In the world of sports card collecting, the announcement of Panini’s decision to end their WWE card licensing agreement was met with mixed emotions. As fans and collectors prepared to bid farewell to Panini’s wrestling card era, the anticipation for the release of the 2024 National Treasures WWE set was high. This prestigious brand, known for its premium quality cards in other sports, was expected to deliver a grand finale to Panini’s involvement in the wrestling card market.
However, as early breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes emerged, the reactions were far from unanimous. The National Treasures WWE edition seemed to fall short of the lofty standards set by its predecessors in basketball and football. The absence of on-card autographs, a hallmark of luxury in the sports card world, was notably replaced by sticker autographs, which are generally considered less desirable by collectors. Additionally, the included relics came with disclaimers stating that they were not from any specific match or event, causing doubts about their authenticity and connection to the featured wrestlers.
Collectors familiar with the nuances of licensing transitions were not entirely surprised by these developments. It is common for manufacturers to prioritize clearing existing inventory when licensing agreements change hands, often leading to compromises in product quality. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this pattern, pointing out that collectors have witnessed similar situations during previous licensing transitions.
The collector community’s reactions to the National Treasures WWE release have been polarized. While some had high expectations for the product and have expressed disappointment over its perceived shortcomings, others who anticipated compromises due to the licensing transition have found redeeming qualities in the clean design of the cards.
The delayed full hobby release has added another layer of complexity to the situation, leaving collectors to speculate on what the standard boxes will offer compared to the FOTL breaks. The market remains in a state of uncertainty, as collectors await further clarity on the delayed release and potential improvements that may come with it.
With Panini’s exit from the WWE trading card scene looming, the 2024 National Treasures WWE set serves as a reflection of the brand’s transition out of the wrestling card market. As collectors await the full hobby release, the market’s response will ultimately determine whether Panini’s final WWE cards can salvage their reputation or if they will be remembered as a footnote in the company’s history. For now, collectors are left with a visually appealing product that falls short of the prestigious standards typically associated with the National Treasures brand.
