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The 2024 National Treasures WWE release, Panini’s swan song in its WWE card license, has stirred mixed reactions among collectors. As Panini’s time producing WWE cards nears its end, the company is releasing its final products under the license, including this highly anticipated entry. However, early breaks of the First Off the Line (FOTL) boxes suggest the product may not live up to the high standards set by National Treasures releases in other sports.

A Storied Legacy, But a Divisive Execution

National Treasures has long been a hallmark of Panini’s portfolio, known for its premium basketball and football releases featuring on-card autographs and game-used memorabilia. Wrestling collectors, hoping for similar quality, have expressed disappointment as FOTL breaks reveal key differences in the WWE edition.

While the design is visually appealing, collectors have noted:

• Sticker autographs instead of the preferred on-card signatures.
• Relics with disclaimers stating, “The enclosed authentic memorabilia is not from any specific match or event.”

This raises questions about the authenticity and connection of the relics to the wrestlers pictured on the cards. Without clear provenance, the memorabilia’s value diminishes for collectors seeking meaningful connections to the stars.

Not Entirely Unexpected

For seasoned collectors, the situation isn’t surprising. Transitions in licensing often lead to similar issues, as manufacturers look to utilize remaining inventory. Wrestling card expert Adam Gellman highlighted this trend during a discussion about the end of Panini’s WWE tenure on the WaxPackHero Sports Card Minute podcast. Gellman, who also runs the Main Event Wrestling Cards Patreon, explained that this kind of execution is common during the final stages of a licensing agreement.

Divided Reactions Among Collectors

Initial feedback from collectors has been polarized:

• Disappointed buyers: Some collectors, expecting the level of craftsmanship seen in National Treasures basketball or football products, feel the WWE release falls short given its reliance on sticker autos and unverified relics.
• Satisfied buyers: Others, who anticipated these compromises, appreciate the product’s clean design and overall aesthetic.

Delayed Hobby Release Adds Intrigue

Adding to the conversation is the unexplained delay of the full hobby release. With FOTL breaks dominating the market for now, the gap creates an opportunity to observe how collector sentiment influences pricing and demand for the standard hobby boxes when they eventually hit shelves.

A Mixed Legacy for Panini’s WWE Era

As Panini’s WWE era draws to a close, the 2024 National Treasures WWE release may leave a bittersweet taste. For some, it’s a missed opportunity to close out the license on a high note. For others, it’s a product that meets tempered expectations, offering visually appealing cards to mark the end of an era.

Collectors will be watching closely in the coming weeks to see how the market evolves—and whether the delayed hobby release can turn some of the early skepticism into excitement.