In the heart of the wrestling world, where stories unfold with the flick of a wrist and rivalries ignite with spectacular flair, a noteworthy renaissance is taking place—not in the ring, but in the realm of trading cards. The WWE trading card market is gearing up to make a significant splash, riding the wave of nostalgia and renewed interest thanks to Topps’ triumphant return as the official card manufacturer. As WWE expands its reach and capitalizes on a landmark streaming collaboration with Netflix, the stage is set for wrestling cards to emerge as the next tantalizing segment in the collector’s hobby.
As if scripted by the most cunning of storytellers, the numbers tell an exciting tale. Recent analytics indicate that WWE trading cards are currently riding high on a rising tide. According to CardLadder’s wrestling index, which shadows the sales of pivotal wrestling cards, growth has been dramatic; the index has surged by 25% within just three months. This meteoric rise makes the WWE card category the fastest-growing sports card segment, even surpassing Pokémon, which could only muster half that tempo.
The auction block has seen astonishing action recently, especially with a jaw-dropping sale that sent ripple effects through the card collecting community. A 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9—of which only 17 exist—was sold for an immense $132,000, marking a new height and toppling the previous record of $126,000 set by The Rock’s stunning 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1.
One critical element fueling this growth is WWE’s ambitious move onto Netflix. How has this strategy translated into the card hobby? Well, a glance at eBay’s bustling data reveals that WWE-related searches skyrocketed to 2,700 per hour in 2024—a notable 5% increase from 2023. However, the spotlight shone brightest on January 6 when WWE made its Netflix debut, triggering another 5% surge just on that single day; individual interest in wrestling cards rocketed, particularly for standout stars like Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk, whose searches spiked by over 100%, 50%, and 40%, respectively.
Topps’ return marks a newfound enthusiasm for WWE cards, breaking from the previous era under Panini, bringing excitement and innovation back into the fold. Clay Luraschi, the senior vice president of product at Topps, sees a perfect storm brewing for wrestling cards. His vision encapsulates more than just cardboard—he aims to capture the very essence of WWE’s storytelling legacy within collectors’ hands. “What makes WWE truly different is the storytelling,” Luraschi aptly noted, emphasizing that the unique personalities of wrestlers will take center stage in the upcoming releases.
As the curtain draws back, revealing the highly anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, collectors are treated to a cornucopia of thrills wrapped in packs. This landmark release offers 12 packs per hobby box, with each box containing eight cards per pack, and—wait for it—two autographs as a cherry on top. Retailing at $169.99, the allure doesn’t just stop at the cards themselves; instead, a brand-new level of autographed cards emerges, featuring personalized inscriptions from wrestlers themselves.
Among them, the likes of Cody Rhodes with the triumphant “Story Finished!” and Roman Reigns with his assertive decree, “Acknowledge Me!” showcase the wrestlers’ humor and charisma, while others, like Tiffany Stratton’s exuberant “It’s Tiffy Time!” promise collectors an even greater connection to the personalities they admire.
But hold onto your hats, wrestling aficionados—one of the most exhilarating returns in 2024 is none other than The Rock. Wrestling fans have long awaited his comeback to the trading card arena, and Topps is delivering with a selection of his autographs, including a trio of unique inscriptions: “Aloha,” “Smell It?,” and “Rock Final Boss.” Moreover, collectors can expect the groundbreaking first dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. This is bound to be a holy grail for fans and collectors alike.
As 2024 also marks the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading card release, Topps is pulling out all the stops, with special inserts designed to evoke fond memories of the nostalgic 1985 set. Luraschi himself is part of a dramatic narrative here, as he shares how he once collected that iconic set, confirming the excitement of rekindling that nostalgic flame.
With John Cena’s farewell tour lurking just around the corner, Topps is preparing to honor this wrestling titan with multiple tribute cards throughout the year, ensuring fans are treated to a rich tapestry of collectible options that speak to Cena’s indelible impact on WWE history.
Speculation is already swirling around the possibility of introducing Debut Patch cards, tantalizing products mirroring those seen in MLB and MLS, featuring unique fabric from a wrestler’s first-ever match. “We’re definitely having discussions about that,” teased Luraschi, hinting at the innovative ideas percolating at Topps.
As the dust settles around the wider wrestling fan market, a keen eye on the most-searched wrestlers reveals an intriguing picture. Hulk Hogan reigns supreme at the top, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk not far behind, while up-and-coming stars like Swerve Strickland, Lola Vice, and Uncle Howdy are rapidly gaining traction.
With all the stars aligned, the conditions are ripe for WWE trading cards to explode. Armed with the creative prowess of Topps, a burgeoning collector community, and the tantalizing new dimensions brought by Netflix, the wrestling card scene is poised to catapult into a new era. Beyond The Rock’s return in the trading card universe and the anticipations surrounding John Cena, the landscape is transforming as WWE cultivates a fresh legion of ardent collectors ready to dive into the ring of cards. This is one arena set for spectacular growth and excitement as it appeals to both longtime fans and new wrestling aficionados alike.
