A revolution is brewing in the tactile yet exhilarating world of sports collectibles, particularly in the realm of wrestling memorabilia. Step aside Pokémon and soccer cards; WWE trading cards, long underestimated, are poised for a triumphant resurgence, and much of this buzz can be attributed to Topps’ return as the official card producer. With WWE’s recent foray into the Netflix streaming universe, the stage is perfectly set for a spectacular card collection explosion that collectors and wrestling aficionados won’t want to miss.
Recent trends are more than just whisperings; they are roaring declarations. The wrestling index from CardLadder, a formidable barometer tracking the sales of notable wrestling cards, has seen a meteoric rise of 25% in just the last three months. It’s outshining even the big guns like Pokémon, which has experienced a mere half of that growth. From enthusiastic collectors to casual fans, the buzz surrounding WWE trading cards is palpable—an energy reminiscent of the uncontainable excitement of a high-flying aerial maneuver in the ring.
This new wave of interest has culminated in record-breaking sales, most notably a sensational auction just prior to the new year. Imagine a card—the illustrious 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Hulk Hogan PSA 9—changing hands for an eye-watering $132,000. That’s right! This beautiful piece of nostalgia, one of only 17 ever graded at such an enviable level, shattered the previous record held by none other than The Rock’s 2022 Panini Black Prizm 1/1 card, which previously sold for $126,000. Such monumental sales cement the idea that wrestling cards are not just goods; they are genuine treasures of sporting history.
The increased fanfare surrounding WWE trading cards doesn’t merely stem from statistical growth, though—no, this fire is being fueled by the promotion’s clever move to Netflix. Data from eBay signals a surge in interest, with searches for WWE items jumping to 2,700 per hour, a delectable 5% bump from the previous year. But the real fireworks ignited on January 6, the day WWE made its monumental debut on the streaming platform. That day, searches for WWE cards catapulted another 5% higher, with beloved wrestlers like Rhea Ripley, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk witnessing surges exceeding 100% and 40%, respectively. Clearly, WWE is no longer just wrestling; it’s a cultural phenomenon driving collectors wild with desire.
With the return of Topps to the arena, there’s an optimistic buzz enveloping the company’s announcements and vision. Transitioning from Panini back to the nostalgic roots of Topps re-energizes the brand with a renewed focus on storytelling and character development in their trading cards. Clay Luraschi, Topps’ Senior Vice President of Product, believes now is the prime time for wrestling cards to shine. The excitement brimming within is palpable, and Luraschi’s conviction that innovative products are on the horizon hints at the groundbreaking potential waiting to be exploited. A tantalizing thrill lingers in the air as Topps prepares to infuse its new products with the vibrant personalities of WWE superstars in ways that have never been experienced before.
Mark your calendars, fans and collectors alike! The 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set is the first major release that fans can snap up under the new arrangement. A veritable jewel, it features 12 packs per hobby box, each containing eight cards, and with two autographs per box priced at a respectable $169.99, it’s an opportunity to seize parts of the drama that unfolds in the squared circle. Enthralling features include unique autograph inscriptions from the likes of Cody Rhodes declaring, “Story Finished!” to Roman Reigns’ commanding “Acknowledge Me,” and the ever-renewing excitement from X-Pac with “I Got Two Words for Ya!” Each of these personalized inscriptions take the art of collecting to a seriously exhilarating level.
But the pièce de résistance is unquestionably The Rock, who finally makes his highly anticipated return to trading cards with not one, but three different autographed versions featured in this set. His inscriptions include playful nods such as “Aloha” and “Rock Final Boss.” But wait—there’s more! The set introduces the very first dual autograph card featuring both The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, making it a highly coveted chase card likely to capture the imagination (and wallets) of devoted collectors.
As the 40th anniversary of WWE trading cards dawns, Topps is committed to paying homage to the epic tributes of yesteryears with special inserts recalling the iconic 1985 set. And just as John Cena bravely embarks on his farewell tour, Topps has plans to honor his legacy with tribute cards sprinkled throughout their releases. We could even be graced with innovative Debut Patch cards in the future, effectively setting collectors on a thrilling chase for ultra-rare cards featuring worn pieces from the attire of wrestlers making their debut in matches.
What truly stirs the pot is the roster of rising stars in the collecting market. Current champions are overshadowed by newer faces such as Swerve Strickland and Lola Vice, both witnessing an explosion in card popularity. With the increasing web of personalities in this sport, the air is ripe with anticipation about who might steal the spotlight next.
There’s no denying it: the stage is set for a seismic shift in the trading card landscape, heavily centered around the electrifying world of WWE. With the smart synergy between Topps’ innovative approach, the broadening reach through Netflix, and the nostalgic resurgence upon us, 2024 is shaping up to be an explosively exciting year for WWE trading cards. Collectors, sharpen your wits and wallets; the action is about to get real!
