The world of wrestling is a spectacle of high-flying action, larger-than-life personalities, and the kind of rivalries that can send shivers down your spine. But just when you thought the ring was the only place to witness this drama, enter the arena of trading cards, where the community of collectors is set to explode into a frenzy. With Topps making its grand return as the official manufacturer of WWE trading cards and a killer deal with Netflix catapulting the brand into households worldwide, there’s a buzz in the air that suggests wrestling cards are about to steal the show.
Collecting has become more than just a hobby; it’s acceptable for grown-ups to indulge their inner child, and WWE trading cards are experiencing a renaissance as more fans flood into this corner of the hobby. Data from CardLadder, a platform that tracks collectible sales, reveals that the wrestling index has spiked by a staggering 25% over three months—an impressive feat that outpaces even Pokémon cards. Who would have predicted that the cosmos of budding athletes in spandex could eclipse the cute critters of Pokémon? But hold onto your seats; this is just the beginning.
The crown jewel of the change may be found in December 2023, when a legendary card featuring none other than Hulk Hogan, from the 1982 Wrestling All-Stars set, went for a jaw-dropping $132,000. Hanging onto records like a prized championship belt, it broke previous records and showcased the frenzy surrounding these little pieces of cardboard, each weaving a tale of athleticism and entertainment that has gripped fans for decades.
What kicked the WWE card machine into hyperdrive? The announcement of WWE’s shift to Netflix—the streaming titan that holds the keys to the kingdom of modern eyeballs. The numbers reflect this new wave of enthusiasm; eBay searches for WWE-related items skyrocketed to 2,700 per hour in early 2024, reflecting a keen interest that has fans scrambling for anything related to their favorite wrestlers.
The day WWE made its grand entrance onto Netflix, January 6, became the stuff of legends in the card world. Searches spiked a further 5%, with fan favorites experiencing remarkable hikes in interest. Rhea Ripley saw her card searches more than double, while Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Liv Morgan all enjoyed significant engagement. It appears that the WWE roster has now become a new breed of sought-after stars, proving that wrestling cards are not merely collectibles but a bridge connecting fans to their favorite faces in the ring.
But let’s not overlook Topps, the card manufacturer with a pedigree that commands respect among the collector crowd. After several years in the clutches of Panini, Topps is back, and they are more focused than ever on compelling storytelling through their trading cards. Senior VP of Product Clay Luraschi believes this moment is perfect for trading cards to flourish in with WWE. He expressed confidence that fans have been craving the type of storytelling that honors the colossal personas grappling for glory in the ring.
The upcoming 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set is the cherry on top of this smorgasbord of nostalgia. Slated for release, this collection boasts 12 packs per hobby box, two autographs, and a retail price that could turn a few heads—pegged at $169.99. But it’s not just about the price; it’s about what’s inside! Personalized autograph inscriptions that feature wrestlers’ catchphrases will keep collectors clutching their wallets. Imagine plucking a card inscribed with “Yeet!” by Jey Uso or “It’s Tiffy Time!” from Tiffany Stratton. This personal touch injects flair into the collection, making each card a conversational piece best shared over a wrestling-themed party.
Of course, the pièce de résistance in this set is the long-awaited reappearance of The Rock’s autographed cards since 1998—an event akin to a royal proclamation in the realm of wrestling fandom. Featuring groovy inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Smell It?” collectors are already preparing battle plans for acquiring these illustrious pieces. The first-ever dual autograph card showcasing The Rock alongside the formidable “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is expected to become an instant classic, perhaps deserving of its own spotlight in the hearts of fans.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards, a milestone worthy of tribute. With nostalgia flooding in, Topps is planning inserts that celebrate that iconic 1985 set; nostalgic collectors just might find themselves transported back to a simpler time while they reminisce over the first packs they peeled open—a rite of passage for any wrestling aficionado.
And for fans of John Cena, don’t fret. Topps is planning several tribute cards as Cena embarks on his farewell tour starting in 2025. Fans can expect special inserts throughout the year celebrating the man who’s been a cornerstone of WWE storytelling and athleticism, ensuring that his legacy continues to echo through the hallowed halls of the card world.
In the great tapestry of wrestling collectibles, the possibility of introducing unique Debut Patch cards looms like a champion’s belt in the distance. If these dream cards—highlighting wrestlers’ game-worn patches from their inaugural matches—become a reality, they could redefine rarity in the hobby and elevate WWE cards to an entirely new echelon.
With top names like Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena dominating searches on platforms like eBay, the allure of collecting WWE remains undiminished. Emerging stars like Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice are also quickly climbing the ranks, showing how the wrestling world continues to nurture talent while this card revival heats up.
The future of WWE trading cards is bright and brimming with potential for growth—not something you’d typically associate with pieces of cardboard. But these collectibles harness the spirit of wrestling’s vibrant storytelling and character-driven narratives, captivating fans both old and new. With Topps’ revitalized commitment, a hit Netflix partnership, and a community recharged with enthusiasm, the wrestling card scene is poised for an electric comeback that may just warrant a round of applause from even the toughest critics.
