In the realm of sports trading cards, Panini’s National Treasures brand has long been revered for its premium quality and exclusive offerings. Yet, as Panini bids farewell to its WWE card licensing with the release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE set, collectors are left with a bittersweet taste in their mouths. The highly anticipated launch of this final wrestling card edition has stirred a range of reactions, with some feeling underwhelmed by what the product has to offer.
National Treasures has set a standard of luxury in the world of basketball and football trading cards, boasting on-card autographs and authentic game-used memorabilia. Fans of wrestling cards had high hopes that the WWE edition would uphold this reputation, but early reports from the First Off the Line (FOTL) box breaks have raised concerns. Instead of the coveted on-card signatures, collectors have been met with sticker autographs, a feature deemed less desirable in the collecting community. Additionally, the relics included in the set come with disclaimers stating that the memorabilia is not tied to any specific match or event, leaving collectors questioning the authenticity and value of these items. This departure from the usual standards of National Treasures has left many feeling let down by the product.
The disappointment surrounding the 2024 National Treasures WWE release is not unfamiliar in the world of trading card transitions. When licensing agreements change hands, it is not uncommon for manufacturers to prioritize clearing existing inventory over maintaining premium features. This pattern, as noted by wrestling card expert Adam Gellman, has been witnessed before during similar industry shifts, indicating a predictable trend in the market.
Collector feedback on the product has been polarized, with some expressing high expectations that were not met, while others who anticipated compromises have found positives in the clean design of the cards. The delay in the full hobby release has further complicated the situation, leaving many wondering about potential changes or similarities in the format compared to the current FOTL boxes.
As Panini’s final WWE trading card offering, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release may not be the grand finale that enthusiasts envisioned. Instead, it serves as a snapshot of a brand navigating the conclusion of a licensing partnership, with collectors divided on whether this product serves as a fitting send-off. The forthcoming response from the market to the imminent hobby release will ultimately determine the legacy that Panini’s last WWE cards leave behind. As collectors await the full release, they are left with a visually appealing product that falls short of the iconic status typically associated with National Treasures.
