Charly Caruso
Buzz Buys: Big ink, old mags, Star Wars, NFL newcomers, college football & even more from around the collecting world
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 ... and this time around it's a little bit of everything.
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ALREADY A STAR ...
The Item: Jahmyr Gibbs autographed 16-by-20 photo (Fanatics Authentic)
The Price: Under $40
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: This guy has a number of autographed cards already thanks to NIL deals, but to me they're often on the wrong team as he transferred to the Alabama Crimson Tide just this season after two years at Georgia Tech. Atop that, his autograph isn't the flashiest thing out there so that's one reason sticker autos might not appeal ... but when I saw this signed photo for the size and price? Well, I bit -- and it's a really good photo for college merch. He's rushed for 850 yards and seven TDs so far this year and added 42 catches for 378 yards and three more TDs on a team where, well, at times he's been the beast on the ground this year. His next stop? Likely the NFL -- he's popped up as a late first-round or early second-round guy in some quick searches -- though I'm not buying to scout. I just wanted his ink in my stash and this one will go alongside a few other larger-format college photos I've stacked up in the last few years. Depending on where he goes, autographed Rookie Cards should easily top this price. It also helped that I had some sales discount rewards in play, so I paid less than the $40 it had been going for. For me, this one was a win ... and, again, I really like this photo.
Grab a box right here: Nothing for this one ... but football boxes are hereKeep reading for more interesting items ...
BuzzMania 5: Busting 2019 Topps WWE Slam Attax Universe (Hour 6)
The biggest weekend in pro wrestling is here with WrestleMania 38 set for Saturday and Sunday from Dallas. We'll make today a big day for wrestling collectors right here on The Buzz with #BuzzMania5, a series of WWE wax box/pack breaks.This import is the cheapest box of the day and it's loaded with star power on the cheap. It's not a perfect release ... but it's one you can load up on without breaking the (money in the) bank.
The box: 2019 Topps WWE Slam Attax Universe (India smart pack box)
First Buzz preview & checklist: None since it's imported.
Where to buy: Will take some looking -- get newer WWE boxes hereWhat's inside this one? Keep reading ...
Bulk Break: 2017 Topps WWE cards (36 jumbo packs)
What's a Bulk Break? Well, it's basically a Buzz Break -- but with a lot of packs or something that's found in volume but not in box or case form. 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 lot: 2017 Topps WWE wrestling cards (36 jumbo packs)
Where to buy: Click here (single packs and lots)
Keep reading to see what was in this simple lot that delivered pretty well.
Buzz Break: 2017 Topps WWE NXT wrestling (jumbo packs)
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 packs: 2017 Topps WWE NXT wrestling cards (three jumbos)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com for other WWE boxes
Keep reading to see a full breakdown and gallery of highlights from this one.
Buzz Break: 2020 Topps WWE Women's Division (hobby box)
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: 2020 Topps WWE Women's Division wrestling cards (hobby)
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Keep reading to see a full gallery and breakdown of what was in this one.
Buzz Break: 2020 Topps WWE Women's Division (hobby box)
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: 2020 Topps WWE Women's Division wrestling cards (hobby)
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Keep reading to see a full gallery and breakdown of what was in this one.
BuzzMania4: Busting 2018 Topps WWE Women's Div. (Hour 6)
The biggest weekend in pro wrestling is here with WrestleMania 37 set for Saturday and Sunday from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. We'll make today a big day for wrestling collectors right here on The Buzz with #BuzzMania4, a series of WWE wax box/pack breaks.
This is Hour 6 ... a bulk lot of hobby packs from a popular brand -- a hits-free lot that still delivered very well.
The lot: 2018 Topps WWE Women's Division wrestling cards (200-plus hobby packs)
First Buzz preview & checklist: Click here
Where to buy: Click here for (hit-per) blastersWhat's inside this one? Keep reading ...
Buzz Break: 2019 Topps WWE Raw wrestling cards (blaster)
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: 2019 Topps WWE Raw wrestling cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Keep reading for a full breakdown of what was in this one along with a gallery.
Buzz Buys: Project 2020, original SportKings artwork, Goon, WWE autographs, Star Wars, DC movies, old classics & more
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 ... and this time around there's a little bit of everything.
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REEL BIG FISH
The Card: Mike Trout 2020 Topps Project 2020 -- Artist: Ben Baller (/34,950 made)
The Price: Factory cost from Topps (bought bundle of five)
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: It's probably no secret that Project 2020 is the runaway winner already for Set of The Year with most cards selling thousands of copies a pop at $20 apiece and a number of those re-selling for far, far more than $20. (This one, last I looked? Add on a zero.) Some of the prices are as volatile and logic-defying as it gets if you're looking at things from a cardboard-volume perspective -- rarer ones that weren't that popular at first are now very-pricey ones -- but that's just one part of the equation. The players have fan bases, the artists have fan bases -- and prices for their art may not be as soft as collectors might think them to be. In other words, a style you might not like could have thousands of people wanting them because they know their work elsewhere. (Ben Baller, for example, has more than 260,ooo Twitter followers and 1.4 million on Instagram. Both dwarf most hobby industry accounts and definitely tops them all.) The set has garnered a lot of mainstream media attention, too, meaning non-collectors are buying cards up, too. As I type this, the Trout here is still the No. 1 best-seller but others have come close. This one was the first break-out card volume-wise and is my favorite of the bunch so far this year. Even if others sell more, it will likely remain my favorite unless something to come really wows me.
