In an unexpected twist that appeals to both nostalgic collectors and new fans alike, the world of wrestling trading cards is gearing up for an electrifying revival. Topps, an iconic name in the trading card industry, is back in the wrestling ring, reigniting excitement for WWE trading cards. With a whirlwind of new product launches anticipated in 2024 and the recent seismic shift of WWE content landing on Netflix, the stage is set for wrestling cards to come roaring back into prominence. Analysts and collectors alike predict that the WWE trading cards are poised to be the next big hit in the ever-evolving hobby landscape.
Recent statistics reveal that the WWE trading card sector is thriving, reaching speeds rivaling some of the most famous card collections. CardLadder’s wrestling index—a tracking system monitoring the sales of prime wrestling cards—has surged by an impressive 25% over the last three months. Interestingly, this meteoric rise has outpaced even the beloved Pokémon cards, which have recorded a mere half of that growth percentage.
The momentum reached new heights in December 2023 when a rare gem from the annals of wrestling card history—a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9—was sold for a staggering $132,000, setting a new record for wrestling cards. It bested the previous record of $126,000 held by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1. As collectors scramble to add this iconic Hulk Hogan card to their collections, the adrenaline-fueled excitement is palpable.
The surge in interest is not merely driven by nostalgia but partly fueled by WWE’s landmark streaming partnership with Netflix. Significantly, a treasure trove of data from eBay indicates an impressive spike—searches for WWE items have rocketed up to an average of 2,700 per hour this year alone, representing a 5% rise over the previous year. The most remarkable surge in activity occurred on January 6, the day WWE made its much-anticipated debut on Netflix. Searches for WWE trading cards and memorabilia soared by another 5%, showcasing individual wrestler popularity with increases soaring over 100% for current talents like Rhea Ripley. This invigorating spike reflects how fresh exposure through Netflix is luring a new wave of fans into the collectible space.
Transitioning back to Topps was strategically timed, especially with Clay Luraschi, the senior vice president of product at Topps, pointing to a renaissance for WWE trading cards. Luraschi anticipates an incredible season of card collecting, emphasizing that wrestling cards have been on a slow but steady rise for years, now on the cusp of a breakthrough. With Topps’ famous knack for storytelling blending seamlessly into the WWE universe, new products are being crafted to emphasize the larger-than-life personas of wrestlers in ways that have never been done before.
Among the highly-awaited releases is the inaugural 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. This enticing product promises an exhilarating collecting experience, featuring a hobby box packed with twelve action-packed packs, each containing eight cards. Each box will also include two autographs, all priced at a retail tag of $169.99. But the star-studded item on the collectors’ wish list? The unique autograph inscriptions that come with the set. WWE superstars will add their catchphrases and signatures, from “It’s Tiffy Time!” courtesy of the energetic Tiffany Stratton to Roman Reigns with his commanding “Acknowledge Me.” This element of personalization injects a fresh layer of excitement, elevating the allure of each card significantly.
Exhibiting a heartwarming return to the trading card market is none other than The Rock, who brings with him a sprinkle of nostalgia. His first WWE autographs since 1998 will be featuring unique inscriptions such as “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss,” all contributing to a palpable sense of urgency among collectors eager to snag these pieces of memorabilia. Furthermore, the set boasts a dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—an addition that is likely to trigger fierce bidding wars among collectors.
2024 marks a special milestone as it is the 40th anniversary since the launch of the first WWE trading card collection in 1985. A special insert commemorating this iconic collection will be included in Topps’ Chrome, and Luraschi is genuinely excited—as both a collector and a producer—to revisit and breathe new life into a legacy that shaped his own childhood.
In the coming months, wrestling aficionados can expect additional layers of celebration for beloved figures like John Cena, who is embarking on a farewell tour starting in 2025. Luraschi has teased multiple tribute cards, with special inserts dedicated to Cena appearing in Topps Chrome. He envisions a season brimming with nostalgia, recognizing Cena’s monumental impact on the organization throughout the years.
Talks are brewing about the potential introduction of debut patch cards, which could propel the hobby to dizzying new heights. These rookie cards integrate game-worn fabrics from a wrestler’s first match, potentially turning them into the ultimate chase cards for collectors everywhere.
As the excitement crescendos, the data shows a fascinating glimpse into the current wrestling card market. Leading the charge in searches on eBay are legends like Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena. On the rise, however, are fresh names like Swerve Strickland, whose card popularity has skyrocketed by over 470%.
With Topps once again clutching the reins of WWE’s trading cards, the landscape is charged with possibilities, as 2024 promises to serve wrestling fans and collectors a phenomenal spectacle of creativity, nostalgia, and sheer wrestling adrenaline. Rest assured, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, WWE trading cards are about to deliver a blockbuster year filled with must-have memorabilia and a robust community of fans ready to join the fervor.