In the world of collectibles, wrestling fans are shifting from the ring to the realm of trading cards with surprising fervor, all thanks to a combo of nostalgia, innovation, and the resurgence of a familiar face: Topps. This beloved trading card company, which has been a staple in the hobby for various sports, is back in the WWE game after a stint with Panini, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. With an impending growth spurt on the horizon, WWE trading cards are gearing up to secure their spot as one of the hottest segments in the collectibles market.
It’s been a rollercoaster for WWE trading cards, but the latest data paints a promising picture. According to CardLadder, an index dedicated to tracking the sales of wrestling cards, the past few months have seen an impressive growth spurt of 25%. Wresting cards have proven to be the fastest-growing segment in the sports card category — yes, you read that correctly. They’ve outshone even the beloved Pokémon cards, which only saw a modest increase of around 12.5%. This surge is more than just numbers; it’s indicative of a fanbase that is voting with their wallets as they immerse themselves in the rich and dramatic world of wrestling.
One standout moment came in December 2023, as collectors buzzed when a stunning 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan card, graded PSA 9 and one of a mere 17 in existence, changed hands for a jaw-dropping $132,000. This sale shattered the previous record held by The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1, which had sold for $126,000. Since then, the buzz around wrestling cards has been electric, leaving fans and collectors alike wondering just how high the prices can soar.
There’s a distinct reason for this upswing: WWE’s strategic leap into Netflix. With the establishment of a landmark deal that brings their programming to Netflix, a new wave of fans has emerged, hungry for products that celebrate their new-found obsession. Figures from eBay reveal the rise in searches for WWE-related items has shot up to 2,700 per hour—5% higher than the previous year. A particular spike occurred on January 6, coinciding with WWE’s debut on Netflix, where interest in cards surged another 5%. Individual stars such as Rhea Ripley and Roman Reigns saw even more impressive upticks in interest as fans flocked to grab their cards, showcasing typical behavior from passionate fans who relish the opportunity to participate in the latest wrestling craze.
But wait, there’s more! The re-emergence of Topps as WWE’s trading card manufacturer has put the fire of excitement under collectors and fans alike. With the promise of innovative storytelling and fresh product ideas, the senior vice president of product at Topps, Clay Luraschi, has set the scene for what can only be described as a collector’s paradise. He expressed the belief that WWE is primed for an extraordinary journey in this unconventional niche, emphasizing Topps’ focus on crafting cards that reflect the larger-than-life personas of today’s superstars.
With the first release under the new partnership set for 2024, anticipation for the Topps WWE Chrome set is palpable. This collection comes with 12 packs per hobby box, eight cards per pack, and, delightfully, two autographs—the perfect recipe for thrill-seeking collectors. Priced at $169.99 per box, this new collection promises excitement and perhaps even a few surprises that will keep diehard fans coming back for more.
One of the juiciest aspects of the WWE Chrome set lies in its unique autograph inscriptions, with wrestlers adding their well-known catchphrases or personal messages. Picture holding an autographed card from Cody Rhodes that reads “Story Finished!” or Roman Reigns declaring “Acknowledge Me”—the hype is real! It’s this personal touch that collectors are lining up for, further enhancing the desirability and secondary market potential of these offerings.
Bringing nostalgia back, 2024 also marks The Rock’s return to autographed WWE trading cards after a staggering 26-year hiatus. The presence of this wrestling icon is sure to create a flurry of excitement among collectors, especially with inscriptions like “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss” gracing his new cards. If that’s not enough, the set showcases a dual autograph card combining The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, igniting a fierce urgency to snag this must-have chase card.
As if that weren’t enough to get fans buzzing, 2024 will also be a banner year celebrating WWE’s 40th anniversary of trading cards. The Topps Chrome set holds special inserts that pay homage to the groundbreaking 1985 release, rekindling memories for collectors who were there when the magic first unfolded. And speaking of legends, John Cena’s farewell tour in 2025 will see Topps rolling out numerous tribute cards, ensuring that fans can commemorate the journey of one of WWE’s greatest figures throughout the year.
With whispers swirling about the possibility of debut patch cards—a tantalizing concept based on the game-worn patches from a wrestler’s first match—collectors are already theorizing what such a unique product might mean for the market. The mere mention of this potential addition has piqued curiosity across the board, with no doubt that discussions are ongoing behind closed doors.
As the landscape shifts within the trading card market, it’s certain that WWE cards are readying themselves for a monumental rise. With Topps firmly at the helm, a fresh collector base ignited by a Netflix fanfare, and an overarching sense of nostalgia and excitement, the prospects for wrestling trading cards look phenomenal. It’s clear the world of WWE trading cards is readying itself for a comeback worthy of the bright lights of the squared circle. The future is looking fantastically promising for wrestling aficionados, old and new alike.