Grab a box right here: No boxes of this one ... but MLB boxes are hereKeep reading for more interesting items ...
Buzz Break: 2019 Topps WWE Raw wrestling cards (blaster)
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: 2019 Topps WWE Raw wrestling cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (boxes and lots)
Keep reading for a full breakdown of what was in this one along with a gallery.
Buzz Buys: Vintage legends, notable NFL rookies, Domino's ink, Aerosmith, Charly Caruso, Ronald Acuña Jr. & plenty more
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 this year 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 they're oldschool, newschool, high-end and low-end in price -- a little bit of everything.
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A PIECE OF SWEETNESS
The Card: Walter Payton 1976 Topps Rookie Card (PSA 5)
The Price: $155
Why it’s Buzz-worthy: Football season is here and I decided to go big with an oldschool pick-up that presented itself with a close-to-typical price but a not-typical look for the grade on a Rookie Card of an iconic Hall of Famer. It's generally not a super-pricey card as you can still find stuff from this timeframe with some ease. This also is a card that can be found relatively clean and sharp, too. What's the deal with this one's condition? Well, that's part of the reason I grabbed it -- there are some minor spots on the top and bottom edges and perhaps a corner lift that's not obvious but it's still far stronger looking than its grade says. There are no creases but there could be a couple of minor surface spots -- still nothing that scared me off of this one. This is a card that was reasonably always on my want list -- there's not that many things out there I've wanted to grab but hadn't within realistic (easily doable) budget limits.
Grab a box right here: No boxes of this one ... but NFL boxes are right here.Keep reading for a dozen more interesting items ...
Buzz Break: 2019 Topps WWE Raw wrestling cards (blaster)
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: 2019 Topps WWE Raw wrestling cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)
Packs per box: 11 (10 packs plus Relic-Women's Revolution bonus pack)
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 75
Base set completion: 45 of 90 (50 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notables on base cards: Elias, Charly Caruso, Batista, Ember Moon, Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Roman Reigns, Ruby Riott, Bray Wyatt, Alexa Bliss, Seth Rollins, Nia Jax
Rookie Cards (1) – Buddy Murphy
BuzzMania2: Busting 2017 Topps WWE NXT (Hour 10)
The biggest weekend in professional wrestling is here with WrestleMania 35 set for Sunday in New Jersey. It's a big week for WWE with its NXT and Hall of Fame events planned, and we'll make today a big day for wrestling collectors right here on The Buzz with #BuzzMania2, a series of WWE wax box and wax pack breaks.
This is our finale for today.
The box: 2017 Topps WWE NXT
The cost: Click here (when available)
What's inside this one? Keep reading ...
Buzz Break: 2018 Topps WWE Women's Division (blaster box)
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 Women's Division wrestling cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: Click here (for hobby)
Packs per box: 11 (10 standard packs and one hit pack)
Cards per pack: 7
Cards per box: 71
Base set completion: 31 of 50 (62 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notables on base cards: Shayna Baszler, Lita, Charly Caruso, Sasha Banks, Alexa Bliss, Stephanie McMahon, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, Mandy Rose, Kayla Braxton, Lacey Evans, Carmella, Maryse, Bayley, Charlotte Flair
Rookie/First NXT cards (5) – Ronda Rousey, Ruby Riott, Asuka, Billie Kay, Sarah Logan
Buzz Break: 2018 Topps WWE Women's Division (blaster box)
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 Women's Division wrestling cards (blaster box)
Where to buy: Click here (for hobby)
Packs per box: 11 (10 standard packs and one hit pack)
Cards per pack: 7
Cards per box: 71
Base set completion: 25 of 50 (50 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notables on base cards: Shayna Baszler, Lita, Charly Caruso, Sasha Banks, Alexa Bliss, Stephanie McMahon, Kairi Sane, Nia Jax, Mandy Rose, Kayla Braxton, Lacey Evans
Rookie/First NXT cards (5) – Ronda Rousey, Candice LeRae, Ruby Riott, Asuka, Billie Kay
Buzz Break: 2017 Topps WWE NXT wrestling cards (hobby box)
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: 2017 Topps WWE NXT wrestling cards (hobby box)
The cost: Click herePacks per box: 10
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 70
Base set completion: 22 of 50 (44 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notables on base cards – Peyton Royce, Elias Samson, Tye Dillinger, Corey Graves, No Way Jose, Charly Caruso, Aliyah, Cathy Kelley
Buzz Break: 2018 Topps WWE cards (three hanger boxes)
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 boxes: 2018 Topps WWE wrestling cards (hanger)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)
Cards per pack: 42
Cards in this lot: 123
Base set completion: 63 of 100 (63 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notables on base cards: Triple H, Charlotte Flair, Ember Moon, Daniel Bryan, Booker T, The Miz, Maria Kanellis, Shane McMahon, Mickie James, Jim Ross, Nia Jax, Kevin Owens, Lana, Jerry Lawler, A.J. Styles, Lita, Natalya, Andrade "Cien" Almas, Brie Bella
Rookie/First NXT Cards: Asuka, Zelina Vega, Mike Kanellis, Bobby Fish, Christy St. Cloud, Bobby Roode
BuzzMania: Busting a 2017 Topps WWE Series 2 hobby box (Hour 9)
The biggest weekend in professional wrestling is here with WrestleMania 34 set for Sunday in New Orleans and events beginning tonight with the WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a NXT Takeover on Saturday and then Raw/Smackdown tapings after that. We'll make today a big day for wrestling collectors right here on The Buzz with #BuzzMania, a series of WWE wax box and wax pack breaks all day long.
