Buzz Break: 2018 Topps WWE Legends wrestling cards

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 Legends
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com

Packs per box: 12 (via two mini-boxes)
Cards per pack: 5
Cards in this box: 60
Base set completion: 
28 of 70 (40 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Base cards – Shawn Michaels, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Bam Bam Bigelow, Ted DiBiase, Bobby Heenan, Eddie Guerrero, John Cena, Goldust, Edge, Kane, Tatanka, Bob Orton, Papa Shango, Junkyard Dog, Harley Race, Dallas Page, Pat Patterson, Kevin Nash, Jim Ross, Big John Studd, Daniel Bryan, Shelton Benjamin, Kurt Angle, Jim Neidhart, Jake Roberts, Jay Strongbow, Ultimate Warrior

Insert cards: 28 (highlights from everything in gallery below)
Bronze parallel (8) – Dolph Ziggler, Bam Bam Bigelow, Dallas Page, Jim Ross, Kevin Nash, Matt Hardy, Shelton Benjamin, Pat Patterson
Silver parallel (1) – Ricky Steamboat (/50)
Legends of the Women's Division (6) – Eve Torres, Lita, Miss Elizabeth, Sherri Martel, Stephanie McMahon, Terri Runnels
Legends of the Women's Division Bronze parallel (1) – Sherri Martel
Identity Crisis (9) – Brutus Beefcake, Big Boss Man, Kama, Randy Savage, Virgil, Ted DiBiase, Michael Hayes, Jesse James, Tugboat
Identity Crisis Bronze parallel (3) – Virgil, Randy Savage, Kama

Autographs/Memorabilia: 4
Legends of WWE Autographs (2) – Mankind, The Warlord (/199)
Legends of WWE Autographs Silver (1) – Jerry Lawler (/50)
Legends of WWE Autographs Bronze (1) – Alundra Blayze (/99)

What's Buzz-worthy: I'm a bit torn on this one as it's a higher-end release in terms of its hit volume (at least three autos sometimes four as in the case of this box) without a super-hefty price and it includes autos from some of the biggest names from the WWE's past. And it also includes cards of legends one might not want, though they may not have a lot of ink -- pluses and minuses. I managed to find this box at close to cost and that helped some, but ultimately this box delivered two lesser autos, one auto of a big name who signs a lot and one who I'd consider a bonafide legend. I'll let you chew on which one you think is which. (This also wasn't a box for auto graders as my Foley has a relatively large surface indentation and two of the signers ran off the edge of the card but I'll survive knowing the Bronze auto is one in 25 packs and the Silver is one in 44.) There's a lot to like here in terms of simplicity, but there's one thing I really don't -- these cards have an unusual smell that I really don't like. (Here's hoping they air out over time.) This hobby-only release mixes in a few active names -- I'm not sure I'd yet consider Daniel Bryan and Dolph Ziggler legends of WWE, though they are successful veterans -- and it celebrates some of the oddities that come with multiple personas (or gimmicks) from the past. Also not helping this box? Some of the biggest names in the base set (and ones with good photos) weren't found here, which probably dampened my impression of this one. Oddly, the Women's Division gets relegated to a 10-card insert set here, and I'd think that there are a number of names from the late 1990s and early 2000s who could get a nod (Ivory, Stacy Keibler, Molly Holly, Mickie James, Torrie Wilson, etc.) but maybe they're being saved for later releases? The mini-box format helps collectors get a shot at two hits for less money, and half of the time that will include two autos since there are three autos guaranteed per overall box. Last year's release had a busier design, but the card had a little more deluxe feel -- and the boxes haven't come down in price -- so there could be some extended interest in this one, too. For my money, I might revisit last year first and then dip into this one if they were presented to me side by side. If you find a dealer selling this one by the mini box, it seems like a no-brainer to try and see if you like it.

Product Grade: B
Box Grade: A- (two statistically rarer autos)
Fun Grade: B

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