In the realm of sports card collecting, Panini’s National Treasures series has long been associated with luxury and exclusivity, setting a high bar for card quality. However, the release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE edition has stirred up a whirlwind of reactions among collectors as Panini prepares to bid adieu to its wrestling card era.
National Treasures is renowned for its on-card autographs and premium game-used memorabilia in sports like basketball and football. Wrestling enthusiasts had high hopes that the WWE edition would mirror this reputation, but the reality portrayed in the early breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes paints a different picture. Instead of the coveted on-card signatures, collectors were met with sticker autographs, which are generally considered less desirable. Additionally, the relics in the boxes bore disclaimers stating that the memorabilia enclosed was not from any specific match or event, raising doubts about their authenticity and connection to the featured wrestlers. This departure from the usual authenticity associated with National Treasures relics has left collectors questioning the product’s alignment with their expectations.
When licensing agreements transition from one company to another, it is not uncommon for manufacturers to prioritize clearing existing inventory over maintaining premium features. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this pattern, drawing parallels to past transitions observed within the hobby. While some seasoned collectors were not entirely surprised by the product’s shortcomings, others were hoping for a grand farewell from Panini’s WWE card line.
Feedback from collectors has been polarized, with distinct viewpoints emerging within the hobby community. While some collectors had high expectations that ultimately led to disappointment due to the deviation from National Treasures’ usual standards, others who anticipated compromises in the product’s quality found merit in its clean design and considered it a suitable conclusion to Panini’s WWE endeavor.
Adding to the complexity is the delay in the full hobby release, for which an explanation has yet to be provided. As FOTL breaks dominate the market, collectors are left to speculate whether the standard boxes will offer improvements or follow a similar format as the early releases.
The 2024 National Treasures WWE release, marking Panini’s exit from the WWE card scene, may not have been the grand finale some collectors had envisioned. It offers a glimpse into a brand navigating the conclusion of a licensing agreement, with opinions divided on whether the product serves as a fitting send-off. With the impending hobby release on the horizon, the market’s response will ultimately decide if Panini’s final WWE cards can salvage their reputation or if they will become a footnote in the brand’s illustrious history. Presently, collectors are presented with a visually appealing product that falls short of the prestige traditionally associated with National Treasures cards.
