These were really fun to discover and collect. There was a time when wrestling cards were very inexpensive — those days are long gone.
The Andre Yamakatsu card was one of my favorites. It took nearly two years to finally get that card approved for grading at PSA. I never found one, but the Andre card with the “Winner” stamp is my favorite choice for his best rookie card.
The Hulk Hogan Popy card is also very limited and a great card, in my opinion.
Does anyone have more information on the Liddell card? I was able to date it because his age was listed on the back, but I was never able to gather enough information for PSA to start grading it.
Bruce Lee 1974 Yamakatsu Way of the Dragon
The legend. The icon. Bruce Lee’s rare 1974 Yamakatsu card ties martial arts and pop culture into one historic piece.
Chuck Norris 1974 Yamakatsu Way of the Dragon Series 2
Before the memes, Chuck Norris was the tough guy — and this 1974 Yamakatsu card captures him at the height of his martial arts fame.
Ken Shamrock 1995 BBM
The “World’s Most Dangerous Man” hits cardboard in this early BBM release, just as he transitioned from pro wrestling to UFC stardom.
Randy Couture 1998 Culture House - Asics Heroes of Wrestling
Long before becoming a UFC icon, Randy Couture appeared in this U.S.-produced Culture House set honoring amateur wrestling legends.
Chuck Liddell 2003 Sherdog
The Iceman’s first card, included as a bonus with Sherdog’s DVD or VHS releases — a tough find that captures Liddell right before his UFC superstardom.
Royce Gracie 2006 Pride Card Collection
The man who dominated the early UFC scene shows up here in the Pride FC set, representing pure jiu-jitsu greatness.
Andre The Giant 1974 Yamakatsu New Japan Pro Wrestling
Andre’s first true card from his early dominance in Japan — before he became a worldwide phenomenon.
Ric Flair 1982 Wrestling All-Stars Series A
“Woooo!” The Nature Boy’s cardboard debut in the iconic Wrestling All-Stars set that kicked off the wrestling card boom.
Hulk Hogan 1981 Popy
Before Hulkamania, Hogan’s first appearance came via this Japanese Popy figure card — a true grail for wrestling collectors.
Hulk Hogan 1982 Wrestling All-Stars
The definitive early Hulk Hogan card from the Wrestling All-Stars set that changed wrestling collectibles forever.
Mr. T 1983 The A-Team Topps
Pity the fool who doesn’t recognize Mr. T’s cultural crossover power — immortalized in the A-Team card set.
The Road Warriors 1985 Wrestling All Stars
No tag team hit harder or looked cooler — The Road Warriors’ early card is as intense as their in-ring legacy.
Randy Savage 1985 O-Pee-Chee Series 2
“Ooooh yeah!” Macho Man’s Canadian O-Pee-Chee rookie is one of wrestling’s most colorful and iconic cards.
The British Bulldogs 1985 O-Pee-Chee Series 2
Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid show up in this early O-Pee-Chee release, just as they were redefining tag team wrestling.
Roddy Piper 1985 O-Pee-Chee WWF Pro Wrestling Stars
The Hot Rod’s fiery persona is captured perfectly in his first mainstream card from the classic O-Pee-Chee WWF set.
Bret Hart 1987 O-Pee-Chee WWF Pro Wrestling Stars
The Hitman’s first solo cardboard appearance — and a must for any fan of excellence.
Sting 1987 Wonderama Test
Before the face paint and black baseball bats, young Sting got his start with this rare Wonderama test issue.
Ultimate Warrior 1989 WWF Super Stars Of Wrestling Series 3
Feel the power! Warrior’s explosive first mainstream card captures his larger-than-life energy.
Demolition 1989 WWF Super Stars Of Wrestling Series 1
Axes and smash hits — Demolition’s early WWF card brings the heavy metal vibe to your collection.
Steve Austin 1991 Cromy
Before Stone Cold — Stunning Steve Austin appears on this rare South American Cromy issue. A cold start to a red-hot career.
The Rockers (Shawn Michaels) 1989 WWF Super Stars Of Wrestling Series 1
Before HBK became the Showstopper, Shawn Michaels debuted as part of The Rockers — fresh-faced and ready to fly.
John Cena 2002 Fleer Royal Rumble
The Champ’s cardboard beginnings — John Cena’s first appearance in a WWE set, just as he was getting ready to rise to the top.
The Rock 1994 Miami Hurricanes
Before laying the smackdown, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was chasing football dreams — captured here in his rare Miami Hurricanes card.
