There’s a palpable buzz in the air, a thrill akin to the roar of a crowd at a championship match. In the vibrant world of collectibles, the WWE trading card market is gearing up for a triumphant resurgence, thanks to the venerable Topps brand reclaiming its throne as the official card manufacturer. After years of being under the stewardship of Panini, Topps is back and better than ever, stirring excitement among collectors and fans alike. With WWE gearing up for its grand debut on Netflix, the company is reaching broader horizons, bubbling over with the promise of new audiences and increased enthusiasm for trading cards. In the grand tapestry of collectibles, wrestling cards are poised to become the next glittering jewel in the crown.
Recent statistics from the world of trading cards indicate that it’s not merely wishful thinking. The CardLadder wrestling index, which chronicles sales within the realm of wrestling collectibles, has witnessed an astounding 25% increase in just a mere three months. This makes it the fastest-growing category in the entire sports card market, outpacing even Pokémon—the darling of childhood nostalgia—whose growth during the same period has been a paltry 12.5%. Amid this surge, a milestone sale captured the spotlight in December 2023, when the iconic 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9, one of just 17 in existence, changed hands for $132,000. This eye-popping sum not only underscored the card’s legendary status but also surpassed The Rock’s previous record, garnering even more intrigue among enthusiasts.
One of the driving forces behind this uptick is undeniably WWE’s strategic partnership with Netflix, which has catapulted the promotion into the limelight. As the wrestling powerhouse shifts gears, new fans are flocking to get their hands on memorabilia and cards. Data from eBay reveals that inquiries for WWE-related items surged to an impressive 2,700 per hour in 2024, representing a modest yet significant 5% increase from the previous year. But the explosion is unmistakable—especially on January 6, the day WWE launched its Netflix series. The fervor around the brand was palpable, as searches for WWE cards skyrocketed by an additional 5%. Within specific wrestlers, the enthusiasm soared even higher, with Rhea Ripley enjoying more than a 100% surge in interest and Roman Reigns not far behind with over 50%.
Given the momentum, Topps is reentering the wrestling arena with a creative fervor. Clay Luraschi, Senior Vice President of Product at Topps, envisions nothing short of an exhilarating era where WWE trading cards thrive. With innovative storytelling and dynamic character representation at the heart of their strategy, Luraschi emphasizes, “The personalities are so strong, and that’s what we’re really going to bring out in trading cards this time.” This renewed focus promises a fresh perspective, allowing collectors to celebrate the narratives that make WWE so enchanting.
The first jewel to emerge from Topps’ WWE trading card kingdom is the much-anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set. Boasting hobby boxes packed with 12 packs (8 cards per pack), collectors can expect two autographs per box, all at a tastefully retail price of $169.99. This product shines particularly brightly due to the unique wrestler inscriptions added to several autographed cards. Showcasing their personality, wrestlers like Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and Roman Reigns have attached personal catchphrases—a delightful treat for collectors seeking something with an added dash of flair.
The Rock’s long-awaited return to WWE trading cards in 2024 is nothing short of monumental. The pop culture icon’s first autographed cards since 1998 will feature enticing inscriptions such as “Aloha” and “Smell It?,” drawing fans into a nostalgic embrace. As if that wasn’t enough, a dual autograph featuring The Rock alongside “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is expected to become one of the most coveted chase cards in history. Luraschi adds, “You can’t do it without his presence,” underscoring The Rock’s indelible mark on the wrestling world.
As the WWE celebrates a remarkable 40 years since the launch of its initial trading cards, Topps is committed to honoring that rich legacy. The Chrome release includes inserts that pay homage to the original 1985 set—a nostalgic nod that’s sure to excite long-time fans like Luraschi, who recalls his own childhood collecting those very cards. Additionally, with John Cena’s farewell tour set to commence in 2025, Topps is keen to roll out tribute cards throughout the year, ensuring that the face of the company is honored appropriately.
In the midst of all this excitement, speculation is rife regarding the possible introduction of Debut Patch cards—a tantalizing concept involving one-of-a-kind rookie cards enhanced with game-worn patches from a wrestler’s very first match. It’s an idea that has clearly piqued Luraschi’s interest. “It’s something we’re toying around with,” he hints, keeping collectors on the edge of their seats.
As the landscape of WWE’s trading card market evolves, some familiar names remain steadfast among collectors. The most searched wrestlers on eBay—Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and John Cena—continue to dominate collector interests. However, a new wave of rising superstars threatens to steal the spotlight, with Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice enjoying astonishing popularity increases of over 470% and 450%, respectively. These figures paint a picture of a community thriving on fresh talent and returning legends.
2024 looks to be ablaze with potential for WWE trading cards, with Topps revitalizing the market through both nostalgia and innovation. With an eye on bringing joy and excitement to collectors and fans, wrestling cards are ready to take center stage, marking the dawn of an electrifying era in the realm of collectibles. As the year progresses, it’s safe to say that the world will be keenly watching as WWE trading cards prepare to leap into a bright future—a future where each card tells a compelling story, connecting fans to the heritage and antics of their favorite wrestling legends.
