Here's this month's roundup of items that have recently caught my eye as a buyer ...

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MY BEAR NECESSITY
The Item: Paul "Bear" Bryant autographed & dated/inscribed (Oct. 18, 1976) 8-by-10 photo (BAS authenticated)
The Price: $219 ... high for me but it's the perfect item for me
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This was a jaw-dropper of a find for me during a random search of Mill Creek Sports' superstore for autographed stuff earlier this year and I've saved it for football season, specifically this month, to present it and tell its story. It's personalized and that makes it perfect for me this time ... and to top that, the signed date -- the legendary Alabama Crimson Tide football coach and football icon who won 323 games dated everything signed like this -- might as well be on Buzz's actual birthday. (It's close ... close enough.) The odds of this existing or one being signed on my actual birthday? Well, I'm sure there were a number of things to sign on this Monday and I'm also very sure he wasn't sitting down to sign requests on a gameday when I kicked things off in the world. So, this is perhaps as close as it can get. The quality and condition of the photo are perfect and the ink is perfectly legible, too. Now, is his autograph really rare? Not particularly, but he died in January 1983 well before sit-down and paid signing sessions were en vogue for sports legends and he's still in high, historic demand despite Nick Saban equaling him and/or re-writing the Alabama record book in more recent years. It's the perfect item at a perfect price and it will always be mine.
Grab a box right here: Nothing for this ... but football cards are here.

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

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The biggest weekend in pro wrestling is here with WrestleMania 40 set for this Saturday and Sunday from Philadelphia. We'll make today a big one for wrestling collectors right here on The Buzz with #BuzzMania7, a marathon of WWE wax box/pack breaks all day long.

This one was -- and still is -- a favorite of mine from the Topps WWE years with it being a second affordable series of flagship that is loaded with simple, clean photos showcased in a minimalist design and a set that's loaded with first/early cards for a lot of young stars.

The Brand: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (aka Series 2) -- five blaster boxes

Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for a few formats)

What's inside this one? Keep reading ...

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If you hadn't noticed, there are a number of boxes with discounted prices right now right here as the new wave of Blowout Cards' Black November sales is here

Many of the discounts were dramatic enough that Buzz once again had to ponder the possibilities in many of the boxes and cases -- and here are five that caught this collector’s eye ... and there's far more that just might suit your tastes in the big sale.

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LOW PRICE, BIG POTENTIAL
2022 Topps Star Wars Book of Boba Fett Hobby Box or Case
I'm not sure I watched a minute of this series -- can't keep up with it all -- but there's reason or two to pop the lid on some tins here. You get an autograph or sketch card in every box and on of the inked possibilities is Rosario Dawson, whose auto here has sold for $500 and up (a recent eBay high of $700 ... and $899 for a plate) with some strong asking prices, too. Now she won't be in every box, of course, but as a relative newcomer to Star Wars autos and a meaty resume elsewhere, it's not a bad auto to find in general and coming from a box (tin) this cheap would be a big win. Heck, at these prices, she could pay for the case and more. Temuera Morrison (Fett) and some of the multi-signed cards here are also of not and there are some sketches that can obviously deliver well if they are well-crafted. Atop all that, you get base cards are and a number of inserts and parallels, especially if you rip by the case.

Keep reading for a few more boxes you should consider (and are likely to end up in Buzz's cart).

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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

THIS IS WHY YOU GRADE ...
The Book: The Amazing Spider-Man #361 -- first full appearance of Carnage (Marvel cards here)
The Reason Graded: As you probably read in a past piece where I previously graded my other newsstand copy of this iconic issue, I have a stash of early 1990s books that are all quite clean as I was picking off stuff from a bookstore without rack damage. I was more of an art fan/collector than a reader -- it was all about art and condition -- and this cover-price pickup came at a time where cards were starting to get too expensive to me in 1992 so I dabbled. I have had this stashed all this time and while the pop report here is heavy for sure ... how many of them can be newsstand 9.8s? I suspect it's a definite minority of that 5,000-some books.
The Grade: CGC 9.8 (Universal)

Reality Check: When I graded my other copy of this its pop was at 20,179 and there have been big gains at 9.4, 9.6 and 9.8. The eBay asking prices on this one for newsstand include $6,999 (not getting hit), $2,500 for a pair, just under $2,200, $2,000 and a bunch down to $750. Not that helpful. Actual eBay sales? Highs around $1,200 down to around $600 ... so definitely still a little all over the place. Recent sales are also still in that range for this key issue. No matter the timing or the price paid ... this is an example of why you grade good stuff. All it cost me $1.25 and grading fees.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ...

