Picture this: the sound of a commentator’s dramatic voice echoing through a packed arena, the excitement of a surprise return, and the thrill of collecting precious memorabilia—such is the world of WWE trading cards, poised for an explosive renaissance. Enter Topps, the iconic trading card manufacturer, which has regained its foothold in the WWE card universe. With Topps back, collectors, analysts, and fans are buzzing with anticipation, predicting the glory days of wrestling cards may be just around the corner.
Diving deep into this phenomenon, recent market data reveals that WWE trading cards are not just picking up steam; they are speeding down the tracks at a breakneck pace. According to CardLadder’s wrestling index, which tracks significant wrestling card sales, there has been a staggering 25% surge in just three months. This impressive figure positions WWE trading cards as the hottest category in sports collectibles, eclipsing even the celebrated Pokémon cards—which could barely manage to achieve half that rate of growth.
If we peek through the glass case of remarkable moments in wrestling card history, December 2023 handed collectors a gem—keeping fans on the edge of their seats—a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9 card fetched an astonishing $132,000. A card that exists in an ultra-limited quantity relegated to just 17 units took the crown of the most expensive wrestling card sale ever, melting the previous record set by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which had reached a healthy $126,000.
The anticipation surrounding WWE trading cards has found fertile ground thanks to WWE’s exciting partnership with Netflix. The company’s transition to the streaming giant has been a game-changer, evidently electrifying interest in its memorabilia. According to eBay metrics, searches for WWE-related products surged to an impressive 2,700 per hour in 2024—a 5% increase from the previous year. However, the most jaw-dropping spikes transpired on January 6, coinciding with WWE’s debut on Netflix, pushing searches for wrestling cards and memorabilia up 5% on its premiere.
The ravishing increase in searches revealed the names of superstars rising to the forefront of collectors’ minds. Rhea Ripley saw a meteoric rise in interest, surpassing 100%, while Roman Reigns and CM Punk followed closely with rises of over 50% and 40% respectively. It’s worth mentioning that solo acts like Liv Morgan and Drew McIntyre also captured hearts, each garnering increases nearing 40% and 30% respectively. This newfound enthusiasm indicates WWE’s enlarged audience on Netflix is pulling fresh fans into the world of wrestling cards—suggesting the potential for a new breed of collectors, yearning to acquire cards of their favorite superstars.
Topps’ return after years with Panini sounds a trumpet for a new era in WWE trading cards, a time filled with innovation and storytelling. According to Topps’ senior vice president of product Clay Luraschi, the landscape is now primed for wrestling cards to ascend to new heights: “WWE is primed for an incredible run in trading cards.” Topps is committed to delivering products that capture the larger-than-life personas of their premium wrestlers—each card designed to tell a story, encapsulating what truly sets WWE apart.
Get ready to mark your calendars—the first release under Topps’ new deal will make its grand entrance with the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. This tantalizing offering features 12 packs per hobby box, with eight cards per pack and two autographed cards guaranteed in every box. Set at the retail price of $169.99, it promises to be a thrilling experience for collectors eager to declare their loyalty with enthusiasm.
One of the hallmark features of the WWE Chrome set is the unique auto inscriptions. Wrestlers have personalized their autographs with memorable catchphrases, like Cody Rhodes exclaiming, “Story Finished!” and Roman Reigns asserting, “Acknowledge Me.” The vibe takes on a playful exuberance with inscriptions such as Jey Uso’s “YEET!” and X-Pac’s dated yet hilarious remark: “I Got Two Words for Ya!” This new depth in collectibility is sure to fuel fierce competition among collectors determined to snag their idol’s unique memorabilia for themselves.
Amidst all this anticipation, let’s not overlook the much-anticipated return of The Rock to the trading card scene. 2024 marks the first release of his autographed WWE cards since 1998, a long-awaited return that fans are clamoring for. These autographs showcase inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss,” standing shoulder to shoulder with the exclusive dual signature card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—an absolute treasure for collectors and wrestling fans alike.
As we sail into this momentous year, we must pay homage to history by celebrating WWE’s 40th anniversary of trading cards. The new Topps Chrome set will contain charming tributes to the hit 1985 set, delighting vintage collectors who remember the nostalgia it sparked back in its heyday. And who can forget John Cena? As he gears up for his farewell tour in 2025, collectors can anticipate multiple tribute cards highlighting his irreplaceable impact—a nod to a beloved icon’s legacy within the world of wrestling.
Could we potentially be on the verge of the introduction of Debut Patch cards in WWE collectibles? While details remain tightly sealed, the discussion has begun, and an unveiling of these unique rookie cards, featuring actual game-worn patches, might just become the ultimate prize in WWE collecting.
With Topps reclaiming the WWE license and the market swelling with new fans and fervor, there exists a ripe opportunity for wrestling cards to reach unprecedented heights. As the stage is set for the Rock’s celebrated return, Cena’s end-of-era tributes, and exciting new product launches, 2024 looms large as a landmark year in WWE trading cards. Buy your boxes, polish your autograph books, and prepare for what promises to be a thrilling ride into the exhilarating world of wrestling collectibles.