We havent seen a checklist yet, but as heard on Lucas Kinser’s interview on a recent podcast, if Panini has the ability to use them through their licensing contract, they will be in Prizm. I think there is some desire to see major legends and current superstars all over the product, but the main desire is to have them as base cards.
With that, one of the main questions I continue to get on Twitter is about value, specifically which wrestlers to target as Prizm hits the WWE market for the first time. As I have mentioned in the past, there is a tier list in play (see attached), and as long as you target the right tier for your budget, you shouldnt be disappointed at all.
Right now, as we lead up to the Prizm launch, there are a lot of things to consider as collectors with no experience in WWE cards flood the marketplace. I think it also goes without saying that some of these collectors wont have much experience with current TV, so that will impact things as well.
Note, the following are predictions, not set in stone. As this plays out, we could see things go a completely different direction. I may also be an idiot, which should be factored into everything.
HEAD OF THE TABLE TIER
#1 – The Rock
In terms of WWE cards there is no one bigger than the Rock, for obvious reasons. Not only is he the biggest movie star there is, but he had a long and illustrious career in WWE. Although the top versions of his current cards havent surfaced recently to get a gauge on true premium value, he is the top guy in this set. His golds and below will break 5 figures from the get go, and he is the jewel of this product.
#2 – Roman Reigns
The namesake of this tier, Roman Reigns has had some epic sales as of late. He owns the top spot as the top priced modern sale of all time, and also the #3 on that list now with the recent sale of his Finest superfractor. It might be controversial putting him here over Hogan, recency bias is a big deal to collectors.
#3 – Hulk Hogan
Im not a Hogan fan. At all. He is a controversial figure outside the ring for all the reasons that drive me nuts about American culture these days. Racism, covid politics, overall douchebaggery. Inside the ring, no one drew more money than he did. Collectors recognize that.
WWE CHAMPION TIER
#4 – Stone Cold Steve Austin
Austin is the reason Wrestling took off in the 1990s after a down period that almost killed the business. He has also NOT had a single Chrome type base card. He has had inserts, but not a base.
#5 – The Undertaker
The Deadman is going into the HOF, and is widely considered to be among the most important wrestlers in history.
#6 – Andre the Giant
Seeing recent sales of his Chrome cards shows me that modern collectors will appreciate him as much as vintage collectors.
#7 – Ultimate Warrior
Another controversial public figure post Wrestling, but Warrior has a gigantic amount of fans that will drive his value through the roof.
#8 – John Cena
For what he has accomplished, he should have the value of someone on the top tier. He has had longevity and a lot of cards, signs prolifically and it has all hurt his value due to dilution.
#9 – Bret Hart
Recently, many wrestlers have started talking about him as he potentially debuts for AEW. Will help him secure his value.
#10 – Shawn Michaels
Like Bret, Shawn has had a lot of focus lately as a top superstar of all time. Collectors will gravitate towards his cards.
#11 – Bron Breakker
People are going to freak out because I put him ahead of Savage, Flair and Lesnar, but I think Breaker is going to get some major value for his first wrestling cards there are. He is THE rookie to chase.
#12 – Randy Savage
Im putting him higher on this list than people would expect, only because he hasnt had a Chrome card in decades.
#13 – Ric Flair
Despite recent controversy, Flair is a top value guy if there ever was one.
#14 – Brock Lesnar
He is about to main event Wrestlemania for like the 1837th time. Lesnar is a huge deal in UFC as well. I think his cards do really well.
NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TIER
#15 – Alexa Bliss
If you know wrestling collectors, you know the value that Alexa Bliss has had.
#16 – Triple H
After an emotional announcement of his retirement the week before Mania, like most of the other people on this list, his time in the attitude era will define his value.
#17 – Becky Lynch
There is no woman featured on WWE TV like Becky is featured, and I should know how much her rare cards will drive value, especially with the first examples of her as Big Time Becks.
#18 – Eddie Guererro
Another superstar taken way too early in his life. He hasnt had many cards since his death, and I think his value will surprise people.
#19 – Charlotte Flair
There is no one more accomplished in WWE right now than Charlotte. She gets no respect because she is the equivalent of the female Roman Reigns from 2018-2020.
#20 – Sasha Banks
Like Charlotte, I do not think Sasha gets the respect she deserves in the grand scheme of things. She should.
NOT CONSIDERED
Ronda Rousey – Not sure she will have cards right away, but she would be among these names if she did.
Vince McMahon – I might add Vince to the top tier if he has base cards
Stephanie McMahon – She has had cards as recently as 2022, its possible she is included.
AEW licensed legends – I believe most of the guys like Jake Roberts and DDP might be left out.
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Obviously this is just my opinion, and I inevitably forgot someone that should be included in the top 8. Its hard to keep a running list of guys in your head, but these were the ones that I just thought should be there.