The world of wrestling and trading cards is buzzing with more excitement than a Royal Rumble match in the hottest summer. WWE trading cards are set for a significant resurgence, all thanks to Topps reclaiming its license as the official trading card manufacturer. It’s a classic comeback story reminiscent of the beloved WWE superstars who have seen their fair share of triumphs and defeats. The nostalgia runs thick, as 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading cards, setting the stage for a year of intense growth and collector frenzy.
The foundation for this card-carrying comeback is firmly planted on the pristine mat of the WWE, which has recently signed a groundbreaking streaming deal with Netflix. With this partnership, WWE is not just expanding its audience reach; it’s also giving trading card collectors reason to rummage through their attic for those dusty old boxes of cards. Data suggests that the thirst for wrestling memorabilia from fans and collectors is intensifying at an amazing pace. The CardLadder wrestling index has skyrocketed 25% over the last three months—faster than the speed that John Cena can deliver an “Attitude Adjustment.”
A shining beacon from this rise includes a record-breaking sale of a 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, which sold for an astonishing $132,000. That sale, propelled by the unmistakable nostalgia for the Hulkster, toppled the previous record held by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card, which fetched $126,000. This news has collectors dreaming of dollar signs and imagining their own treasures buried in boxes like hidden Easter eggs.
But the heartbeat of this excitement undoubtedly lies in that new WWE Netflix deal. Picture this: Every time you fire up Netflix to catch the latest episode of your favorite WWE show, the trading card market feels the gravitational pull of the growing audience glued to their screens. eBay data reveals that searches for WWE memorabilia surged by 5% to a whopping 2,700 searches per hour in 2024. And the vibes on January 6—the day WWE made its regal entrance onto Netflix—were electric, as searches spiked an additional 5%. Individual wrestlers saw their stock rise even higher: Rhea Ripley shot up over 100%, while household names like Roman Reigns and CM Punk basked in their increased visibility.
With Topps back in the game, cards are undergoing a renaissance. They are applying a fresh strategy focused less on mere card stats and more akin to the narrative-driven approach that sets WWE apart. The excitement felt by collectors is palpable, as fans yearn for cards that showcase not just the wrestlers, but their legendary personalities. Clay Luraschi, Topps senior vice president of product, assures wrestling fans that the cards have been revived with a focus on storytelling and character personality—elements reminiscent of the great rivalries and vies for supremacy that have defined wrestling over the decades.
Ready to make its grand debut are the 2024 Topps WWE Chrome cards, boasting 12 packs per hobby box with eight cards in each pack, along with two autographs aimed at igniting collector excitement. Fans can expect a retail price of $169.99, a small price to pay for who knows how much in future value. Among the many exciting features is their unique autograph inscriptions, with wrestling icons including Cody Rhodes boasting “Story Finished!” and Roman Reigns commanding fans to “Acknowledge Me!” These personal touches add layers of desirability and could drive a bidding war among die-hard wrestling aficionados.
Mark your calendars, collectors! The year 2024 is historic not only for the return of Topps but also for The Rock’s first autographed WWE cards since 1998, sure to send waves through the collecting community. His signature cards are adorned with playful inscriptions that tease his larger-than-life persona, such as “Aloha,” “Smell It?” and “Rock Final Boss.” Moreover, for the first time, fans can look forward to a dual autograph card featuring a collaborative effort with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—arguably one of the most anticipated cards in recent memory and a must-have for wrestling diehards.
With Topps tapping into past glories, they plan to pay homage to the original 1985 WWE cards with special inserts introducing that wave of nostalgia. Luraschi shares that unleashing this historical tribute gets him a bit giddy, reflecting the universal sentiment shared by those who cherish the memorabilia from their youth. As John Cena gears up for his farewell tour in 2025, collectors will also be treated to a special insert to honor Cena’s impact on WWE, ensuring he is celebrated throughout the year.
Speculation abounds regarding the potential introduction of Debut Patch cards, a feature collectors drool over that would showcase unique patches from a wrestler’s first match. The excitement in the air feels electric, making it clear that Topps is strategizing to hook collectors by tapping into their deepest desires.
As if the hype surrounding wrestling stars like Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena wasn’t enough to keep card enthusiasts busy, some exciting new names are making waves too. Fast-rising wrestlers such as Swerve Strickland, Lola Vice, and Uncle Howdy have seen skyrocketing interest within the collecting market, hinting that the future of WWE might be just as bright as its glorious past.
The stage is remarkable: Topps’ return; WWE’s expansive reach via Netflix; and the iconic figures that have gripped the imaginations of fans for decades. This could easily be the flawless victory in the world of wrestling card trading that enthusiasts have been waiting for. The thrill of the collectible chase, the scent of nostalgia wafting through the air, and the drama of sports entertainment all converge into a wave of excitement that undoubtedly prepares collectors for one thrilling year ahead.