In the bustling universe of collectibles, where nostalgia and fandom collide, it appears that wrestling cards are gearing up for a spectacular renaissance. The recent breaking news that Topps is reestablishing its connection with WWE as the official trading card purveyor has sent waves of exhilaration throughout the collector community. This revival comes on the heels of WWE’s landmark deal with Netflix, which is drawing a plethora of fresh fans into the fold. With this combination of new energy and old-school charm, WWE trading cards are primed to become the hottest ticket in town!
During the last quarter, wrestling cards saw an unmatched surge in popularity. According to the card tracking experts over at CardLadder, they noted that WWE trading cards experienced an astonishing 25% increase in value over just three months. This remarkable growth didn’t just leave Pokémon cards in the dust; it zipped by and set a new record, proving that the squared circle is quickly becoming the go-to destination for collectors.
As icing on the cake, December 2023 brought with it an electrifying achievement: a rare 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card graded PSA 9 sold for a jaw-dropping $132,000! Talk about a show-stopping moment! This sale not only broke the previous record but also firmly established wrestling cards in the realm of serious collectibles, making any savvy investor take notice.
So, what’s igniting this instant passion for WWE trading cards? Well, one major player is WWE’s strategic leap into the world of Netflix. The collaboration has led to an infusion of new fans, as evidenced by eBay statistics revealing that searches for WWE items skyrocketed to 2,700 per hour in 2024. This figure represents a 5% uptick from the last year, but on the day WWE’s show premiered on Netflix, interest peaked yet again—searches for WWE cards surged by another 5%. Some of the most searched superstars included Rhea Ripley, whose cards saw over a 100% rise in interest, and figures like Roman Reigns and CM Punk who also enjoyed significant boosts.
The heart and soul of this trading cards revival can undoubtedly be attributed to Topps returning to the battlefield. The seasoned card manufacturer aims to intertwine storytelling and star power in ways that haven’t been fully explored before. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ Senior Vice President of Product, envisions a bright future and acknowledges the ripe timing for the resurgence of wrestling cards.
Luraschi is particularly enthusiastic about the new WWE products that aim to highlight the compelling narratives and bold personalities of the wrestling world. While fond memories of trading stickers and spotting our favorite stars fill old-school collectors with glee, the modern twist added by Topps promises to capture those heroic tales in a truly innovative manner.
The official comeback starts with the highly anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. Inside each hobby box (retail price at $169.99), lucky collectors will uncover 12 packs, each containing eight cards, along with two autographs. However, it’s the unique inscriptions written by wrestlers that promise to elevate the collectibility of these cards. Picture Cody Rhodes proclaiming, “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns demanding, “Acknowledge Me.” Each addition offers a personal touch, transforming these cards into mini treasures that elicit memories of epic matches and thrilling rivalries.
But if there’s one figure leading this electrifying card journey back into mainstream consciousness, it’s none other than The Rock. The wrestling titan is making his long-awaited return to the trading card scene with his first autographed WWE cards since 1998. His cards are adding significant value to the set and include inscriptions such as “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss.” The inclusion of a dual autograph featuring The Rock alongside “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is poised to escalate the stakes even further, solidifying its status as a treasure sought by collectors far and wide.
Moreover, with this year marking the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, Topps has pulled nostalgia from the vault. The Chrome set will contain special inserts that pay homage to the legendary 1985 series, igniting passion in seasoned collectors who fondly remember squabbling with friends over packs at their local stores.
On the other side, WWE legend John Cena is launching into retirement later this year, and it appears Topps won’t let him exit without tributes. A special Cena insert will kick off a string of homages that will gradually appear throughout future releases, ensuring that his impact on wrestling history is never forgotten.
As whispers of introducing Debut Patch cards circulate among collectors, fingers remain crossed for a game-changing addition reminiscent of similar practices in baseball and soccer. Imagine holding a unique rookie card adorned with pieces of ring-worn fabric from a wrestler’s debut match. That would undoubtedly be the ultimate prize for devoted collectors!
Further analysis of eBay search trends highlights the hottest wrestlers in the market: Hulk Hogan retains the title of the most-searched, bolstered by names like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk creating a buzz that’s impossible to ignore.
On the flip side, fast-rising stars are capturing the attention of avid collectors, with names like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice skyrocketing in popularity.
Undoubtedly, the revitalization of WWE trading cards is fuelled by Topps reclaiming the license, the integration of innovative storytelling, and the massive outreach on platforms like Netflix. The stage is set for a wrestling card boom, and much like a classic pay-per-view event, every unfolding moment leads collectors one step closer to the ultimate victory.