MY FIRST NEW-LABEL SLAB ...
The Card: Derrick Henry 2016 Panini Origins Rookie Autographs #112
The Reason Graded: My latest submission of stuff from CSG is already back -- in times far faster than what's posted on their site -- and this card of Tennessee Titans star (and former Alabama Crimson Tide standout as well as Heisman Trophy winner) Derrick Henry was my choice for my first fast sub under their new format. Why? I thought it looked quite flawless with a solid on-card sig with literally nothing obviously wrong with the card. With this being perhaps my best NFL auto for him I opted to slab it since thick-stock cards like this have tended to grade cleanly for me.
The Grade: CSG 9.5 (10 auto)

Reality Check: I was a little surprised this didn't check in higher as the only couple of white spots on the card appeared to be to be part of the design's specs and splats but ... I'll live with it. This one might also be reflective of CSG's tough standards, which don't appear to have gotten easier at all with their new slabs and slightly tweaked scale at its top. (Cards previously in a CSG Gem Mint 9.5 are now Gem Mint 10s.) All in all, I'm good with this card and their new scale and look -- straight-on scans don't do these slabs justice. While I liked the previous style (and own plenty) this one is tight and right ... just like their time for return, price and structure that lets you see the front and backs of the cards as they were in-house. There won't be tampering/fake slabs when you can look up the card online -- a big plus over other slabs if you ask me.

Keep reading for more of this month's pick-ups and new slabs for Buzz.

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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals is to rip a little less and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention.

So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ...

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A HOME RUN OF A SURPRISE
The Card: Hank Aaron 2021 Topps x Sports Illustrated five-pack ... Red (/5) parallel and standard cards (/2,057)
The Price: Direct from Topps ($29.99)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This was my first grab from this year's SI set since this cover was one I was hoping to see in the release and I decided to take a shot at a five-pack for grading purposes. I was rewarded with one of the rarest parallels to find in one's order. Only the 1/1 is rarer and there are three other colors. (Just 111 parallel cards between all of them.) I've collected a number of cards that have commemorated Aaron's record-breaking home run back in 1974 but never graded any for condition reasons ... I might have two to slab now.
Grab a box right here: None for this one but MLB boxes are here

Keep reading for more interesting items ...

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The biggest weekend in professional wrestling is here with WrestleMania 36 set for a scaled down split event on Saturday and Sunday. We'll make today a big day for wrestling collectors right here on The Buzz with #BuzzMania3, a series of WWE wax box and wax pack breaks -- though also on a smaller scale than Buzz had previously planned, too.

This is Hour 7 ... another case and Buzz favorite.

The case: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (Series 2) jumbo-pack case (108 packs)
The cost: Will vary ... Click here for new boxes

What's inside this one? Keep reading ...

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and break down the results here. Like this and want to see more -- or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (Series 2) (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com when available; Click here for other WWE boxes

Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 164
Base set completion: 
98 of 100 (98 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards: Sasha Banks, Mandy Rose, Otis Dozovic, Eddie Guerrero, Lacey Evans, Steve Austin, Edge, Shawn Michaels, Velveteen Dream, Becky Lynch, Jake Roberts, Sting, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Bayley, Matt Hardy, Ted DiBiase, Andre The Giant, Bray Wyatt, Dakota Kai, Beth Phoenix, Randy Savage, Drake Maverick, Goldust, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Bret Hart, Jeff Hardy

Rookie/First NXT Cards (21) – Ronda Rousey, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Ricochet, Ember Moon, Zelina Vega, Andrade "Cien" Almas, Alexander Wolfe, Danny Burch, No Way Jose, Kona Reeves, Hanson, Rowe, Akam, Rezar, Killian Dain, Hideo Itami, Mark Andrews, Raul Mendoza

