In the world of trading cards, Panini has long been a revered name, known for its premium quality and exquisite designs. However, as the company prepares to bid adieu to its WWE card licensing, the release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE edition has caused quite a stir among collectors. Renowned for its prestigious cards in the sports realm, the National Treasures brand carries a reputation for excellence. Yet, the early breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes have left many enthusiasts skeptical about whether this WWE edition truly lives up to its iconic name.
National Treasures has a legacy of offering premium quality in basketball and football, boasting on-card autographs and chunky, game-used memorabilia. Wrestling aficionados were hopeful that the WWE edition would be no different, but the initial FOTL breaks have told a different tale. Instead of the coveted on-card signatures, collectors were met with sticker autographs, considered less desirable in the collecting community. Additionally, the relics came with disclaimers stating, “The enclosed authentic memorabilia is not from any specific match or event,” raising doubts about their authenticity and connection to the featured wrestlers. The lack of clear ties to specific matches or events has left these relics falling short of the authenticity that collectors have come to expect from the National Treasures brand.
This pattern of disappointment during licensing transitions is not uncommon in the trading card industry. As licenses shift hands, manufacturers often prioritize clearing existing inventory, sometimes compromising on the premium features that collectors anticipate. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman, in a discussion on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast, highlighted that collectors have witnessed similar scenarios play out during past transitions.
The feedback from collectors has been polarized, with two distinct camps emerging. On one hand, there are those with high expectations who have found themselves unsatisfied with the product as it fails to meet the standards set by other sports under the National Treasures umbrella. On the other hand, individuals who had tempered expectations have found themselves pleasantly surprised by the clean design and view the release as a fitting farewell to Panini’s WWE era.
Adding to the complexity is the delayed full hobby release, which remains unexplained. With the market currently dominated by FOTL breaks, collectors are left speculating on whether the standard boxes will offer any improvements or merely follow the same disappointing pattern.
As Panini bids farewell to the WWE trading card scene, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release may not deliver the grand finale that many had hoped for. Instead, it serves as a glimpse into a brand navigating the end of a licensing agreement, with collectors divided on its status as a worthy send-off. As the hobby release date looms, the market’s response will ultimately determine if Panini’s final WWE cards can redeem themselves or if they will fade into obscurity as a footnote in the brand’s illustrious history. Fans are currently left with a visually appealing product that, while attractive, falls short of the prestigious standard typically associated with the National Treasures brand.
