In the glittery world of sports collectibles, few treasures gleam as brightly as WWE trading cards. With a lovable mix of larger-than-life personas, high-flying action, and drama that could rival any soap opera, WWE cards have been quietly increasing in value and demand. Now, with Topps wrestling its way back into history by reclaiming its license, the hype around these collectible cards has reached a fever pitch. It’s a renaissance of sorts—a knockout punch destined to shake up the market.
The trading card world thrives on trends and nostalgia, but WWE offers a robust fanbase that’s primed and ready for a revival. The recent announcement of Topps returning to manufacture these trading cards is akin to Kevin Owens storming into a match—unexpected yet exhilarating. “The storytelling element is what makes WWE different,” said Topps senior vice president Clay Luraschi, affirming that the company is revitalizing how WWE cards are crafted. In this venture, Topps aims not only to chronicle the athletic feats of its wrestlers but to capture the very essence of their distinctive personalities, promising a fresh experience for avid collectors.
As data floods in, it becomes clear that the WWE trading card market is experiencing seismic growth. CardLadder’s wrestling index shows a remarkable 25% increase over the last three months. In a stunning twist, WWE cards are outselling all others in the trading card segment, even vastly popular brands like Pokémon. Talk about a surprise pinfall!
However, it was the monumental sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card that took the spotlight, fetching a jaw-dropping $132,000. This smashing sale eclipsed the previous record held by The Rock’s autographed card, causing waves of excitement and interest amongst collectors. What’s causing this momentum? A key player in this resurgence is the recent grand slam deal between WWE and Netflix.
As WWE expands its viewership platform, fans are flocking not just to the streaming service but also to the world of collectibles. Pundits have noted an explosive rise in eBay searches for WWE items, spiking to 2,700 searches per hour in early 2024—a striking 5% increase from the previous year. Most notably, January 6 marked a watershed moment for wrestling when WWE made its grand debut on Netflix, leading to an additional 5% surge in searches for WWE cards. Each superstar seems to flaunt their own surge with fans racing to snag memorabilia linked to their favorites, reflecting an upswing in the hobby’s allure.
Fast forward to 2024, and Topps is unleashing the thrill of the new 2024 Topps WWE Chrome. Featuring 12 packs per hobby box with eight cards each, the price tag sits at $169.99, which is a reasonable sum for the thrill of unearthing rare cards. Expect not one, but two autographs per box, ensuring that collectors don’t walk away empty-handed. The real kicker? Autograph inscriptions that fan favorites like Roman Reigns—where he cheekily instructs fans to “Acknowledge Me”—and Cody Rhodes, who declares “Story Finished!” will make their way onto the cards. Snazzy, right?
Also making waves is the return of The Rock with his first autographed WWE cards since way back in 1998! With inscriptions like “Smell It?” and the epic “Rock Final Boss,” collectors are buzzing with anticipation. And there’s more—Topps plans to introduce a never-before-seen dual autograph featuring The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, which is destined to be a monumental hit among fans and collectors. Even Luraschi mentioned that “The Rock is always on anyone’s list.” A standing ovation for this blockbuster offering!
2024 also marks WWE’s 40th Anniversary in trading cards, and Topps commemorates this milestone with nostalgic inserts reminiscent of the 1985 set, a fond memory for old-school collectors. Luraschi himself is swept up in the moment, saying, “I’m geeking out because I collected that set.” Meanwhile, with John Cena’s farewell tour looming in 2025, Topps is already planning special tribute cards, ensuring the legacies of these icons continue to live on through collectibles.
Rumors of introducing Debut Patch cards—one-of-a-kind pieces featuring patches from wrestlers’ first matches—are tantalizing. These potential rookie cards could become holy grails for collectors, and you can count on the WWE fanbase to be chomping at the bit for such a feature. “You’ve gotta guess that we’re having the discussion,” Luraschi teased, leaving collectors on the edge of their seats.
As for the hottest names whose cards are taking over the auction block, Hulk Hogan still reigns supreme as the most searched wrestler on eBay, with The Rock and John Cena breathing down his neck. Meanwhile, newer stars like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice have taken the card popularity charts by storm, showcasing just how dynamic the landscape of WWE card collecting is becoming.
In a world where passion meets investment, the WWE trading card segment stands at the cusp of explosive popularity. With Topps returning to the fold, a testament to WWE’s storytelling magic, and the introduction of innovative products, collectors are gearing up for an unforgettable year. It appears that wrestling cards are sculpting their rightful place in the hearts—and collections—of fans worldwide, hinting at a future where the roar of the crowd is echoed in the busy marketplace of collectibles. Get ready, wrestling aficionados; the main event has only just begun!