How long will we go? Stay tuned ...
The box: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (aka Series 2) (hobby)
The cost: Click here
What's inside this one? Keep reading ...
Buzz 12 in 12: Busting a 2017 Topps WWE Series 2 blaster box (Hour 2)
Do you like Buzz Breaks? Today's your day then as we launch 12 in 12 -- a series of a dozen breaks of past wax boxes and wax packs in a dozen hours. We'll post one every hour on the hour all day long today ... this is Hour 2.
The box: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (aka Series 2) blaster box
The cost: $19.98 (hit BlowoutCards.com for hobby)
What's inside this one? Keep reading ...
Buzz Break Battle II: Vote for the best 2017 Topps WWE blaster boxes
This is a twist on a Buzz Break -- one where Buzz breaks more than one box and you get to vote on which one you would have wanted.The box: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (Series 2) blaster
Where to buy: $19.99 at retail (hit BlowoutCards.com for hobby)
Keep reading to see the boxes and cast your vote ...
Buzz Break: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (hobby box)
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: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (aka Topps WWE Series 2) wrestling cards (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 165
Base set completion: 98 of 100 (98 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notable names pulled on base cards: Brie Bella, Jerry Lawler, Harley Race, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Charly Caruso, Dean Ambrose, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Matt Hardy, Mickie James, Roman Reigns, Sasha Banks, Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Lana, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Mandy Rose, Andre The Giant, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Dusty Rhodes, Edge, Jake Roberts, Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, Curt Hennig, Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels, Sting, Steve Austin, Trish Stratus
Rookie/First NXT Cards: James Ellsworth, Tyler Bate, Akira Tozawa, Ariya Daivari, Shinsuke Nakamura, Aleister Black, Killian Dain, Lacey Evans
Buzz Break: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (hobby box)
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: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (aka Topps WWE Series 2) wrestling cards (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 165
Base set completion: 98 of 100 (98 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notable names pulled on base cards: Brie Bella, Jerry Lawler, Harley Race, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Charly Caruso, Dean Ambrose, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Matt Hardy, Mickie James, Roman Reigns, Sasha Banks, Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Lana, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Mandy Rose, Andre The Giant, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Dusty Rhodes, Edge, Jake Roberts, Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, Curt Hennig, Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels, Sting, Steve Austin, Trish Stratus
Rookie/First NXT Cards: James Ellsworth, Tyler Bate, Akira Tozawa, Ariya Daivari, Shinsuke Nakamura, Aleister Black, Killian Dain, Lacey Evans
Buzz Break: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (hobby box)
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: 2017 Topps WWE Then Now Forever (aka Topps WWE Series 2) wrestling cards (hobby box)
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com
Packs per box: 24
Cards per pack: 7
Cards in this box: 165
Base set completion: 98 of 100 (98 percent)
Duplicates: 0Notable names pulled on base cards: Brie Bella, Jerry Lawler, Harley Race, Braun Strowman, Bray Wyatt, Charly Caruso, Dean Ambrose, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Matt Hardy, Mickie James, Roman Reigns, Sasha Banks, Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair, Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, Kevin Owens, Lana, Natalya, Nikki Bella, Mandy Rose, Andre The Giant, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Dusty Rhodes, Edge, Jake Roberts, Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, Curt Hennig, Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels, Sting, Steve Austin, Trish Stratus
Rookie/First NXT Cards: James Ellsworth, Tyler Bate, Akira Tozawa, Ariya Daivari, Shinsuke Nakamura, Aleister Black, Killian Dain, Lacey Evans
23 Item(s)