The arena is buzzing, and not just with the sound of entrance themes and enthusiastic crowds; the world of WWE trading cards is on the cusp of an exhilarating renaissance that promises to delight both veteran collectors and curious newcomers alike. After a brief interlude with Panini, the beloved Topps brand is making its triumphant return to the ring, and they’re entering with some heavyweight ambitions. The landscape of trading cards is shifting, and the action is about to get wild as Topps reclaims its license for WWE cards, coinciding with the wrestling giant’s shiny new streaming deal with Netflix that seems poised to galvanize interest across the board.
Data from the card-collecting universe reveals that the WWE trading card market is flexing its impressive muscles, showing off a stunning 25% growth in the past three months, according to CardLadder’s wrestling index. This surge has positioned wrestling cards as the fastest-growing category in the sports card arena, easily knocking rivals such as Pokémon off their pedestal, which managed a mere half of that growth in the same timeframe.
The stakes got even higher as December 2023 witnessed a blockbuster sale—a Hercules of a wrestling card—when a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 traded hands for an eye-popping $132,000. This jaw-dropper topped The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which previously held the record, by a cool $6,000. Talk about a formidable finisher!
One of the primary catalysts behind this boom is WWE’s fresh partnership with Netflix. As eBay analysts sift through the data, they found that searches for WWE-related items skyrocketed to an incredible 2,700 per hour in 2024, marking a 5% uptick from the previous year. The most electrifying spikes occurred on January 6, the historic day when WWE made its much-anticipated entry into the Netflix universe. Searches for WWE cards and memorabilia jumped another 5% that day alone, with individual superstar interest seeing even heftier increases. The likes of Rhea Ripley and Roman Reigns emerged as fan favorites, with their names jumping over 100% and 50% in search interest, respectively.
You can almost hear the dollars clanging as demand swells for cards depicting these dynamic champions. The wrestling fandom is reinvigorated, and collectors are keen to secure their stakes in this burgeoning market.
Topps, with its renewed passion for storytelling, is back, armed with innovative ideas and a commitment to dig deeper into the fascinating personas of WWE Superstars. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ savvy senior vice president of product, sees this as a dream segue for wrestling cards and believes the time hasn’t just arrived; it’s leaped into the ring, ready to slam down a world of possibilities.
Wattage-level excitement surrounds the first major product release under the new Topps banner—the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. With 12 packs per hobby box and two autographs waiting to reward collectors’ luck, it’s a tantalizing prospect for fans at a retail price of $169.99. But wait! What truly sets this product apart is the unique autograph inscriptions—wrestlers are adding their personal flair to their signatures with catchphrases like “Story Finished!” from Cody Rhodes and “Acknowledge Me” from Roman Reigns, making these cards escalate in desirability faster than a flying elbow drop.
But hold onto your plastic sleeves, folks! The Rock is making waves with his first autographed WWE cards since 1998. His iconic inscriptions such as “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss” are sure to have fans clamoring with excitement. Adding to the mix is the highly coveted dual autograph featuring The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a chase card that is already sending collectors into a frenzy.
As collectors thrive on nostalgia, 2024 also marks the 40th anniversary of WWE’s inaugural trading card launch. Topps recognizes this milestone with special inserts that pay tribute to the classic 1985 set, stirring cherished memories within longtime fans. Luraschi himself is geeking out, reminiscing about those packs and designs he once collected.
Adding to the treasure trove, John Cena’s farewell tour commences in 2025, and Topps has planned tribute cards as a nod to his massive contributions to WWE. Expect to see collectible tributes throughout this year, ensuring Cena’s legendary status remains front and center.
Amongst the budding questions in the market, one topic rises to the fore: could WWE introduce Debut Patch cards? These game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match could dominate the chase card landscape. Luraschi teased that these discussions are more than just whispers—a move that could redefine collecting for hardcore fans.
From legends like Hulk Hogan and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson reigniting the fandom flame to emerging stars like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice skyrocketing in popularity, the future is ablaze with potential. The card market is not just heating up; it’s set to explode, ushering in a new era for WWE trading cards that could very well eclipse previous expectations.
With Topps at the helm, the stage is set for an adrenaline-pumping year for collectors, as nostalgic tributes join forces with modern innovations to attract both new fans and long-time aficionados alike. The excitement is palpable, and the wrestling card universe is ready for a monumental year of action.