Panini’s announcement to end its WWE card licensing has set the stage for the highly anticipated release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE. Known for its prestigious sports cards, the National Treasures brand carries a legacy of luxury and excellence. However, as collectors eagerly broke into the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes, a wave of mixed reactions suggests that this particular WWE edition might not meet the high expectations set by its predecessors.
National Treasures: A Legacy of Excellence
The National Treasures brand is synonymous with premium quality in basketball and football, offering on-card autographs and valuable game-used memorabilia. Wrestling enthusiasts were hopeful that the WWE edition would maintain this standard, but the initial FOTL breaks unveiled a different reality. Instead of the coveted on-card signatures, collectors discovered sticker autographs, which are typically less desirable. Furthermore, the inclusion of relics with disclaimers stating that they are not from any specific match or event raises doubts about their authenticity and connection to the featured wrestlers. This departure from the usual standards of National Treasures has left many collectors feeling underwhelmed.
A Familiar Pattern During Licensing Transitions
Experienced hobbyists are no strangers to the changes that occur during licensing transitions. Manufacturers often prioritize clearing existing inventory, sometimes at the expense of premium features. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this trend in a recent podcast, drawing parallels to similar transitions in the past where compromises were made in product quality.
Polarized Reactions to the Product
Collector feedback on the 2024 National Treasures WWE release has been divided into two main camps. While some collectors had high expectations and were left unsatisfied by the prevalence of sticker autographs and generic relics, others who anticipated compromises due to the licensing changes appreciated the product’s clean design and saw it as a fitting conclusion to Panini’s WWE card era.
The Impact of a Delayed Hobby Release
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the product is the delay in the full hobby release, which remains unexplained. With the market currently dominated by FOTL breaks, collectors are left speculating on whether the standard boxes will offer any improvements or adhere to the same format as the initial release.
Closing the Panini Era
The 2024 National Treasures WWE release may not have provided the grand finale that many collectors were hoping for as Panini bids farewell to the WWE trading card scene. Instead, it serves as a snapshot of a brand navigating the end of a licensing agreement, with collectors split on whether this product adequately represents the conclusion of an era. As the official hobby release draws near, the market’s reception will ultimately determine whether Panini’s final WWE cards can redeem themselves or if they will be remembered as a footnote in the brand’s illustrious history. For now, collectors are left with a visually appealing product that falls short of the prestige typically associated with the National Treasures brand.
