rhea Ripley saw search interest double, while other superstars such as Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Liv Morgan enjoyed significant boosts, benefiting from newfound exposure and captivating fans alike.
Topps isn’t just returning to the WWE card scene; it’s doing so with a renewed fervor and a plan to elevate storytelling within its products. Under the watchful eye of Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, there’s an innovative vision in place. Luraschi passionately believes that WWE cards are on the cusp of a breakout and with upcoming releases that aim to capture the unique charisma of wrestling superstars, it feels like the industry is set for an unforgettable ride. “Storytelling is our secret sauce,” Luraschi explained, heralding a future where wrestlers’ personalities leap off the cards and into collectors’ hearts.
The excitement mounts with Topps planning to unveil the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, representing the first major release under this fresh partnership. This products comes in snazzy boxes featuring a dozen packs, with each pack containing eight cards, and most thrillingly, including two autographs. The retail price is a modest $169.99, but for dedicated collectors, it promises gold—perhaps not literally but metaphorically. The autographs come with personal inscriptions—an endearing touch that gives each card a personality of its own. Imagine unpacking a card where Cody Rhodes cheerfully declared, “Story Finished!” or where Roman Reigns commands you to “Acknowledge Me!”
While we’ve marveled at thoughtful additions, the pièce de résistance for 2024’s WWE Chrome is undoubtedly the return of The Rock’s autographed cards for the first time since 1998. This release features three magnificent inscriptions. Just imagine pulling a card with “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss” emblazoned upon it—collectors will be trotting down memory lane like they just saw The Rock lay the smackdown. Not to mention the dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a two-for-one collectible that’s destined to become one of the crown jewels of the set.
As 2024 marks a monumental 40 years since the first-ever WWE trading cards were released, Topps is leaning into nostalgia with special inserts paying homage to that historic 1985 set. Luraschi himself recalls his youthful obsession with Strutting-style 80s wrestlers, and he’s ready to reignite that passion in others.
2024 also sees legends like John Cena heading into his farewell tour, adding yet another layer of excitement for collectors. The cards commending Cena’s iconic career promise to be abundant, ensuring that fans will have plentiful opportunities to pay homage to this wrestling titan throughout the year.
In the meantime, whispers in the card-collecting underground suggest that WWE might follow MLB and MLS in introducing Debut Patch cards—those elusive rookie cards that feature game-worn patches from a wrestler’s inaugural match. Luraschi mentioned they’re having discussions about it, teasing excited fans on where the market could be headed next.
As the curtain rises on a new chapter for WWE trading cards, it’s apparent that momentum is gathering strength. With Topps firmly back in the driver’s seat, alongside an enthusiastic new audience via Netflix, WWE trading cards are primed and ready to not just thrive, but to potentially revolutionize the entire collecting culture. As collectors dust off their old boxes and new fans dive into the world of wrestling memorabilia, 2024 promises to be an action-packed year that any wrestling aficionado won’t want to miss.
