The WWE fanbase is still processing John Cena's shocking heel turn at WWE's Elimination Chamber 2025. This pivotal moment hasn't just set the stage for an explosive WrestleMania 41—it's created a genuine boom in the trading card market that's pulling in seasoned collectors and curious newcomers alike.

The Heel Turn Heard Round the World

Cena's villainous transformation, executed at the call of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, has created ideal conditions for fans to be drawn into collectibles. Add Travis Scott's unexpected involvement, and you have the recipe for something truly unprecedented in the card world. Topps couldn't have planned their WWE reunion better after a four-year absence from the wrestling card scene. 

The Hunt for WrestleMania’s Triple Crown

The must-have item driving this collecting hysteria? A 1 of 1 triple-autograph card featuring Johnson, Cena, and Scott. This incredibly rare piece commemorating Cena's historic character shift is still yet to be found. Demand has been so overwhelming that Topps had to introduce a chrome refractor version numbered to just 50 copies—still nearly impossible to find.

What Did That Card Say To Me?

Today's wrestling cards offer a unique personalization that hasn’t been seen on a wide scale. With personal inscriptions like "Smell It?" and "Rock Final Boss" in The Rock's own handwriting, these new signed cards create a genuine connection between fans and superstars. Collectors aren't just buying an average player card—they're acquiring tangible pieces of wrestling history. Autographed catch phrases were hinted at by Clay Luraschi, senior vice president of product at Topps. Luraschi told Uncrowned in early 2025 that “you see inscriptions on all different types of trading cards, but the ones you can do on WWE, it’s limitless. Being able to leverage the personality of the subject I think is a huge, huge benefit for WWE trading cards. The autograph was introduced to trading cards to bring the star closer to the collector. This adds a new level.”

Anything + Netflix = New Audiences

WWE's deal with Netflix has significantly boosted interest in wrestling memorabilia, with eBay reporting a 5% uptick in WWE-related searches over the past year and Netflix drawing eyes every Monday. This growth, combined with Topps' card design and distribution, is introducing an entirely new generation to the thrill of the hunt. “I see a lot of opportunity and I see where the wrestling trading card market has gone over the last 10 years and it hasn’t even scratched the surface with the amount of current WWE fans that are in it,” Clay Luraschi, told Uncrowned. “What we want to do is bring new eyeballs to WWE trading cards.” Netflix can certainly bring those eyeballs. 

What Comes Next?

Travis Scott's involvement bridges wrestling and mainstream entertainment, potentially bringing new eyes to both WWE programming and the trading card hobby that surrounds it. The partnership between Topps and the WWE is set to expand the hobby with polarizing personalities and if you add the influence of modern music and pop culture? A collectible storm is brewing and Topps saw it from the beginning.

As WrestleMania 41 approaches, expect the buzz around WWE memorabilia and trading cards to intensify. Whether you've been collecting since the Attitude Era or you're just getting started, the current WWE card landscape offers a rare opportunity to grab a piece of wrestling history while it's still being written.