The world of trading cards is often a realm of nostalgia, vibrant colors, and the exhilarating thrill of the chase. Picture sun-kissed summer afternoons spent rummaging through your local card store or the electric atmosphere at a convention when enthusiasts gather to trade and boast about their prized possessions. This landscape, known more recently for the roaring resurgence of Pokémon and basketball cards, finds itself on the brink of an unexpected champion: WWE trading cards. Yes! You read that right. Hold on to your baseball caps, because the squared circle is about to spice things up—thanks to the return of Topps as the official card manufacturer and a blockbuster streaming deal with Netflix.
In the last few months, a noticeable shift has gripped the WWE trading card market, transforming it from a nostalgia-filled niche into a burgeoning powerhouse. Recent data reveals a whopping 25% rise in CardLadder’s wrestling index over the past three months, eclipsing even the previously invincible Pokémon cards, which only managed a humble 12% uptick in the same timeframe. It seems wrestling fans have finally emerged from the shadows, reminiscent of a wrestler ascending to the top of the rope for that iconic diving elbow drop after a perfect setup.
Speaking of elbow drops, there’s no more iconic figure to represent the art of wrestling than Hulk Hogan. In December 2023, his 1982 Wrestling All-Stars card—a pristine PSA 9—made waves by fetching an astounding $132,000 at auction, dethroning The Rock’s previously held record of $126,000. The rise in value is just one sign that WWE cards are officially back in fighting shape.
One cannot ignore the significant role played by WWE’s alliance with Netflix. The timing could not be better, capturing the imaginations of viewers with endless matches, charismatic personalities, and compelling storylines. According to eBay statistics reflecting the surging interest, searches for WWE memorabilia spiked by 5% upon its Netflix debut on January 6, 2024, with specific superstars generating a fervor worthy of an all-out Royal Rumble.
Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk led the charge, with search interest for these athletes skyrocketing by 100%, 50%, and 40%, respectively. It’s as if WWE’s entrance music blared in every household, compelling fans, old and new, to dive into the treasurable world of trading cards.
The silver lining to all of this excitement is that Topps has regained its title as the official WWE trading card maker after several years of tag-teaming it with Panini. With this comeback, Topps aims to reaffirm its commitment to rejuvenating wrestling cards by spotlighting the larger-than-life stories and personalities that fans adore. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, has a ring in his voice as he teases the powerful storytelling that will be at the heart of the upcoming products.
“The storytelling element is what makes WWE different,” he asserts, setting the stage for a compelling narrative-driven release. The cards promise gritty feuds, heart-racing comebacks, and triumphant victories, all distilled into a format that can sit sweetly in each collector’s haven of nostalgia.
As the curtain rises on the first release under the new Topps deal, the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set is all set to electrify collectors and wrestling fans alike. Decked out with 12 packs per hobby box, each containing 8 cards, and featuring two guaranteed autographs per box, this release exemplifies the perfect combination of quantity and quality. Priced at $169.99, it’s the ideal bait for those looking to catch their favorite superstars’ signatures packaged with unique catchphrases—adding a dash of personality that card-hunters crave.
Imagine the thrill of unwrapping a pack that contains an autograph showcasing Roman Reigns’ emphatic “Acknowledge Me” or Cody Rhodes’s powerful rallying cry “Story Finished!” These cards push the boundaries of collectibility and are sure to have the secondary market buzzing like a crowd before a championship match.
Adding to the fray, 2024 brings The Rock back to trading cards after almost three decades. His autographs, featuring whimsical inscriptions such as “Aloha” and “Smell It?” are creating an avalanche of interest. Not to be outdone, the inclusion of dual autographs featuring The Rock alongside his legendary rival, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, makes for a truly gold standard chase card that every collector will want to get their hands on.
Looking ahead, the year 2024 provides not just a cause for celebration but a myriad of possibilities. It’s not only Topps’ return that sparks joy; it’s also the sheer nostalgia encapsulated within this year—the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading card release in 1985. It is a time to honor history while paving the way for new trends. Drafting special inserts to create a tribute to that groundbreaking collection has Luraschi reminiscing about his own childhood while working on these releases.
Further sputtering intrigue are the intriguing mentions of tributes to John Cena, who is heralding his farewell tour. With his storied legacy and contributions to WWE, Topps plans to create special insert cards to pay homage. Cena’s impact is undeniable, and any tribute card will surely resonate within the hearts of fans long after he takes his final bow.
As if that weren’t enough, there’s the tantalizing prospect of introducing Debut Patch cards, echoing those from major sports leagues like MLB and MLS. Imagine the allure of securing a card featuring fragments from a wrestler’s first match—an ultimate trophy for any passionate collector. Speculations are brewing, and Luraschi hints that discussions are being had, leading to excitement tinged with a sense of curiosity.
Like any thrilling wrestling match, the WWE trading card landscape is filled with anticipation, intense battles for dominance, and the chance for new champions to emerge. Hulk Hogan, The Rock, CM Punk—each of these dynamic personas continues to dominate searches on eBay, but keep an eye on the rising stars like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice, who are raking in unbelievable increases in popularity—over 470% in Strickland’s case!
With the stars aligning, WWE trading cards are primed for a boom unlike anything seen in recent memory. As Topps re-enters the ring, a growing collector base and the newfound vigor of WWE on Netflix could very well lead to a breakout year for wrestling cards. Collectors, dust off your card sleeves, because the definitive era for WWE trading cards is about to take off, and you won’t want to miss the chaos!
