Wrestling MarketWatch: Sting

One of the last "Hmmm...I wonder what that would be like?" moments in wrestling has finally happened. Sting has wrestled a match for WWE, at WrestleMania no less. While the result of the match surprised many, I'm sure that it isn't the last of The Stinger in the company. The painted-faced icon proved that he could still provide a quality match, and I just don't see the face of WCW going out in a loss, even under contract to Vince McMahon. The company realizes his value as a WWE Legend, and one or two more matches would only cement that. With the fantastic showing of The Undertaker also at WrestleMania, those who said that the match would never happen are already having second thoughts.

Sting's return has likely garnered many new fans for the legend. Those who are new to the party are scrambling alongside old "Little Stingers" to grab items from the long list of Sting merchandise. WCW, TNA, and now WWE have all produced items featuring the various incarnations of Sting. I would venture to say that, in one of their rare moments of being number one at something, TNA may have produced the most Sting merchandise during his times there. WWE has already integrated him into video games, trading cards, and wearable merchandise such as new masks and shirts. In a few months, the first WWE-produced figure of Sting will be making its debut on store shelves as well as on this very blog. In the meantime, let's take a look at some past Sting items and their recent selling prices.

*While the public awaits the Mattel "Defining Moments" Sting figure, some of the older efforts are selling briskly. Due to not signing with WWE until 2014, Sting was an unfortunate omission from the legendary Jakks WWE Classic Superstars line. When Jakks took over the TNA license, several Sting figures were on tap. My two favorites are in the "Ruthless Aggression" style body that was used for most of the Classic Superstars. While the packaging may have been different, the figures themselves were able to blend right in with Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and the various other legends who did make it into Classic Superstars. Both classic "surfer" and later "crow" Sting variations were made. All have remained popular, but one Sting with his black and white paint was in a set exclusive to Walgreens. The figures were dubbed "Ruthless Impact" by collectors, and did not last long on shelves. The Sting from this set recently sold for $40 in package, with loose examples going for well over $20.

*Sting's merchandising really didn't hit its stride until the early 1990s when WCW began to make deals for action figures and other toys. One of his very first cover appearances was on the 1988 Great American Bash program. Like some of the other WCW events of the time, Bash 88 had an in-house program produced as well as one done by The Wrestling News. Sting makes his cover appearance on the latter along with Ric Flair, Lex Luger, and Dusty Rhodes. This program, the harder to find of the two, recently sold at auction for $22.50.

*The early '90s were filled with colorful eye-catching neon, and Sting's look definitely lent itself to this trend. It also stuck out in the crowd at wrestling events, the perfect way for "Little Stingers" to cheer on their favorite star. Foam fingers and hands, still sold at WWE events today, date back to the early 1980's in pro wrestling and probably even longer in other sports ventures. WCW caught onto this around the time of their other merchandising endeavors, and Sting was at the top of the heap. The orange Sting foam finger recently sold for $28.99.

*WCW Magazine went through various changes over its long run, but its initial format was the best. Several special issues were also released at this time, from the infamous 1993 WCW Yearbook to a puzzle magazine. A few focused on the top star of the company, Sting, and his exploits in and out of the ring. From eating whole wheat pancakes and orange juice for breakfast to wrestling Big Van Vader and Ravishing Rick Rude, these editions made a Sting fan feel as if they had followed him around for the day. One of these magazines, "Sting's Guide To WCW," recently went for $28.11.

*8x10 promotional photos are always an interesting collectible as far as monetary value. Some will sell for hundreds, others for pennies. Is it better to be signed or left unmarked? Personally, I feel a promo photo is one item that always looks better signed. Sting has had plenty of promo shots over the years, but one very interesting 8x10 was released by TNA in 2012. This is an "in your face" depiction of Sting's famous painted mug. This promotional photo, with autograph, recently sold at auction for $42.

"The Stinger." "The Man Called Sting." "The Vigilante." No matter what you call him, he's a Hall of Famer in any argument and is indeed the face of WCW. He evolved the character throughout his career and, while many of us prefer the "surfer" look of old, he's proven to be entertaining in-ring from the '80s to the present. May Bo Dallas not be the final victim to feel the Scorpion Death Drop, for Sting still has more of a story to be told.

