To Be the Man, You Need This Card: Ric Flair’s 1988 Wonderama NWA Card

The 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A #27 Ric Flair card is one of the most iconic and sought-after wrestling cards in the sports memorabilia hobby. Featuring the legendary Ric Flair, often referred to as “The Nature Boy” and widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, this card has a special place in both wrestling and trading card history.

This site contains affiliate links, and I may receive a commission on purchases made through them. Please see our Affiliate Disclosure for more details.

In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at the significance of the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27, the career and cultural impact of Ric Flair, the card’s market value, and why it remains an essential investment for wrestling card collectors and enthusiasts.

The Significance of Ric Flair in Professional Wrestling

Ric Flair is a cornerstone figure in the world of professional wrestling, known for his extravagant persona, iconic “Woooo!” catchphrase, and unmatched in-ring abilities. Over a career that spanned over 40 years, Flair became a 16-time World Heavyweight Champion (a record in professional wrestling), and his influence on the sport is unparalleled. He captivated audiences with his charismatic promos, his memorable feuds with wrestling legends like Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, and Hulk Hogan, and his flamboyant lifestyle.

Known as “The Nature Boy,” Flair is often credited with revolutionizing the sport of wrestling. His flamboyant persona, marked by custom-made suits, elaborate robes, and an unmatched showmanship both inside and outside the ring, made him a global star. For many, Ric Flair is the embodiment of professional wrestling’s golden era, making his early cards some of the most valuable and collectible in the hobby.

The 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A Set

The 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A set holds a special place in the history of wrestling cards. Released by Pro Wrestling Enterprises, this set is considered the first major release of wrestling trading cards in North America, predating many other wrestling card sets by several years. It included 36 cards in total and featured some of the biggest names in professional wrestling at the time, including stars from various wrestling promotions like the NWA, AWA, and WWWF (now WWE).

Among the top cards in the set are Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and, of course, Ric Flair. The set itself is notable not only for its selection of wrestling legends but also for its rarity and early production. Cards from the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A set are highly collectible because they are considered “pre-rookie” cards of several major wrestling stars, including Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and others.

Design of the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27
The Ric Flair #27 card from the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A set features a vibrant, classic design that captures Flair in his early prime. The card showcases a portrait of Flair in his signature blonde hair, sporting an intense expression that epitomizes his “Nature Boy” persona. Flair’s name and position as one of the top wrestlers in the world are highlighted below the image.

The card’s simple yet bold design stands out in the world of vintage wrestling cards, and its retro aesthetic makes it a timeless collectible. The back of the card offers a brief bio of Flair, detailing his rise in the wrestling world and early career achievements. As with many cards from this era, centering and print quality issues are common, making high-grade examples of the Ric Flair #27 card even more valuable.

Market Value of the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27

The value of the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27 card has risen significantly over the years, driven by both Flair’s lasting legacy in professional wrestling and the card’s rarity, especially in high grades. Collectors recognize this card as one of the most important wrestling cards in the hobby, and its value reflects that status.

Let’s look at some recent sales data and price trends for this card:

High-Grade Examples: A PSA 9 (Mint) copy of the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27 can sell for up to $14,500. Due to print quality issues from the 1980s, very few cards have achieved a PSA 9 grade, making them extremely rare and valuable.

Mid-Grade Examples: A PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint) copy typically sells for between $1,000 and $3,000, reflecting strong demand for well-preserved examples of this card. In 2022, a PSA 8 sold for over $10,000, showcasing the card’s consistent value growth.

Lower-Grade Examples: Even in lower grades, such as PSA 6 or PSA 7, the card still commands significant prices, often selling between $2,000 and $5,000. Given the scarcity of high-grade examples, lower-grade versions of the card remain highly collectible and continue to appreciate in value.

The PSA population report shows that only a limited number of 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27 cards have been submitted for grading, with fewer than 20 PSA 9s in existence and no PSA 10s graded to date, further adding to its rarity and desirability.

Why the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27 is a Top Investment

The 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27 card has cemented itself as a premier investment in the world of wrestling cards for several key reasons:

Ric Flair’s Enduring Legacy
Ric Flair’s career achievements and influence on the world of professional wrestling are legendary. His iconic persona, catchphrases, and ability to draw audiences to the sport have made him a household name, even outside the wrestling world. Flair’s popularity has transcended multiple generations, ensuring continued demand for his collectibles. As one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Flair’s rookie card remains a highly sought-after piece of wrestling history.

Rarity and Condition Sensitivity
The 1982 Wrestling All Stars set was not produced in large quantities, making cards from the set rare, especially in high-grade conditions. Cards from this era were often handled roughly or stored improperly, leading to significant wear over time. As a result, high-grade examples of the Ric Flair #27 card are incredibly scarce. Cards with good centering, sharp corners, and minimal surface wear command strong premiums in the market.

Historical Importance of the Set
The 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A set is considered one of the most important wrestling card sets ever produced, marking the beginning of modern wrestling card collecting. As the first set to feature major wrestling stars, including Flair, the cards from this set are considered “pre-rookie” cards, further enhancing their value.

Growing Interest in Wrestling Cards
In recent years, wrestling cards have gained significant traction among collectors and investors. As the sports card market continues to diversify beyond traditional sports like baseball and basketball, wrestling cards are becoming increasingly popular. The Ric Flair #27 card is one of the top targets in this expanding market, making it a strong investment with long-term growth potential.

Investment Risks and Considerations

While the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27 card is a valuable investment, there are a few risks and considerations to keep in mind:

Market Volatility
As with any collectible, the value of wrestling cards can fluctuate based on broader market conditions. While the long-term outlook for the Ric Flair #27 card is positive, short-term price fluctuations are possible, especially in a niche market like wrestling cards.

Condition Sensitivity
The condition of vintage cards significantly impacts their value. Collectors should carefully evaluate the condition of the card before purchasing, paying close attention to centering, surface wear, and corner sharpness. Cards in lower grades may not appreciate as quickly as higher-grade examples.

Counterfeiting
Given the value of this card, potential buyers should be cautious of counterfeit or reprinted versions. Always ensure the card has been authenticated and graded by a reputable company like PSA, Beckett (BGS), or SGC before making a purchase.

Conclusion

The 1982 Wrestling All Stars Series A #27 Ric Flair card is more than just a wrestling card—it’s a piece of sports entertainment history. Representing one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, this card holds tremendous value both as a collectible and as an investment. With its rarity, historical significance, and the enduring popularity of Ric Flair, it remains a cornerstone of vintage wrestling card collecting.

For collectors and investors, the Ric Flair rookie card offers strong long-term growth potential in an expanding market. Whether you’re a lifelong wrestling fan or a sports card investor looking to diversify your portfolio, the 1982 Wrestling All Stars Ric Flair #27 card is an essential asset with lasting appeal.