In the world of trading cards, few brands hold the same level of prestige as Panini’s National Treasures collection. Known for luxurious designs and top-tier memorabilia, the National Treasures brand has long been a favorite among collectors. However, with Panini’s decision to end its WWE card licensing, the release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE edition has stirred up quite a bit of controversy in the trading card community.
National Treasures has always been synonymous with premium quality, offering collectors on-card autographs and authentic game-used memorabilia. In the realm of basketball and football cards, the brand has set a high standard for excellence. Fans of wrestling were hopeful that the WWE edition of National Treasures would uphold this reputation. Unfortunately, the early breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes have left many collectors feeling underwhelmed.
One of the main points of contention for collectors has been the use of sticker autographs in the WWE edition, which are generally considered less desirable than on-card signatures. Furthermore, the inclusion of relics with disclaimers stating that the memorabilia is not from any specific match or event has raised doubts about the authenticity of the items. Without clear ties to iconic wrestling moments, these relics fail to meet the expectations that collectors have come to associate with National Treasures.
The disappointment surrounding the 2024 National Treasures WWE release is not uncommon during licensing transitions. When companies switch hands or end licensing agreements, there is often a rush to clear existing inventory, which can sometimes result in a downgrade of premium features. This trend has been observed in the trading card community before, as noted by wrestling card expert Adam Gellman on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast.
Collector reactions to the product have been polarized, with some expressing high expectations and low satisfaction, while others have had more tempered expectations and found positive aspects in the release. Those who anticipated a compromise in the product have praised its clean design and viewed it as a suitable farewell to Panini’s WWE card era.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the delayed full hobby release, which has left collectors speculating about potential improvements or maintaining the same format as the FOTL boxes. The ambiguity surrounding the delayed release has only fueled the discussion among collectors about the future of Panini’s WWE cards.
As Panini bids goodbye to its WWE trading card scene with the 2024 National Treasures WWE release, the question remains whether this product will be remembered as a grand finale or a lackluster swan song. With collectors eagerly awaiting the full hobby release, the market’s response will ultimately determine the product’s fate. Will Panini’s final WWE cards redeem themselves in the eyes of collectors, or will they be relegated to a mere footnote in the brand’s illustrious history? Only time will tell, as the wrestling card community eagerly anticipates the verdict on this divisive release.