The 2013 J\/\/ Awards

Our year-end tradition here on the blog continues with the 4th Annual J\/\/ Awards!  There are five total categories which are each awarded with a coveted "Joshie," designed and named after yours truly.  This year we decided to get "funky like a monkey" with the design.  It came out so well that you might think it's nothing but a "Dream."  Will any new manufacturers see their product take the ultimate prize?  Perhaps a few past winners will make their return?  The time for speculation is over, it's time for The J\/\/ Awards!

2013 Best Figure

Our first category is often the most talked about.  Seeing as that more figures are produced per year than any other type of wrestling memorabilia, it's easy to see why everyone has a favorite.

Mattel's WWE The Shield win "The Joshie" for 2013 Best Figure(s).  In a year with plenty of long anticipated debut figures, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns take the title.  Very few stars have made the impact that they have in their rookie year in the big time.  The hard hitting, no-nonsense in-ring style of The Shield comes across perfectly thanks to Mattel.  While more figures of these three superstars are planned, these initial Basic style representations simply scream Sierra Hotel India Echo Lima Delta.

2013 Best Publication 

The printed word is becoming more and more difficult to find in the wrestling world, but thankfully there are still plenty of stories to tell in book form.

"Rags, Paper, & Pins--The Merchandising Of Memphis Wrestling" by Jim Cornette & Mark James wins "The Joshie" for 2013 Best Publication.  Plenty of new wrestling autobiographies hit the shelves this year, but how about the story of the pioneering of wrestling merchandising?  That's the story told in "Rags."  Anyone interested in wrestling merchandising, Memphis wrestling, or Jim Cornette needs to treat themselves to this wonderful resource.

2013 Best Buy (Non-Figure/Publication) 

As is the case every year, this category is about what gave wrestling fans the most bang for their buck.  This is probably the most versatile of the categories, yet we have a repeat winner in 2013.

The 2013 Mid-Atlantic Legends Fanfest wins "The Joshie" for 2013 Best Buy.  What can I say that I haven't already said about Fanfest for so many years?  As always, the weekend was the ultimate dream for fans of classic wrestling.  Memories were made, friendships were rekindled, and legends were celebrated.  Next year is being promoted as the final installment.  As a decade-long customer, I can only say "Don'tcha dare miss it!"

2013 Best Product Line 

The criteria for this category is simple: have a wrestling product that was sold continuously throughout the year.  To win, the quality, distribution, and price of the products are just a few considerations taken.

WWE Home Video wins "The Joshie" for 2013 Best Product Line.  With yet another repeat winner, the caretakers of the majority of wrestling footage of the past fifty years shines again.  An amazing effort put forth with the "Legends Of Mid-South Wrestling" production put the line over the top.  Fans everywhere have high hopes that this kind of vintage product becomes much more of the norm.  Continual high quality Blu-Ray releases of new events also helped WWE Home Video reign supreme in 2013.

2013 Future Holy Grail 

Never an easy choice, this category has to not only celebrate the recent past but also predict the future.  Just what items released in 2013 will be coveted by collectors in the years to come?

WWE Foam Fingers win "The Joshie" for 2013 Future Holy Grail.  Foam fingers have been en vogue in the wrestling world since the early days of Hulkamania, but with the current direction and fan base of WWE, it's a no-brainer that today's stars get similar treatment.  From the very first merchandise for Fandango to the popular "Best In The World" mantra of CM Punk, this new generation of "WrestleFoam" isn't something that can be bought at Wal Mart or Toys "R" Us.  In the future, these pieces should see the same high demand that their older counterparts enjoy.

That's a lot of great memorabilia and a lot of wonderful 2013 memories.  We have one more blog entry for the year coming next week, but until then I'd like to wish everyone...

WrestleMania XXIX Weekend: The Memories

 WrestleMania.  Everyone knows what it is.  Beginning in 1985, it has become a brand name that redefined wrestling events.  New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Toronto, Las Vegas, and Boston have all hosted it.  Hundreds of thousands of fans have attended it.  Thousands of fans that never before included yours truly.  That has finally changed, with an unexpected, personal, "WrestleMania Moment" to boot, but we'll get to that later.

