2024 National Treasures WWE: A Disappointing Farewell for Panini's Wrestling Card Era?

• Posted: December 11, 2024, 12:23 pm
• in Sports Card News
• by bionic

* We may earn a commission from purchases made through our affiliate links.

As Panini prepares to end its WWE card licensing, the release of 2024 National Treasures WWE has sparked a range of reactions among collectors. Known for producing some of the most prestigious cards in sports, the National Treasures brand carries a reputation for excellence. However, early breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes suggest that this WWE edition may not live up to its name, leaving many collectors questioning whether the product meets expectations.

National Treasures: A Legacy of Premium Quality​

In basketball and football, National Treasures is synonymous with luxury, offering on-card autographs and chunky, game-used memorabilia. Wrestling fans hoped the WWE edition would follow suit, but the early FOTL breaks tell a different story. Instead of on-card signatures, collectors have found:

• Sticker autographs, which are generally less desirable.
• Relics accompanied by disclaimers reading, “The enclosed authentic memorabilia is not from any specific match or event,” casting doubt on their connection to the featured wrestlers.

Without clear ties to specific matches or events, these relics fall short of the authenticity collectors expect from National Treasures.

A Familiar Pattern During Licensing Transitions​

For seasoned hobbyists, the product's shortcomings aren’t entirely surprising. When licenses change hands, it’s common for manufacturers to prioritize clearing existing inventory, often at the expense of premium features. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman, speaking on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast, pointed out that collectors have seen this scenario play out before during similar transitions.

Polarized Reactions to the Product​

Collector feedback has been divided into two camps:

• High Expectations, Low Satisfaction: Many collectors expected National Treasures WWE to reflect the brand’s standard in other sports and have been disappointed by the reliance on sticker autos and non-specific relics.
• Tempered Expectations, Positive Impressions: Others, who anticipated compromises in the product, appreciate its clean design and acknowledge it as a fitting farewell to Panini’s WWE run.

The Impact of a Delayed Hobby Release​

Complicating the narrative is the delay of the full hobby release, which has yet to be explained. For now, the market is dominated by FOTL breaks, leaving collectors to speculate on whether the delayed standard boxes will offer improvements or follow the same format.

Closing the Panini Era​

The 2024 National Treasures WWE release may not deliver the grand finale some hoped for as Panini exits the WWE trading card scene. Instead, it offers a snapshot of a brand navigating the end of a licensing agreement, with collectors split on whether the product is a worthy send-off.
As the hobby release approaches, the market’s response will determine whether Panini’s final WWE cards can redeem themselves—or if they will remain a footnote in the brand’s storied history. For now, collectors are left with a product that’s visually appealing but falls short of the prestige typically associated with National Treasures.