Hold onto your belts, wrestling fans and card collectors, because the WWE trading card market is gearing up for a serious round of body slams and suplexes! Topps, the legendary trading card manufacturer, has once again entered the squared circle after a few years of being sidelined by Panini, and they’re coming back strong, armed with a new deal and some game-changing strategies. With a major streaming partnership with Netflix under their belt, the WWE is on the verge of captivating a whole new audience, igniting a collector frenzy that could send the market into overdrive.
In the ring of sports cards, WWE is currently on fire, seeing substantial growth that many collectors and analysts are dubbing the “next big thing” in the hobby. In fact, just recently, a groundbreaking report from CardLadder revealed that the wrestling index tracking key sales skyrocketed by a whopping 25% in the last three months alone—making it the fastest-growing segment of the sports card universe. Immutable proof that trading cards featuring our favorite grapplers are not just collectible souvenirs anymore; they’re treasures worth serious cash.
That sentiment was echoed dramatically in December 2023 when collectors were left agog at the sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, graded PSA 9 and one of only 17 to ever exist, which sold for an eye-popping $132,000! That’s right, folks, it’s not just a cardboard relic; it’s a chunk of wrestling history worth twice as much as the previous record set just months earlier by The Rock’s tantalizing Panini Black Prizm 1/1.
Now, let’s talk strategy. WWE’s groundbreaking deal with Netflix has been monumental in capturing the attention of new fans. The stats are jaw-dropping: eBay searches for WWE-related items escalated to 2,700 per hour in 2024—a 5% increase from the previous year. But this was just the beginning. The numbers spiked significantly when WWE debuted on Netflix on January 6, with card searches jumping an additional 5% that very day.
Specific stars are experiencing a surge that mirrors a spectacular rope break. Rhea Ripley tops the chart with over a 100% increase, while Roman Reigns flexes his biceps with more than a 50% increase. CM Punk, Liv Morgan, and other gridiron gladiators are also in the mix, with each of their popularity rising in correlation to viewer exposure on the streaming platform.
With Topps back in the driver’s seat, fans can expect a delightful mix of nostalgia and innovation in the newly minted trading cards. The charming Clay Luraschi, Topps Senior Vice President of Product, articulated the perfect timing they believe they are capitalizing on. He pointed out how WWE is embracing storytelling and personality in a way that promises to enchant fans and collectors alike.
Mark your calendars, card aficionados, because the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set is the first major release under this revived partnership. Expect to snatch up 12 packs per hobby box, with each pack containing eight cards and two autographs. Priced at $169.99, it’s a collector’s item in the making. And what’s particularly appealing about this set is the unique autograph inscriptions. Think about it – Cody Rhodes scribbling “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns boldly proclaiming “Acknowledge Me” on a card—each a delightful conversation piece that radiates character and charisma.
But wait, there’s more! The Rock is making a dazzling return—his first autographed WWE cards since 1998 will be included in the Chrome set. Featuring iconic inscriptions like “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss,” fans are expected to pounce on these cards quicker than a suplex at WrestleMania. There’s even a dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, which could turn into one of the most coveted chase cards of the year.
With 2024 marking the 40th anniversary of the very first WWE trading card, there are whispers of special inserts designed to pay homage to the nostalgic 1985 collection—sparking that warm, fuzzy feeling in seasoned collectors. It’s bittersweet but exciting, as iconic moments become intertwined with today’s wrestling escapades.
And if that isn’t enough to tantalize fans, keep a lookout for special tribute cards leading up to John Cena’s farewell tour in 2025. It is clear that Topps is dedicated to ensuring that fans can celebrate his legacy as he bids adieu to the ring.
There’s also the juicy speculation regarding the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards. You heard right—cards featuring game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match could elevate the chase card experience to unparalleled heights. It’s a talk that Luraschi confirms is on the table, teasing fans with the tantalizing prospect of unique rookie cards that not only capture the essence of growing sporty personas but resonate with unparalleled emotional value.
Curious about the rising stars in this trading card escapade? eBay searches for wrestlers are jotting down astonishing numbers in 2024! Hulk Hogan remains a heavyweight in this category, followed gracefully by The Rock and John Cena, while Cody Rhodes and CM Punk keep the competition spicy.
All in all, with Topps donning a crown that fits better than any belt in the WWE Universe, plus latent excitement brewing from WWE’s massive expansion and innovative card releases, it seems the revival for WWE trading cards is not just coming, it’s roaring in. As collectors eye their dream cards, the market is poised for action—favoring both nostalgic veterans and fresh faces that will undoubtedly keep the wrestling spirit alive and thrilling on both the screen and in the collecting world.
