Are Wrestling Cards Really Popular These Days?
In recent years, the sports card industry has seen a remarkable resurgence, with various niches coming to the forefront of collectors’ attention. One of the most interesting niches to watch is professional wrestling cards. While they may have once been considered a specialty market, wrestling cards are enjoying a wave of popularity once again. But what’s behind this revival, and why are collectors paying attention to these often-overlooked pieces of memorabilia?
The History of Wrestling Cards
Wrestling cards have been around since the 1980s, though they weren’t always in the mainstream spotlight. Early releases often focused on iconic wrestling promotions like WWE (then WWF), WCW, and other independent leagues, showcasing famous superstars and legendary matches. However, compared to traditional sports like hockey, basketball, and baseball, wrestling cards never achieved the same level of sustained popularity—until now.
The Surge in Popularity
Several factors have contributed to the increased interest in wrestling cards in recent years:
1. Nostalgia for Classic Wrestlers
For many fans, wrestling cards represent a slice of their childhood. The 80s and 90s were formative years for professional wrestling, with larger-than-life characters like Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, and The Undertaker dominating television screens. As a result, there’s been a growing demand for vintage cards featuring these icons. Collectors are revisiting these golden eras, and wrestling cards offer a tangible link to the past.
2. The Rise of AEW
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has introduced a new wave of excitement to the professional wrestling world. AEW has quickly become a powerhouse in the industry, attracting a loyal fanbase that’s eager to collect memorabilia, including wrestling cards. With stars like Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, and CM Punk making waves in AEW, new wrestling card releases have garnered attention from both longtime fans and newcomers.
3. Celebrity Appeal
Much like other forms of celebrity memorabilia, wrestling cards have become more appealing due to the crossover of wrestling stars into other areas of pop culture. Take Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, for example. From his humble beginnings as a wrestler to his current status as a Hollywood superstar, The Rock’s wrestling cards are some of the most sought-after items among collectors. As wrestling personalities become mainstream celebrities, their memorabilia, including cards, rise in value.
4. The Hype Around Rare Cards
As with many areas of collecting, there is always a premium on rare, high-condition items. Wrestling cards, especially vintage ones or limited-edition releases, are no exception. Auctions for rare wrestling cards—such as those from the 1980s or early 1990s—are becoming more competitive, with collectors willing to pay top dollar for items in pristine condition. The value of these cards has led to greater attention from serious collectors and investors alike.
5. The Trading Card Boom
The trading card boom that began in the late 2010s, especially for sports cards, has spilled over into the world of wrestling. As more collectors turn to wrestling cards, we’ve seen brands like Topps and Panini releasing dedicated wrestling card sets, featuring autographs, relic cards, and limited-edition parallels. These new offerings have expanded the appeal of wrestling cards to a broader audience, from casual fans to hardcore collectors.
Key Cards to Watch
If you're considering entering the world of wrestling card collecting, it’s essential to know which cards are seeing the most demand:
Vintage WWE/WWF Cards: The early years of WWE (then WWF) are goldmines for collectors. Cards featuring superstars like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Bret "Hitman" Hart are particularly desirable.
AEW Rookie Cards: AEW is creating its own iconic stars, and rookie cards of wrestlers like MJF, Darby Allin, and Orange Cassidy are already starting to rise in value.
Autographed Cards: Signed cards from wrestling legends like The Undertaker, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and The Rock are highly sought after by collectors.
Relic Cards: Cards featuring pieces of a wrestler’s gear or event-worn items are among the most coveted, offering fans a unique and tangible piece of wrestling history.
Wrestling Cards as Investments
For many collectors, wrestling cards aren’t just a hobby; they’re also an investment. Like other collectibles, the value of wrestling cards can appreciate over time. The rarity of certain cards, especially autographed ones or those tied to major historical moments in wrestling, can see significant increases in value. For savvy collectors, buying wrestling cards can be as much about securing a financial return as it is about nostalgia or fandom.
Final Thoughts
While they may not always receive the same attention as baseball or basketball cards, wrestling cards are undeniably experiencing a resurgence. Whether driven by nostalgia, the rise of AEW, or the broader popularity of trading cards in general, wrestling cards are proving to be an exciting and lucrative segment of the collectible card market. For fans and collectors looking to diversify their portfolios or relive the glory days of wrestling, wrestling cards offer a fascinating and potentially profitable avenue to explore.
So, are wrestling cards really popular these days? The answer is a resounding yes—and the hype surrounding them is only going to grow.