In the world of trading cards where nostalgia collides with the thrill of competition, a new contender is emerging from the ring with a comeback that has collectors buzzing. The WWE trading card market is poised for a spectacular rise, thanks to the return of Topps as the official card manufacturer and the announcement of WWE’s ground-breaking streaming deal with Netflix. As WWE finds itself stepping into new ring lights and attracting a broader audience, it appears that enthusiasm for wrestling cards is hitting the high notes, elevating this niche hobby to dizzying new heights. Could it be that wrestling cards are on the verge of becoming the next darling in the collector’s domain?
Let’s talk numbers—after all, in a realm where value often reflects demand, recent data reveals some jaw-dropping statistics. The trading card analytics platform, CardLadder, has reported a 25% increase in its wrestling index over the past three months. This remarkable surge makes WWE trading cards the fastest-growing sports card category out there, overshadowing even the vibrant Pokémon cards, which only saw half that amount of growth. It’s safe to say that collectors are undoubtedly feeling the excitement of wrestling cards and throwing their hats (or should we say championship belts?) into the ring.
In a crowning moment for collectors, December 2023 witnessed a record-setting sale—a magnificent 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card unfurled its majestic presence and sold for an astonishing $132,000. This surpassing of The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 sale record of $126,000 has deliciously stoked the flames of avid collectors who can’t help but wonder what treasures lie ahead in the upcoming releases.
It’s no surprise that a significant driver of this wave of renewed interest is WWE’s burgeoning relationship with Netflix. In 2024, eBay data revealed that searches for WWE memorabilia jumped to a staggering 2,700 per hour—up by 5% compared to the previous year. But the real fireworks ignited on January 6, when WWE made its much-anticipated debut on Netflix, leading to a spectacular surge in search queries for WWE cards and collectibles—up another 5% that day alone! Individual superstar searches saw even greater spikes, including:
Rhea Ripley – Over 100% increase
Roman Reigns – Over 50% increase
CM Punk – Over 40% increase
Liv Morgan – Nearly 40% increase
Solo Sikoa – Over 30% increase
Drew McIntyre – Nearly 30% increase
Jey Uso – Nearly 30% increase
Seth Rollins – Over 20% increase
This vital data underscores how WWE’s transition to Netflix is pulling in new fans eager to discover memorabilia and cards featuring their favorite superstars, shining a spotlight on a previously underappreciated segment of the collector market.
Now, with Topps back at the helm of WWE trading cards after years spent under Panini’s guidance, the company is zeroing in on an innovative strategy that hinges on storytelling and capturing the vibrant personalities of beloved wrestlers. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ senior vice president of product, believes this is the ultimate moment for wrestling cards to take off. He admits he has observed a growing momentum in the market that’s been bubbling for several years—the perfect alignment of timing, excitement, and fresh narratives.
The crowning jewel of Topps’ fresh WWE lineup is the eagerly awaited 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. This new offering is stirring up excitement among collectors with its enticing features. Each hobby box contains 12 packs, with 8 cards per pack and promises two autographs per box, all retailing at a reasonable $169.99. This offering will see the inclusion of uniquely inscribed autographs that showcase wrestlers’ catchphrases and personas, reminiscent of the intense characters that captured our imaginations in the ring. Catchphrases such as “Story Finished!” by Cody Rhodes or “Acknowledge Me!” from Roman Reigns give collectors more than just a standard autograph—they provide a window into the soul of their favorite stars.
But if there’s one undeniable highlight of the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set, it’s the long-awaited return of The Rock’s autographed cards—his first since 1998. Featuring an array of dynamic inscriptions like “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss,” The Rock’s comeback is definitely set to be a record-smashing prospect. Luraschi reminds us that missing The Rock in trading cards would have been nothing short of sacrilege in the wrestling world.
With 2024 marking WWE’s 40th anniversary in trading cards, Topps is ingeniously including special inserts to pay homage to that legendary first set released back in 1985. Nostalgia is king, and Luraschi is riding that wave, recalling his own memories of collecting those initial cards. Just imagine the excitement as familiar designs are revived for a new generation of collectors.
As we look ahead, the legends are not the only ones generating buzz. 2024 is shaping up to be a tidal wave of new talents breaking into the market, with the most searched wrestlers on eBay reflecting this vibrant collection of personalities. Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, and others dominate searches, while fast-rising talents like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice surge into prominence with staggering increases in popularity.
What lies beyond is still a tantalizing mystery. There are hints swirling about the possibility of debut patch cards inspired by Major League Baseball and MLS, where a unique card would represent a wrestler’s first match. Luraschi coyly admits it’s a discussion Topps is considering, as the desire for rookie cards continues to heat up.
The wrestling card world is currently bathed in golden light, and one can’t help but feel that we’re on the brink of something monumental. As Topps rolls out its innovative plans, and collectors gear up in anticipation, wrestling cards are certainly ready to shift into high gear. With iconic wrestlers’ returns, innovative products, and loyal fans clamoring for more, WWE trading cards are not just on the rise—they’re poised for a glorious resurgence.