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and break down the results here. Like this and want to see more -- or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (Series 2) (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com when available; Click here for other WWE boxes

Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 164
Base set completion: 
97 of 100 (97 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards: Sasha Banks, Mandy Rose, Otis Dozovic, Eddie Guerrero, Lacey Evans, Steve Austin, Edge, Shawn Michaels, Velveteen Dream, Becky Lynch, Jake Roberts, Sting, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Bayley, Matt Hardy, Ted DiBiase, Andre The Giant, Bray Wyatt, Dakota Kai, Beth Phoenix, Randy Savage, Drake Maverick, Goldust, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Bret Hart, Jeff Hardy

Rookie/First NXT Cards (21) – Ronda Rousey, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Ricochet, Ember Moon, Zelina Vega, Andrade "Cien" Almas, Alexander Wolfe, Danny Burch, No Way Jose, Kona Reeves, Hanson, Rowe, Akam, Rezar, Killian Dain, Hideo Itami, Mark Andrews, Raul Mendoza

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Have you seen the latest cool or interesting items on eBay? If not, you just might see some of those here every week as we're launching a weekly version of our eBay Buzz pieces that pop up from time to time. We’ll spotlight some items that have a story or just wow us with how much interest it might have — and we’re not just talking baseball cards, either.

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ZION! ZION! ZION!
The Item: Kobe Bryant & Zion Williamson 2019-20 NBA Hoops Art Signatures dual-auto (BGS 9.5/10)
The Price: $99,999.99 Buy-It-Now (or best offer)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This card is an interesting one in that, unless there was some other seriously advanced-planning signing sessions last year, it will absolutely never happen again making it an even more amazing (and somber) creation. This is one of the rarest inclusions in hobby boxes of 2019-20 NBA Hoops with on-card autographs of the future Hall of Famer gone too soon and the rookie who has dominated the league so far this year. Williamson just recently posted a career-high scoring night -- and more are likely on the way as he is putting up a more-than-respectable scoring streak. Any and all Zion ink will be in demand more than ever -- and this one might hold up as one of the the biggest autos of them all no matter what one-of-a-kind high-end stuff might be coming. This came out of a super-affordable flagship-style Hoops pack and it's a classic. I don't see it getting that BIN price, but I could see some big, big offers. Right now it's the highest of just two copies graded ... and we have no idea how many more might even have been signed.
Similar Pieces: Zion Williamson autographs on eBay
The BlowoutCards.com Hunt: Click here for 2019-20 NBA Hoops hobby boxes

Keep reading for four more interesting items in this week's roundup ...

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and break down the results here. Like this and want to see more -- or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (Series 2) (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com when available; Click here for other WWE boxes

Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 164
Base set completion: 
97 of 100 (97 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards: Sasha Banks, Mandy Rose, Otis Dozovic, Eddie Guerrero, Lacey Evans, Steve Austin, Edge, Shawn Michaels, Velveteen Dream, Becky Lynch, Jake Roberts, Sting, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Bayley, Matt Hardy, Ted DiBiase, Andre The Giant, Bray Wyatt, Dakota Kai, Beth Phoenix, Randy Savage, Drake Maverick, Goldust, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Bret Hart, Jeff Hardy

Rookie/First NXT Cards (21) – Ronda Rousey, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Ricochet, Ember Moon, Zelina Vega, Andrade "Cien" Almas, Alexander Wolfe, Danny Burch, No Way Jose, Kona Reeves, Hanson, Rowe, Akam, Rezar, Killian Dain, Hideo Itami, Mark Andrews, Raul Mendoza

Continue reading →

From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and break down the results here. Like this and want to see more -- or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (Series 2) (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com when available; Click here for other WWE boxes

Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 164
Base set completion: 
97 of 100 (97 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards: Sasha Banks, Mandy Rose, Eddie Guerrero, Lacey Evans, Steve Austin, Edge, Shawn Michaels, Velveteen Dream, Candice LeRae, Becky Lynch, Jake Roberts, Sting, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Bayley, Matt Hardy, Ted DiBiase, Andre The Giant, Bray Wyatt, Dakota Kai, Beth Phoenix, Randy Savage, Drake Maverick, Goldust, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Bret Hart, Jeff Hardy, Otiz Dozovic

Rookie/First NXT Cards (21) – Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Ricochet, Ember Moon, Zelina Vega, Andrade "Cien" Almas, Alexander Wolfe, Danny Burch, No Way Jose, Kona Reeves, Hanson, Rowe, Akam, Rezar, Killian Dain, Eric Young, Hideo Itami, Mark Andrews

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Buzz buys and busts a lot of boxes right here for Buzz Breaks, but one of my goals just might be to rip fewer blasters and talk more about cardboard that I -- and you -- might like. One way to do that? Simple show and tell -- present a few pick-ups and say why they captured my attention. Would they capture yours? I'd be interested to know -- sometimes they might, sometimes they won't and that's fine. It's a buyer's market out there with plenty of options and bargains as well as high-end gems to chase.

So, with all that said, here are a few Buzz Buys ... and this time around there's a surprise or two.

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BIG CHANGE, BIG GAME
The Card: Kenyan Drake 2016 Panini Encased Rookie Notable Signatures (/75)
The Price: $3.25
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This guy had a change of scenery and a big game in his first time suiting up for the Arizona Cardinals ... so that's why he leads off here. (This week's game? Not so big ... I'll admit.) That one big game -- 15 carries for 110 yards and a TD -- shows how short-term showings could help move cardboard in quick-flip scenarios if you're organized enough or use buy-sell on sites that can let you flip stuff fast. I'd think that this card could have doubled that price had I been selling, but I picked this off well before that game because he's one of the names I grab on the cheap when they present themselves. (This price suits that with an on-card auto and it being a high-end brand.) Had he done much this week, there would probably be more interest in him ... but now we just have to wait to see what happens the rest of the season.
Grab a box right here: 2016 Panini Encased

Keep reading for a few more more interesting pick-ups ...

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Like many collectors, Buzz is a fan of grading and knows that there are many reasons that collectors choose to slab cards. Sometimes it's to enhance the appeal and protect them when selling. Other times it's to protect an investment for the long-term or to protect for sentimental reasons. Or, it might be just for fun or curiosity about a potential grade.

Here's this month's grading diary here on The Buzz ... it's all MLB and WWE this time with a new baseball season under way and it being WrestleMania week.

The Card: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever 25 Years of Raw #RAW28 Mr. McMahon's Limousine Explodes
The Reason Graded: You don't see why? This is one of the greatest cards I've ever seen in any set, and it simply had to lead off here, too. The heat you see on the card is only rivaled by the heat that is this card. (Something like that.) So, what's the story with this? In a June 2007 episode of Raw, WWE Chairman and ultimate on-screen villain Vince McMahon had an unusual evening on the air. At the end of the show he walked through a star-laden backstage area to go to his limo at the end of his "Appreciation Night." He stepped inside, closed the door and at that exact moment it exploded on live TV. (See it happen here and read all about the fallout.) The company was bombarded with phone calls from some members of the public and it even issued a press release that McMahon was, indeed, dead. The company's stock even took a hit (seriously) as part of the story line. Somehow, it took all of these years for this epic moment to make it onto a card.
The Grade: BGS 9.5

Reality Check: I was all over this one the second I saw the checklist and knew I'd own it in a slab. The super-skinny stock and dark edges make it tough to land without a tweaked edge or corner, but mine is the first and it's nearly perfect. (The spot on the right is part of the photo, not a nicked edge.) The only thing better than a near-perfect copy of a card like this would be one signed by VKM himself ... after all, he somehow survived. This card makes me laugh and I laugh even harder with a high-grade copy.

Keep reading for the rest of this month's new grades and additions.

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Have you seen the latest cool or interesting items on eBay? If not, you just might see some of those here every week as we're launching a weekly version of our eBay Buzz pieces that pop up from time to time. We’ll spotlight some items that have a story or just wow us with how much interest it might have — and we’re not just talking baseball cards, either.

