In the world of sports memorabilia, few things evoke as much passion and enthusiasm as trading cards. And in a colorful twist to the usual roster of baseball and basketball cards, the WWE trading card scene is heating up with more excitement than a Royal Rumble match. With Topps resuming its position as the official card manufacturer, the landscape of WWE trading cards is set to morph into something akin to a blockbuster wrestling saga. Add in the new streaming deal with Netflix, and it seems like wrestling cards are not just back—they’re ready to body slam their way to the forefront of the hobby.
Looking at the numbers, it’s clear that WWE trading cards are gaining traction like a young grappler making their debut in the ring. The numbers tell a resounding tale. CardLadder’s wrestling index, a helpful companion tracking the highs and lows of wrestling card sales, revealed an astonishing 25% growth in just three short months. This puts those wrestling cards on a solid trajectory above other popular trades, including Pokémon, which only managed to strut a rather meek half of that growth during the same span.
During December of 2023, the hype reached epic proportions when a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, graded at PSA 9—one of only 17 in existence—slammed the previous sales record with a jaw-dropping $132,000 price tag. This overshadowed The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card, which once stood proudly at $126,000. It appears today’s collectors have found their new holy grail, and Hulkster is undoubtedly the current champion of the trading card ring.
But what’s motivating this trading card resurgence, you ask? It can be largely attributed to WWE’s explosive shift into the digital realm via Netflix. Just when fans thought they couldn’t get enough high-flying action, searches for WWE collectibles on eBay roared to life with a whopping increase of 2,700 searches per hour in 2024 alone, a 5% jump from the previous year. However, it wasn’t until January 6 when WWE made its Netflix debut that the fireworks really began. On that fateful day, interest in WWE cards surged with searches for particular wrestlers skyrocketing!
Taking the spotlight were fan-favorites like Rhea Ripley, whose card demand skyrocketed by over 100%. Names such as Roman Reigns and CM Punk weren’t far behind, following suit with increases of more than 50% and 40%, respectively. With the likes of Liv Morgan and Drew McIntyre also making great showings, it’s clear that wrestling fans are eager to commemorate their favorite superstars in a tangible way.
Topps, back in the ring and ready to rumble, is set to deliver some fresh and electrifying products. Clay Luraschi, the senior vice president of product at Topps, sees this as a golden opportunity to revitalize the wrestling card hobby. The company intends to prioritize storytelling—an element that sets WWE apart—from the personalities of its superstars to the memorable moments, ensuring the cards capture their essence like never before.
Looking ahead, one of the most anticipated releases is the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. Just like a well-executed finishing move, every detail is aimed at exceeding expectations. A single hobby box will contain 12 packs, each with eight cards to keep collectors on their toes. With each box priced at $169.99, card collectors have all but been handed a wrestling gauntlet, and there are two autographed cards waiting at the end.
Speaking of autographs, the WWE Chrome set has some exciting offerings, with wrestlers including Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns adding personal catchphrases that set their autographed cards apart. Ranging from “Acknowledge Me” to “Story Finished!” these inscriptions add a flair to the collecting experience and will undoubtedly be a hot commodity in the secondary market.
Among the most electrifying announcements from Topps is the return of The Rock’s autographed cards, last seen in 1998. Featuring three unique inscriptions, including “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss,” The Rock’s entry into the 2024 collection is like getting a surprise return from a beloved superstar. Additionally, card aficionados will light up at the first-ever dual autograph featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, vying to take the title of most coveted chase card.
Now, let’s not forget about the special tributes coming in 2024. As WWE commemorates its 40th anniversary of trading cards, the nostalgia factor is at an all-time high. Fans can expect special inserts that pay homage to the memorable 1985 series. Clay Luraschi, feeling particularly enthusiastic, reminisced about collecting that very set, and we can all understand the exhilaration of connecting with past treasures.
And how could we talk about wrestling without mentioning John Cena? As he embarks on a farewell tour in 2025, Topps is set to deliver various tribute cards celebrating the WWE icon.
There’re also whispers in the collector’s circles about the possibility of WWE introducing Debut Patch cards—unique rookie cards infused with patches from a wrestler’s first match. With fans excitedly anticipating what’s next, the potential introduction feels like waiting for the next big reveal in a WWE storyline.
As card aficionados scour eBay, certain names rise to the top with noteworthy searches, with Hulk Hogan undeniably taking the lead, followed by other all-time greats like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena. The trading card marketplace thrives on nostalgia and current events, and with emerging superstars like Swerve Strickland making waves, there’s no telling how the future will unfold.
WWE trading cards are poised to rock the collecting world like never before. With Topps leading the charge, a resurrected interest spurred by the Netflix deal, and the awe-inducing line-up of releases on the horizon, collectors will be lining up faster than a fan could count to three. The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and one can only imagine the incredible journey that awaits as WWE cards prepare to enter a new era of excitement.