For a myriad of reasons, I hemmed and hawed about attending WrestleMania XXIX despite it being the closest to my area that it has been in awhile.  When a friend took it upon himself to buy some relatively inexpensive (for WrestleMania) tickets, I just couldn't pass it up.  Had I said no, I may very well have given up on wrestling forever once Bruno Sammartino was announced for the WWE Hall of Fame.  While 'Mania would be an experience, there was no way that I could be absent for "The Living Legend" being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

With these spectacles and other "piggyback" events taking place, the NY/NJ area was packed with wrestling fans from around the globe.  TNA and independent companies like Shimmer promoted shows to capitalize on the "mania" in the area.  Even Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, and other legendary stars were brought in for meet and greets.

The merchandising surrounding WrestleMania is always a favorite topic on this blog.  For the 29th edition of the event, WWE seemed to have produced more merchandise than ever before.  From shirts to sock monkeys, pendants to pull-string bags, WWE pulled out everything but the kitchen sink.  Where did they keep it all?  At the WWE Superstore inside of MetLife Stadium, of course!

Open to all for hour after hour all weekend, the WWE Superstore was an impressive and expensive merchandising mecca for all WWE Universe members to trek to, not just the 80,000 that attended WrestleMania.  Exclusive t-shirts featuring the 2013 WWE Hall of Fame Class members?  Check.  A WWE Championship replica belt signed by The Rock priced at just over $2,000?  Check.  Overpriced Mattel figures?  Check.  The WWE Universe ate it up, especially when WWE talent would attend for appearances.  My personal pick?  The WrestleMania taxicab pullback toy.  Simple, inexpensive ($10), and just the kind of item that collectors will be marveling over years from now.

This trip not only marked my personal WrestleMania debut, but also my first time inside the famous Madison Square Garden.  I always knew that I'd get to the Garden for a special wrestling event, but never in a million years would I have thought that I would be attending Bruno Sammartino's 188th sellout in the building.  Along with Bob Backlund, Mick Foley, Booker T, Trish Stratus, and Donald Trump, Sammartino entered the Hall of Fame in front of an audience full of peers and fans alike.  The full event will be available with the WrestleMania XXIX DVD and Blu-Ray release coming May 14th and it is one that you won't want to miss.  Not only is one of the most star-studded Hall of Fame classes honored, but it is also one of the most physical and fun ceremonies in the event's history.

WrestleMania XXIX itself has already become one of the most debated and controversial editions of the show.  The more recent four hour WrestleMania's have been loaded with skits, "musical" performances, and other "entertainment" filler.  Aside from a P. Diddy performance that was perfectly placed for a restroom break, this WrestleMania was exactly what many fans look for from the event: wrestling on the grandest scale.

Fans who watched on pay-per-view have said that the crowd seemed dead or disinterested.  That really could not have been further from the case.  Astute fans will realize that the event was held in the open-air MetLife Stadium.  It has been noted many times that crowd reaction is often hampered under these conditions.  The only time I can remember a rather silent crowd would be in the first half of the match pitting Triple H against Brock Lesnar.  This had the unfortunate task of following the match which received the most audience reaction (and rightfully so) of the night, The Undertaker versus CM Punk.

For someone who isn't always enamored with the current WWE product or the current state of wrestling in general, I will say that it was an incredible experience that I will never forget.  While it was definitely not the greatest wrestling event that I have ever witnessed live, I doubt that I will ever attended a greater spectacle.  From the spectacular staging to the lighting, music, pyrotechnics and general aura, I will never forget the feeling.  Just watching the pre-show on YouTube upon my return home brought the feeling flooding back.  I can only imagine how great it will be to relive WrestleMania XXIX on Blu-Ray.

And then there's my own "WrestleMania Moment" that I had previously mentioned.  It is in fact something that I have, in fun, dubbed "The MetLife Miracle."  Despite my group having what were probably the lowest priced tickets available for the event, we knew that we would have a blast simply being there.  We figured that we might possible have terrible sight lines between the far distance and ornate staging, but that didn't bother us.  After all, it's WrestleMania.

