In a thrilling turn of events that scream excitement for collectors and wrestling enthusiasts alike, WWE trading cards are on the brink of a grand resurgence, thanks to the return of Topps as the official card manufacturer. This development comes hand in hand with a groundbreaking streaming deal between WWE and Netflix, setting the stage for a new chapter in trading card history that promises to be as electrifying as a championship belt change.
As WWE cultivates a wider audience through its new Netflix platform, the buzz surrounding its trading card segment has catapulted interest into overdrive. It seems wrestling cards are gearing up to take center stage as the next blockbuster hit in the hobby realm. Recent statistics from CardLadder show that the wrestling card index has spiraled up 25% in the mere span of three months—defying all odds and outpacing Pokémon, the category that typically reigns supreme, which only managed to achieve half that growth.
What’s even more remarkable? December 2023 crowned a new champion in the wrestling card sales arena, with a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card (a PSA 9 with only 17 in existence) selling for an eyebrow-raising $132,000. This event not only broke the previous record set for The Rock’s 2022 Panini card, sold at $126,000, but it also sent ripples throughout the collector community, rejuvenating interest in wrestling memorabilia.
The Netflix partnership serves as the proverbial shot in the arm for the WWE trading card market, with eBay data revealing a significant spike in searches for everything WWE, shooting up to 2,700 searches per hour in 2024. The pivotal moment occurred on January 6, the day WWE debuted its content on Netflix, when the search for WWE cards and memorabilia saw a 5% spike. Notable wrestlers apparently benefitted from their digital spotlight as well, with Rhea Ripley’s cards soaring over 100% in search popularity, while Roman Reigns and CM Punk enjoyed over 50% and 40% increases, respectively.
This remarkable surge indicates that WWE’s reach on Netflix is more than just a new viewing platform; it is a game changer that reinvigorates the fan experience and gives a fresh lease on life to the most cherished of collecting goods—trading cards of the superstars.
The stage is now set for Topps, which has taken the reins back from Panini, casting a spotlight on the rich storytelling element unique to WWE. Topps Senior Vice President of Product, Clay Luraschi, has expressed enthusiasm for this opportune moment, stating that they’re harnessing the allure of the wrestling world to craft an exceptional product that deeply resonates with fans.
“We’re placing a significant focus on capturing the captivating personalities of the superstars,” Luraschi noted, which signals a thrilling approach to how cards will tell the stories that impact fans profoundly.
The much-anticipated release of 2024’s Topps WWE Chrome collection marks the first grand debut under this revitalized partnership. Sporting an engaging pack format, each hobby box comes loaded with 12 packs filled with 8 cards each, promises two autographs, and can be snatched up for the retail price of $169.99.
What’s generating more buzz this time around are the on-card autographs with distinctive inscriptions from the wrestlers themselves. Fans can expect to see memorable phrases like “Story Finished!” from Cody Rhodes and “Acknowledge Me!” from Roman Reigns, turning these trading cards into personalized gems that collectors will fervently chase.
In a historically pleasing revelation, The Rock makes a grand return with his first autographed WWE cards since the heyday of 1998. This includes some super-fun inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss.” Fans will undoubtedly drool over the exclusive dual autograph featuring The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, a duo that exemplifies a golden era of wrestling.
The nostalgia doesn’t stop there. As 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, Topps is rolling out special inserts that honor the classic 1985 set, allowing collectors to travel back in time while basking in the contemporary glory of wrestling cards. Luraschi can barely contain his excitement, lighting up at the thought that nostalgic design is once again brightening the world of wrestling collectibles.
Moreover, John Cena’s upcoming farewell tour scheduled for 2025 is set to receive the royal treatment in the card world, with multiple tribute cards planned for release over the year. Cena’s career has been monumental in WWE history, and Topps is keenly aware of the impact this legacy demands—a well-deserved tribute indeed.
Speculation is also swirling around the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards, a novel idea that could elevate the excitement surrounding rookie cards to dizzying new heights. This unique concept—consisting of game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match—could become the grail that every serious collector yearns for.
Current buzz within the collecting market centers around the ever-popular figures such as Hulk Hogan, The Rock, and John Cena, while newer names like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk continue to make waves. Interestingly, wrestlers like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are boasting staggering increases in popularity among collectors, reflecting the dynamic landscape of both wrestling and its trading cards.
With the combined force of an enthusiastic collector base and WWE’s strategic rollout on Netflix, the wrestling card market is undoubtedly on the edge of a revolutionary boom. 2024 is setting itself up to be a spectacular year for WWE collectors—packed with excitement, innovation, and plenty of unexpected surprises.
