Hulk Hogan, the legendary wrestling icon, has once again proven his dominance, not in the squared circle but in the lucrative world of collectibles. A stunning auction over the weekend saw Hogan’s 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars card fetch an astonishing $132,000, shattering previous records and solidifying his position as one of the most coveted collectibles in wrestling history.
This sale completely outshines the previous record held by a 2022 Prizm Black 1/1 card of The Rock, which sold for $126,000 earlier this year. Hulk Hogan’s triumphant moment in the realm of collectibles perfectly mirrors his undeniable supremacy in the wrestling ring, reminding fans and collectors alike of his everlasting legacy.
The 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set is widely regarded as the holy grail of wrestling cards, showcasing the “rookie” cards of iconic figures such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and André the Giant. This set has stood the test of time as a pillar of wrestling memorabilia, with Hogan’s card gleaming as the crown jewel among treasures.
Prior to this groundbreaking auction, Hogan’s card had already commanded prestigious values, with previous sales hovering around $50,000. Other cards from the same set have also fetched remarkable prices, including a BGS 9.5 André the Giant card, which was sold for $47,970, further emphasizing the allure of these rare collectibles.
What sets Hogan’s card apart and drives its exceptional value is its scarcity. With only 18 PSA 9-graded copies known to exist and no PSA 10s ever documented, this card holds a unique place in the realm of wrestling collectibles. The card sold during this monumental auction also bore an MBA Gold sticker, designating it as one of the highest-graded examples available, a perfect storm of scarcity and significance that propelled it to its record-breaking price.
The remarkable sale of Hulk Hogan’s card was just one of many triumphs for Heritage Auctions over the weekend, as the company reported an impressive total of over $22.7 million in sales. Notable highlights included a 1979 O-Pee-Chee case containing Wayne Gretzky rookie cards, which, despite a lower resale price of $2.5 million after a previous sale of $3.7 million, still stood as a significant achievement.
While the 1982-83 Wrestling All-Stars set currently holds the crown as the undisputed king of wrestling cards, modern releases are steadily gaining momentum. Sets like the 2002 Fleer Royal Rumble, featuring rookie cards of contemporary superstars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Batista, are positioning themselves as potential challengers to the All-Stars set in the future, with their star-studded lineup captivating collectors’ attention.
For now, Hulk Hogan’s momentous $132,000 card stands tall as a testament to the enduring allure of nostalgia and the escalating demand for vintage collectibles. This sale not only marks a triumph for Hogan himself but also underscores the growing recognition of wrestling cards as prized assets within the broader sports card market. Hulkamania isn’t just alive—it’s thriving in the realm of collectibles.