In the world of trading cards, Panini has been a prominent player for years, known for producing high-quality cards embedded with game-used memorabilia and on-card autographs. However, as the company preps to bid adieu to its WWE card licensing, the unveiling of the 2024 National Treasures WWE collection has ignited a wave of mixed emotions among collectors.
A Legacy of Excellence? Not Quite.
Renowned for its luxurious offerings in sports like basketball and football, Panini’s National Treasures brand exudes a sense of prestige. Delving into the wrestling realm, enthusiasts anticipated a similar experience, only to be met with disappointment. Initial breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes revealed a deviation from the norm, showcasing sticker autographs instead of on-card signatures. Additionally, the relics came with disclaimers disavowing any association with specific matches or events, creating doubts about their authenticity.
A Familiar Pattern Amid Licensing Changes
For seasoned collectors, the shortcomings of the 2024 National Treasures WWE release aren’t unfamiliar. In transitions of licenses, manufacturers often prioritize clearing existing inventory, sometimes at the cost of premium features. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this trend on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast, drawing parallels to past scenarios during similar transitions.
Divided Reactions from Collectors
Feedback from collectors has been polarized, falling into two distinct categories. Some had high expectations that were not met, expressing dissatisfaction with the inclusion of sticker autos and generic relics. On the other hand, those with more tempered expectations found solace in the product’s sleek design, viewing it as a fitting goodbye to Panini’s venture into WWE cards.
The Mystery of Delayed Hobby Release
Adding a layer of mystery is the delayed rollout of the full hobby release, leaving enthusiasts wondering about potential improvements. With FOTL breaks dominating the market, speculations abound on whether the standard boxes will bring any significant changes or maintain the current format.
The End of the Panini Era
As Panini wraps up its WWE trading card chapter, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release may not mark the grand finale many had envisioned. Instead, it serves as a glimpse into a brand navigating the closure of a licensing deal, prompting a divided response from collectors. The impending hobby release will dictate the fate of Panini’s final WWE cards, determining if they can salvage their reputation or if they’ll fade into obscurity. Presently, collectors are left with a visually appealing product that doesn’t quite live up to the usual National Treasures standard.
