In an exciting twist that would make even the most seasoned wrestling fan’s head spin, WWE trading cards are about to embark on an exhilarating journey back to the spotlight. Primed for resurgence, the iconic realm of wrestling collectibles is seeing newfound appreciation, largely thanks to Topps reclaiming its long-lost license as the official card manufacturer. The energy surrounding this revival is palpable, especially with WWE’s recent partnership with streaming titan Netflix, which has opened the floodgates to a brand-new audience of eager collectors and nostalgics alike.
Yes, indeed—this is a moment where canvas portraits of veteran grapplers and up-and-coming superstars might just become the next big hit in the collectibles market. Analysts and passionate collectors are convinced that we may be witnessing the dawn of a new golden age for WWE trading cards, where the ring’s drama and charisma transform into powerful, must-have keepsakes.
Recent trends highlight that WWE trading cards aren’t just climbing—they’re leaping into the limelight! Reports from CardLadder reveal a robust 25% increase in the wrestling card index over just three months, outpacing even the demigod of collectible cards—Pokémon. Data indicates that wrestling cards are currently the fastest-growing segment among sports cards. What’s more telling of this growth than the jaw-dropping all-time record sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9? It recently changed hands for an astonishing $132,000, dethroning a previous record held by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 at $126,000. Talk about a slam dunk in the trading card market!
The emergence of WWE on Netflix has also played a decisive role in sparking this excitement. A quick peek at eBay data illustrates that searches for WWE merchandise skyrocketed to a blistering 2,700 per hour in 2024—up 5% from the previous year. The absolute frenzy peaked on January 6, when WWE’s Netflix debut sent searches for cards and memorabilia soaring an additional 5%. Individual rising stars saw even more jaw-dropping surges: Rhea Ripley enjoyed a meteoric 100% increase, while Roman Reigns and CM Punk captured over 50% and 40% increases, respectively. It’s clear that as WWE extends its reach into the binge-watching arena, it’s drawing in legions of new fans eager to collect a piece of their wrestling heroes.
While the backdrop evolves, Topps returns like a beloved character making a grand comeback. After a brief but significant run with Panini, Topps is back, intensifying its focus on narrative engagement and innovation in WWE products. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, is brimming with optimism, hinting at a gold rush of unprecedented storytelling in trading cards. “WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards,” he gleefully stated—a declaration that surely resonates with fans dreaming of merging their passion for wrestling with collecting!
2024 marks the arrival of the first major release under this renewed partnership: the highly-anticipated Topps WWE Chrome set. It features not one, not two, but a full array of 12 packs per hobby box, each containing 8 cards. Luring collectors with an autographed card in every box and a retail price of $169.99, it’s perfectly poised for an enthusiastic reception. What genuinely energizes collectors, however, are the personalized autograph inscriptions that wrestlers are offering, each one imbued with their unique flair. Imagine cards featuring Cody Rhodes’ triumphant declaration of “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns commanding, “Acknowledge Me.” The unique autographs are set to elevate collecting to a whole new level, turning memorabilia into cherished pieces of art.
For fans, the icing on this card-cake is the long-awaited return of The Rock to WWE trading cards after an agonizing two-decade wait! Featuring three distinctive inscriptions, including the cheeky “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss,” collectors will be scrambling to snag these cards as soon as they hit the market. Also promising to be an immense crowd-pleaser is the first-ever dual autograph card of wrestling greats The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—a pairing many fans only dared dream about until now.
As we look forward through the crystal ball of trading card history, 2024 also celebrates a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of the first-ever WWE trading card release. To honor this legacy, Topps Chrome is introducing special inserts that pay homage to the iconic 1985 set—something that can’t help but evoke a rush of nostalgia for collectors everywhere.
Meanwhile, with John Cena poised to embark on his farewell tour in 2025, Topps is gearing up to unveil a slew of tribute cards throughout the year. The WWE Chrome set already includes a special Cena insert, with plans for more throughout future releases. A celebrated figure like Cena deserves nothing less than to be adorned on cards that reflect his monumental contributions to wrestling history.
And, the thrills don’t stop there! There’s buzzing speculation surrounding the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards, akin to the coveted rookies in MLB and MLS. These exclusive cards would showcase game-worn patches from a superstar’s inaugural match—surely something that would ignite frenzy among collectors.
As the cards of yesteryear become valuable treasures and new trading cards litter hobby shops, figures like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and John Cena are leading searches on eBay in 2024. But watch out—newer stars like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are rising fast, boasting increased popularity and solidifying the vibrant scene in the card-collecting world.
With this whirlwind of excitement, innovation, and nostalgia in the air, WWE trading cards are gearing up for a spectacular sonic boom that seems inevitable. The combination of Topps’ creative drive, fans’ enthusiasm, and the electrifying presence of WWE on Netflix signals that a vibrant chapter in wrestling card collecting is right around the corner. Collectors are preparing their wallets, and with good reason—2024 promises to be groundbreaking for the realm of WWE trading cards!
