In the thrilling world of collectible trading cards, WWE is experiencing an exhilarating renaissance. After years of fanfare and forgetfulness with Panini at the helm, Topps has joyfully reclaimed the WWE trading card license, igniting a surge of enthusiasm among wrestling aficionados and card collectors alike. Brace yourselves, as the WWE trading card market is primed for an electrifying comeback, complete with dynamic storylines and the kind of star power that only WWE can provide.

As interest in trading cards explodes, it seems there’s no stopping WWE’s trading card market, which is poised to become a rising star in the collector’s paradise. The numbers don’t lie: CardLadder’s wrestling index, which diligently tracks the sales of wrestling cards, recently burst forth with a 25% gain over the last quarter alone! In fact, this delightful segment is outpacing iconic collectibles like Pokémon cards. If one ever doubted the allure of wrestling, now might be the time to reconsider.

Riding high on a freshly inked streaming deal with Netflix, WWE has swiftly captured the hearts of new audiences, which in turn has fueled the fervor for trading cards yet again. The eBay search statistics from 2024 are staggering, indicating that searches for WWE merchandise, including trading cards, are soaring at a rate of 2,700 per hour – a tantalizing 5% surge from the previous year. However, the fireworks really erupted on January 6, when WWE made its grand debut on Netflix, sending searches for cards soaring by another 5%.

But the interest does not stop there. Specific wrestlers are witnessing their own meteoric rises in demand. Rhea Ripley leads the pack with searches skyrocketing over 100%, while Roman Reigns and CM Punk are increasing their fanfare with over 50% and 40% spikes, respectively. Each superstar is captivating the imaginations of collectors eager to snag their cards, creating a symbiotic relationship between the growing popularity of the WWE roster and the achievable thrill of card collecting.

Topps’ return as the official WWE trading card manufacturer can only be likened to a champion making a triumphant comeback from a hiatus, and the anticipation surrounding this venture is palpable. Clay Luraschi, Senior Vice President of Product at Topps, has vocalized his conviction that the time is ripe for WWE trading cards to dazzle a broader audience. According to him, the storytelling element that defines WWE will set this new card offering apart from its predecessors. Emphasizing the personalities and drama that engage fans, Topps is ready to infuse new life into the collection.

The highly anticipated 2024 Topps WWE Chrome set is the first major release to emerge from this new partnership. With a retail price of $169.99 per box, the set features 12 packs and guarantees two autographs per box—a collector’s dream! One particularly exciting element of this release is the unique autograph inscriptions from wrestlers, featuring their personal catchphrases and one-liners. Fans can look forward to special inscriptions from stars like Cody Rhodes (“Story Finished!”), Jey Uso (“YEET!”), and Roman Reigns’ powerful declaration: “Acknowledge Me.”

The cuddle of nostalgia continues with the announcement of The Rock’s comeback in this genre. Fans are eager for his first autographed cards since 1998 to grace the marketplace, sporting fascinating inscriptions such as “Aloha,” “Smell It?,” and “Rock Final Boss.” With a dual autograph featuring The Rock and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, these items promise to be the centerpiece of any collection worth its salt.

Moreover, as 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the first WWE trading card release, the celebration feels particularly poignant. Topps is including special inserts to pay homage to the celebrated 1985 set, igniting memories for long-time collectors and adding layers of excitement for newcomers.

The buzz over John Cena’s impending farewell tour in 2025 also signals a promising opportunity for Topps to curate multiple tribute cards throughout the year. A glance at Cena can’t help but evoke fond memories, and fans have much to look forward to as Topps crafts a tribute worthy of his colossal impact on WWE.

A tantalizing question lingers in the air: Could WWE introduce a new craze with Debut Patch cards? Though it remains to be seen, Luraschi confirmed the discussions are indeed ongoing, echoing a growing enthusiasm for unique collectible concepts in the wrestling card universe.

Giving credence to the fervor, searches on eBay reveal abundance across notable wrestlers, with Hulk Hogan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and CM Punk all standing tall among the most sought-after collectible athletes. On the other hand, some fresh faces are rapidly climbing the charts, with Swerve Strickland leading the pack at an astonishing 470% increase in card popularity!

The wrap-up of this epic wrestling card saga couldn’t be clearer as Topps and WWE join forces amidst a burgeoning fandom fueled by nostalgia, blockbuster streaming deals, and breathtaking tribute cards. Each novelty release and adopted story thread holds the potential to make 2024 a landmark year for collectors. So, dust off those card sleeves, polish the display cases, and prepare for a ride into a new era of WWE trading cards that promises just as much drama and excitement as the matches we love to watch!

WWE Topps Chrome