Clutching my ticket while making the trek towards MetLife Stadium, I had a feeling that the Hall of Fame ceremony the night before was the highlight of the weekend for me.  I was at peace with that feeling.  After  being frisked, poked, and prodded by security at the gate, we made our way to the ticket takers to be scanned.  If you weren't aware, tickets haven't been "torn" in many years.  Once you're scanned and hear the "beep," you get the full ticket to keep and cherish.  Our tickets did not beep.  Instead, an "X" appeared on the scanning device.

Encountering a situation such as this before at a WWE event, I did not panic.  In that instance, a camera had been placed where two of our four seats were located.  This time, the ticket scanner told us that our tickets had to be exchanged due to obstructed sight.  We were directed to a tent where they would be exchanged for us.  This tent actually did not exist.  After waiting in a long line where the "tent" was supposed to be and being tossed around through various security checks and gates by clueless employees and "supervisors," we finally joined another long line in front of a tiny kiosk simply labeled "guest services."  After about another half hour of waiting, two employees took our tickets and seemed to mull over a seating chart while deciding where we would be placed.  The anticipation, mixed with the anger of being tossed from gate to gate by clueless workers, was about to pay off.

We were handed four tickets labeled "COMP" and "MetLife Stadium" as opposed to TicketMaster along with a small seating chart crossing out our old seats and circling a new section.  While the section was central to the stadium, we still had no idea what we were given.  Once our tickets finally scanned and we were able to walk through the "Great Gate of Kiev," I screamed and jumped for joy.  Between it being WrestleMania and our ordeal finally ending, I had to let off some steam.

Escalators and corridors to our destination were seemingly endless.  Passing hundreds of screaming, singing, excited WWE Universe members was getting old.  I just wanted to see where we were.  At last, our group stopped.  In front of us were glass doors and to the left was a staircase that apparently led to the parking lot.  Where were we to go?  That's when two suited gentlemen, with those all-important ticket scanners, opened the glass doors.

It may as well have been the gates to Heaven at that point.  We had club seating for WrestleMania?  For $96 a piece?  As we trailed behind a father and his young son who was proudly proclaiming "It's WrestleMania!", I couldn't help but note out loud that, at that moment, I felt like I was his age again.  The young fan's father nodded in agreement and said, "I think we all do!"

When we hit the glass doors to lead us from the amazing club area (with special concession areas and restrooms) into the stadium, we remembered that these new tickets said "Row 1."  Since we were not at all familiar with MetLife Stadium, we were still unsure as to exactly what this meant.  When we finally reached our four seats, it became perfectly clear...

An amazing central view of WrestleMania XXIX.  With Vince McMahon's Statue of Liberty staring us in the face, we were treated to a full view of the ring, stage, screens, and 80,000 fans.  Even the tent which held production was right below us.  We have since come to realize that for fans who were able to purchase these tickets, several hundred dollars had to be parted with.  For many surrounding us, however, it seems like that "COMP" mark may have come into play.  A woman behind us discussing her support of women's liberation during Undertaker-Punk?  A man behind and to the right of me proclaiming that he "used to watch this stuff." and that he remembered Koko B. Ware?  Members of the "Universe" these weren't, but that didn't bother us in the least.

"Obstructed view" was the original reason given for the exchange.  After scanning the stadium, the most we could figure out was that a spotlight was placed on or in front of our original section.  But why did "The MetLife Miracle" take place at all?  Why were we so lucky?  Prayers?  Karma?  A horseshoe?  None of that.  Not even close.  Thanks to events from earlier in the weekend, bird poop was our best guess.

On the Friday of WrestleMania weekend my group decided to spend the day in one of my favorite places, New York City.  During a visit to the famous Central Park, we came under attack by a group of pigeons rivaled only by the flock that dive bombed Joe Pesci thanks to Macauley Culkin.  While three of us escaped unscathed, my friend Mike was not so fortunate.  Or was he?  Luck from such a...special...event is a well-known omen.  Who ever said that carrier pigeons are extinct?  That bird may very well have carried us to an amazing WrestleMania experience.

God bless that pigeon, for he was the true WrestleMania VIP in our books.

The Road To WrestleMania XXIX Begins...Here!

