In the world of trading cards, Panini’s National Treasures brand has always been a symbol of luxury and prestige, known for its on-card autographs and premium memorabilia. When Panini announced the release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE edition, wrestling card enthusiasts were eager to see if it would uphold the brand’s high standards. However, early reviews from the First Off the Line (FOTL) breaks have left collectors questioning if this farewell to Panini’s wrestling card era lives up to the hype.
National Treasures has set a high bar in sports like basketball and football, with collectors expecting nothing but the best. With the WWE edition, many had hoped for on-card autographs and authentic memorabilia from specific matches or events. Unfortunately, the reality fell short of expectations, featuring sticker autographs and relics with disclaimers that failed to establish a clear connection to the wrestlers or their iconic moments.
The disappointment surrounding the 2024 National Treasures WWE release isn’t uncommon during licensing transitions. In the card collecting world, it’s a familiar pattern for manufacturers to prioritize selling off existing inventory rather than focusing on maintaining premium features during such transitions. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this trend, drawing parallels to previous instances where product quality dipped during licensing changes.
As collectors delve into the product, their reactions have been polarized. While some express disappointment that the WWE edition doesn’t meet the standards set by National Treasures in other sports, others appreciate the collection for what it is – a respectful farewell to Panini’s foray into the world of WWE trading cards. The divide in opinions reflects the varied expectations that collectors had for this final release.
Adding to the complexity is the delayed full hobby release, leaving collectors speculating on what the standard boxes will offer compared to the FOTL breaks. The uncertainty surrounding the delay further fuels discussions on whether the final product will see any improvements or stick to the pattern established by the limited early breaks.
With Panini bidding farewell to the WWE trading card scene, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release serves as a bittersweet conclusion. It marks the end of an era for Panini’s involvement in wrestling cards, with collectors split on whether this final collection is a fitting send-off. The upcoming response from the market to the full hobby release will be instrumental in determining if Panini’s last WWE cards can salvage their reputation or if they will simply be a footnote in the brand’s history.
As collectors eagerly await the full hobby release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE, the product’s visual appeal remains a point of praise. However, the absence of the usual prestige associated with National Treasures leaves a lingering question mark over Panini’s farewell to the wrestling card scene.
