In the world of wrestling card collecting, Panini’s National Treasures series has long been revered for its premium quality and exclusive offerings. However, as Panini prepares to part ways with its WWE licensing, the release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE has left collectors divided. Known for its luxurious cards featuring on-card autographs and game-worn memorabilia, the WWE edition has failed to meet the high expectations set by its predecessors. The initial breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes have raised concerns among collectors, casting doubt on the product’s ability to uphold the National Treasures legacy.
For fans of basketball and football cards, the National Treasures brand symbolizes sophistication and excellence. The hope was that the WWE edition would follow suit, but the early reviews tell a different story. Instead of the coveted on-card signatures, collectors have been greeted with sticker autographs, a far cry from the premium feature they were expecting. The inclusion of relics with disclaimers stating that the memorabilia is not tied to any specific match or event further diminishes the authenticity of the product, disappointing many avid collectors.
It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to fall short during licensing transitions, as seen in the case of Panini’s WWE cards. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this trend on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast, noting that similar situations have played out in the past. The current state of the 2024 National Treasures WWE release reflects a familiar pattern of prioritizing inventory clearance over maintaining the brand’s prestigious standards, resulting in a lackluster product that has left collectors feeling underwhelmed.
The collector community has been split into two camps regarding their reception of the product. While some had high hopes for the National Treasures WWE edition and have expressed disappointment with its quality, others who anticipated compromises have found solace in the product’s elegant design. As Panini bids farewell to the WWE trading card scene, the brand’s final release has sparked polarized reactions and raised questions about the future of wrestling card collecting under new licensing agreements.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the product is the delay in the full hobby release, leaving collectors to ponder whether the standard boxes will offer any improvements or follow the same lackluster format. With the market currently dominated by FOTL breaks, the anticipation for the complete release hangs in the balance, with collectors eagerly awaiting a definitive verdict on the product’s overall appeal.
As Panini’s tenure in the WWE trading card realm draws to a close, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release serves as a bittersweet reminder of the brand’s legacy. Whether the product will be able to redeem itself in the eyes of collectors or fade into obscurity remains to be seen. For now, the final cards from Panini offer a visually appealing but ultimately underwhelming conclusion to a chapter in wrestling card collecting that will be remembered for its mixed reception and uncertain future.