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HOW YOU LIKE ME NOW?
The Item: Tom Brady 2000 Bowman Chrome Refractor (RC parallel) BGS 9.5
The Price: $19,499 Buy-It-Now
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Think this price is crazy? It is, but it isn't -- check out that link below. You should know by now that Brady has won yet another Super Bowl ring after Sunday's snoozefest in Atlanta and you need to know that his Rookie Cards are easily some of the priciest football cards out there in top condition and in slabs. This one isn't the flashiest of them -- other big ones have autographs and command much more cash -- but this is one (non-Refractor) that I managed to pull from a pack back in the day so it gets my pick here. The pop report for this particular version shows 28 others in this grade and just one getting a 10. Just 207 Refractors have been slabbed by BGS while mine is pushing 3,000 with 103 BGS 10s and two getting a BGS Black perfect 10. Some of Brady's RCs have been faked, so slabbed is the way to go unless you want to pay big bucks to chase wax (not easy to find anyway). He's expensive but there's no doubt that he's atop the mountain right now. Is he a safe buy? Traditional thought might say that he's too pricey to get in on right now, but when Brady is the top guy in NFL history there should continue to be more attention and speculation money pumped into his cards from beyond the typical collecting base.
Similar Pieces: Other 2000 Tom Brady Rookie Cards on eBay
The BlowoutCards.com Hunt: Click here for NFL boxes

Keep reading for four more interesting items in this week's roundup ...

Continue reading →

Have you seen the latest cool or interesting items on eBay? If not, you just might see some of those here every week as we're launching a weekly version of our eBay Buzz pieces that pop up from time to time. We’ll spotlight some items that have a story or just wow us with how much interest it might have — and we’re not just talking baseball cards, either.

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HIGHLY RATED ROOKIE
The Item: Baker Mayfield 2018 Donruss Optic Gold Rated Rookie Autograph (/10) (BGS 9.5/10)
The Price: $2,799.99 Buy-It-Now (or best offer)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: The No. 1 pick in last year's NFL Draft delivered a record-setting season for a rookie with 27 passing touchdowns for the Cleveland Browns ... now imagine if he had played every game this season. He was clearly a spark for a team that went winless in 2017 and tied its best record posted since 2007. There are a few young stars on this team that could have hobby potential down the line and he's at the top of the list. It should be interesting to see what the Browns can add in the draft, too.  This card is an elite pull -- good luck landing one from a pack -- and there will inevitably be growing demand for his rookie-year stuff if he builds upon this almost Rookie of the Year campaign. (Saquon Barkley probably gets it in my mind.) Over time, I think Mayfield has more cardboard potential with team success.
Similar Pieces: Baker Mayfield autos on eBay
The BlowoutCards.com Hunt: Click here for NFL boxes

Keep reading for more interesting items in this week's roundup ...

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From time to time, Buzz will break a box of something and break down the results here. Like this and want to see more -- or maybe there's a box you'd want to see busted? Send Buzz an email at BlowoutBuzz@blowoutcards.com.

The box: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (Series 2) (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Packs per box: 11 (10 packs plus a two-card Relic/bonus pack)
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 72
Base set completion: 
43 of 100 (43 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards: Alexa Bliss, Shayna Baszler, Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Randy Orton, Bianca Belair, Drake Maverick, Lita, Steve Austin, Braun Strowman, Sting, Cesaro, Jake Roberts

Rookie/First NXT Cards: Ronda Rousey, Ember Moon, Ricochet, Billie Kay, Zelina Vega, Raul Mendoza, Alexander Wolfe, Eric Young, Hideo Itami, Mark Andrews, Killian Dain

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What: 2018 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (aka Series 2) wrestling cards
Arrives: Oct. 31
Box basics: Two hits (one autograph guaranteed) in every 24-pack hobby box (12 boxes per case)
Checklist: Click here
Order: Click here

What's buzz-worthy: The wave is coming to the ring as the 2018 Topps flagship WWE brand uses the same design as its MLB counterpart with the stars of the ring getting the cardboard nods here.

Keep reading for more and a full gallery of images.

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