The stage is set for a spectacular resurgence in the trading card world as the iconic wrestling brand WWE sees a seismic shift in its collectibles arena. Thanks to Topps’ re-entry into the market as the official card manufacturer, coupled with a groundbreaking streaming partnership with Netflix, the WWE trading card segment is poised for an explosive comeback. Just as fans gather around the squared circle for adrenaline-pumping matches, collectors are clamoring for a piece of the action, driving a newfound fervor for wrestling cards that could very well become the hottest trend in the hobby.
In the wake of this excitement, nails are being bitten and cards are being shuffled as fans check the Stock market of sports card trading—an index that is making waves. Specifically, CardLadder’s wrestling index has recorded a staggering 25% uptick in sales over the past three months. This increase has catapulted wrestling cards into the spotlight, overtaking even the universally beloved Pokémon cards, which managed only a 12.5% bump during the same timeframe. If that isn’t enough to make any wrestling fan rise from their seat, let’s look at the action-packed sales figures. December 2023 etched a new chapter in trading card history when a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9—a card so rare that only 17 exist—shattered records, selling for a jaw-dropping $132,000. That’s right; it broke the previous high-water mark held by none other than The Rock’s illustrious 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1.
The viewership on Netflix is really reeling in new fans, jumpstarting interest not just in championship matches but in the memorabilia associated with those who compete in them. Data from eBay has illuminated a spike in searches for WWE-centric items, with a staggering 2,700 searches occurring hourly in 2024 alone, reflecting a 5% increase from 2023. This growth exploded following WWE’s debut on Netflix, with January 6 marking a notable surge in searches for trading cards. Some of wrestling’s fiercest competitors saw search interest skyrocket—with Rhea Ripley leading the charge (100% increase), followed closely by megastars Roman Reigns and CM Punk.
The narrative of renewed interest continues as Topps has returned after several years under Panini, with a dynamic plan that goes beyond mere trading cards. Senior Vice President of Product, Clay Luraschi, elaborates that this is the “perfect moment” for wrestling cards to shine. He hints that Topps will revamp the storytelling aspects of the cards and interact with fans by capturing the unique personalities of superstars, a strategy ripe for an epic storyline.
The first major product under this exhilarating new deal is the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, an enticing collection that packs in the thrill with 12 packs of 8 cards per hobby box, destined to excite collectors. What else can we expect? Look no further: each box contains not one but two autographed cards, guaranteed to send shockwaves through the market when they drop at a retail price of $169.99.
Among the illustrious signatures, crafters of those cherished moments have added unique inscriptions to their autographs, transforming mere signatures into relics of personality. Cody Rhodes contributes with a verifiable crowd-pleaser, “Story Finished!” while Roman Reigns delivers, “Acknowledge Me!” These collectible nuggets only heighten the allure, creating added gravitas among trading exchanges and secondary market sales.
Adding to the excitement, 2024 also marks the year The Rock returns with his first autographed WWE cards since 1998, served up with three unique inscriptions: “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and the cheeky “Rock Final Boss.” Fans can also look forward to a special dual-autograph featuring both The Rock and the iconic “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, destined to become one of those coveted chase cards collectors will rip open packs searching for.
Through a nostalgic lens, 2024 is particularly significant, marking 40 years since the inception of WWE trading cards. Topps has made it a mission to pay homage to that legacy by including special inserts celebrating the historic 1985 card set—playing right into the hearts of those who recall the vintage designs and memories fostered in their youth, with Luraschi himself admitting, “I’m geeking out because I collected that set.”
As John Cena prepares for his farewell tour in 2025, Topps intends to honor his legacy through multiple tribute cards throughout the year. While the WWE Chrome features an exclusive Cena insert, dedicated tributes will continue to land as nostalgia reigns supreme.
Furthermore, the possibilities appear endless—imagination is swirling around one tantalizing prospect: the introduction of Debut Patch cards. Licensed uniquely to wrestlers, these cards could include game-worn patches from their very first match, capturing that monumental moment forever in a trading card. Though whispers abound regarding this innovation, Luraschi teases, “You’ve gotta guess that we’re having the discussion,” shining a light on future ingenuity.
In the ever-evolving collecting market, some wrestlers are emerging as fan favorites among searching enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, Hulk Hogan reigns as the most sought-after name, followed closely by wrestling powerhouses Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, with rising stars like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk also gathering their share of attention.
The velocity at which other wrestlers are gaining traction is astonishing, with Swerve Strickland experiencing a staggering increase of over 470%. The undeniable engagement indicates that with Topps reclaiming the license, capturing nostalgia, and a budding collector audience, wrestling cards could catapult into a full-blown mainstream phenomenon. With a lineup filled with exciting releases already on the horizon, there’s no doubt 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for WWE collectors and fans alike.