The Royal Rumble?  That's a few weeks away!  With all of the 'Mania match and Hall of Fame speculation, advanced ticket sales, and general scuttlebutt (especially here in the northeast), The Road to WrestleMania begins here and now! 

Although WrestleMania has had a large share of celebrities, glitz, and glamour since its inception in 1985, the prime importance should always be the matches.  It is said that many of those matches are still decided upon well in advance of the event.  Such planning goes a long way in building the anticipation and the stories themselves.  This year, WWE has several intriguing superstars and situations to position for "the grandaddy of 'em all."

Off the top, the one that interests me the least is the inclusion of The Rock.  Although I was an "early adopter" of Rocky fandom dating back to his Nation of Domination days, placing him at the center of attention isn't where I would go.  Needless to say, I'm likely in the minority on this one.  Many are looking forward to seeing just where Dwayne Johnson takes The Rock from upcoming episodes of Raw, to the Rumble, and further into the big event.  Will CM Punk's long standing WWE Championship reign come to an end thanks to the part-time wrestler, full-time actor?  Will John Cena get his win back?  Or how about that other guy?  The one that has about one match a year?  The Undertaker.  How would "The Streak" fare against "The Great One?"

If we have to witness another 'Mania with The Rock, my choice would be a one-night-only return from a retired superstar in a match that, due to personal politics, never occurred.  It is said that Shawn Michaels and The Rock have cleared up their differences, making it the perfect time, and the perfect event, to have a never-before-seen blockbuster.

My gut feeling is that a non-wrestler will actually have the biggest impact in the coming months.  Not only is the site of Mania, the NYC/NJ area, his home, but he is involved with several major players.  The man?  Paul Heyman.  Between his current involvement with Punk, unanswered questions regarding Brock Lesnar, and any number of possibilities with The Shield, it's anyone's guess as to who will be in a "dangerous" alliance with Heyman come WrestleMania.

Speculation is not only key regarding "Super Sunday," but the night before as well.  It's once again time for the often-controversial WWE Hall of Fame induction announcements.  Being held this year at the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden, "who's in?" is being discussed and debated on a seemingly hourly basis among fans.  I've never bought into the "controversy" regarding the Hall of Fame.  It is an entertaining night to honor talent from the past and give many of them one last time to shine. 

It would be the fitting that the man many feel that the Hall of Fame is incomplete without, Bruno Sammartino, be inducted at MSG.  Sammartino has wanted nothing to do with the company for two decades for various reasons.  It has been said that Triple H has been in touch with Sammartino regarding an induction, although my feeling is that The Living Legend should be inducted regardless of his involvement.  Being the fan that I am of Mr. Sammartino, he just simply needs to be in.

A heavily rumored name that is very much in the realm of possibility is Mick Foley.  The man who brought Cactus Jack, Dude Love, and Mankind to the wrestling world is deserving and also has his own ties to MSG and the NYC area, himself being a native.  Being back in the WWE's good graces doesn't hurt the cause, either.

Some choices that I would like to see?  Bob Backlund is said to have previously declined feeling that his career is not yet over.  The Fabulous Freebirds should have been in long before Michael Hayes was the sole original Freebird left to accept.  Demolition was rumored last year and it would be refreshing to see Mr. Eadie and Mr. Darsow appear under the WWE banner.  Leilani Kai would be a welcome addition not only being a former holder of both the singles and tag team women's titles but also an alumni of WrestleMania I and X held at MSG.

And yes...we cannot forget the controversial "Celebrity Wing."  Last year, a celebrity who had perhaps the biggest impact on the growth of the WWF/WWE made her first appearance in a wrestling ring in over twenty-five years.  That lady is Cyndi Lauper.  Her contributions to the company have been long overlooked.  Being a hometown girl in the arena she appeared with WWF the most in, it's a no-brainer.

I often look down upon the current scene both privately and publicly, but I'd be a liar if I said that I wasn't excited for the next few months.  I have a feeling that many memories will be made surrounding WrestleMania, and I don't see how next year's 30th year of the event will be able to top the excitement of XXIX.  I think we all need to show the world that the northeast is the home of WrestleMania.  Can we do it...?