As Panini bids adieu to its reign in the WWE card market, wrestling enthusiasts are met with mixed emotions surrounding the unveiling of the 2024 National Treasures WWE collection. Known for its prestigious and high-quality sports cards, the National Treasures line has set the bar high for excellence. However, as early reviews of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes start to surface, many collectors are left questioning whether this final WWE edition lives up to its renowned name.
National Treasures has long been synonymous with luxury in the world of basketball and football cards, boasting on-card autographs and substantial, game-used memorabilia pieces. Fans hoped that the WWE edition would parallel this reputation, only to be met with disappointment upon discovering the contents of the FOTL breaks. Instead of the coveted on-card signatures, collectors were greeted with sticker autographs, which are generally less desirable. Adding to the frustration are the relics accompanied by disclaimers stating, “The enclosed authentic memorabilia is not from any specific match or event,” casting doubt on their authenticity and connection to the featured wrestlers. This lack of specificity in the relics falls short of the authenticity that collectors have come to expect from the National Treasures brand, leaving many feeling let down.
This departure from the norm during licensing transitions is a familiar pattern in the trading card industry. Manufacturers often prioritize clearing existing inventory when licenses switch hands, which can sometimes come at the expense of the premium features that collectors have grown accustomed to. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this trend in a recent episode of the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast, noting that collectors have witnessed similar scenarios play out in the past during transitional phases.
The reactions to the 2024 National Treasures WWE release have been polarized, with collectors falling into two main camps. Some enthusiasts who had high expectations for the product are left feeling dissatisfied by the prevalence of sticker autographs and non-specific relics, which deviate from the usual standards set by National Treasures. On the other hand, there are collectors who approached the release with tempered expectations and have found appreciation in the collection’s clean design, viewing it as a suitable send-off to Panini’s tenure in the WWE trading card realm.
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation is the delay in the full hobby release of the product, with no clear explanation provided to the market. As a result, FOTL breaks dominate the landscape, leaving collectors speculating on whether the delayed standard boxes will offer any improvements or merely follow the same disappointing format.
The conclusion of Panini’s era in the WWE trading card space with the 2024 National Treasures WWE release may not be the grand spectacle that many had envisioned. Instead, it serves as a snapshot of a brand navigating the conclusion of a licensing agreement, with collectors divided on whether the product forms a worthy farewell gesture. As the full hobby release date approaches, the market’s reaction will determine whether Panini’s final WWE cards can redeem themselves or if they will forever be remembered as a footnote in the brand’s illustrious history. For now, collectors are left with a visually appealing product that lacks the prestige typically associated with National Treasures cards.
