Hulk Hogan once again proves his supremacy, not in the ring but in the scintillating world of collectibles. Over the weekend, the scene-stealer was a 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card that fetched an astounding $132,000, shattering records for wrestling memorabilia. This stellar achievement firmly establishes Hogan as the poster boy of one of the most revered card sets in wrestling’s illustrious past.
This sale smashes the existing record held by a 2022 Prizm Black 1/1 card of The Rock, which commanded $126,000 earlier this year. Hogan’s triumphant moment in the collectibles realm mirrors his domination inside the wrestling ring, serving as a poignant reminder to fans and collectors alike of his enduring legacy.
The 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set stands tall as the holy grail of wrestling cards, celebrated for showcasing the “rookie” cards of iconic legends such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and André the Giant. This set has stood the test of time as a cornerstone of wrestling memorabilia, with Hogan’s card gleaming as the coveted gem among them.
Prior to this groundbreaking auction, Hogan’s card had already commanded significant value, with previous sales hovering around the $50,000 mark. Similarly, other cards from the same set have witnessed remarkable price tags, including a BGS 9.5 André the Giant card that exchanged hands for $47,970.
What propels Hogan’s card into the stratosphere of value? Well, for starters, a mere 18 PSA 9-graded copies exist, with no sightings of PSA 10s on record. The card that set tongues wagging this weekend also boasted an MBA Gold sticker, signaling its status as one of the finest-graded specimens out there. These elements, coupled with Hogan’s iconic stature, propelled the card to its staggering, record-breaking price tag.
The electrifying sale formed part of a red-letter weekend for Heritage Auctions, which tallied a jaw-dropping $22.7 million in total sales. Among the standout moments was the resurgence of a 1979 O-Pee-Chee case housing Wayne Gretzky rookie cards. This case, which had previously raked in $3.7 million before a buyer reneged, found a new home for $2.5 million—still a commendable sum despite the dip in price.
While the undisputed monarch of wrestling cards reigns supreme with the 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set, modern releases are fast gaining ground. The 2002 Fleer Royal Rumble set, flaunting rookie cards of luminaries like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Batista, could pose a challenge to the All-Stars set in the days to come. With its galaxy of stars, the Fleer set holds the promise of becoming the next big sensation for wrestling card enthusiasts.
At this moment, Hulk Hogan’s $132,000 card wears the crown, symbolizing the allure of nostalgia and the unceasing demand for vintage collectibles. This sale not only marks a triumph for Hulk Hogan but also serves as a testament to the escalating esteem of wrestling cards as prized assets in the expansive sports card market.
In the universe of collectibles, Hulkamania isn’t merely alive—it’s thriving like never before.
