Check out that figure!

With all of the options for wrestling action figures these days, it’s hard to believe that there are greats who still remain without a figure. About three times over the years I’ve taken to this blog to list my top oversights in the world of wrestling figures. Wrestlers, who despite the opportunity, just haven’t made it into figure form. I’m going to go back over those fifteen names, as well as a few others, and see just who is left without a figure amongst the squared circle’s best and/or most colorful. 

For a few reasons among the most shocking to me to never have a figure was The Blue Meanie. Here’s a wrestler who looks like a living cartoon character or action figure yet he did not have one. Add that to the fact that his most active years were during an era where nearly everyone was getting a figure and it becomes more baffling. Finally around five years ago The Meanie received his first figure. It’s been followed by several others with even more on the way. My favorite is the “Hasbro/Retro” styled figure from Chella Toys. While the character wasn’t around during the Hasbro era, the design of those figures completely fits him. 

Magnum T.A. was such a huge territorial star that sometimes his popularity is lost on those who only grew up on wrestling that didn’t include the mustached grappler. He would’ve been a good fit for inclusion in the Remco AWA line where stars from other areas were produced and should have been a must for the Jakks WWE Classic Superstars line. After being announced then cancelled for the Mattel WWE line all hope seemed to be lost. Magnum himself even told me that he was hoping to see it produced for his two (then young) sons. Terry Allen finally appeared as a figure in the Mattel WWE “Lost Legends” set, though Magnum was actually the only figure in the set who hadn’t previously been produced. The former NWA star has another figure upcoming which will be mentioned again at the end of the entry. 

Pat Patterson’s wrestling glory days were over by the time of action figures, but there were still a few missed opportunities. Jakks should have included him either during his run as a “stooge” for Vince McMahon in the “Attitude Era” or in the aforementioned Jakks WWE Classic Superstars line. Neither happened despite Patterson being planned for the latter. Mattel finally produced what is thus far the only figure of Patterson. Thanks to the company making the “stooge gear” removable, you get a perfectly good wrestling version of Patterson underneath. I’m glad that the Montreal-born star lived to see his action figure produced. Another accomplishment in a life and career full of them. 

While Tommy Rich still hasn’t seen a poseable action figure, “Wildfire” has joined the ranks of Pint Size All-Stars, a line that also saw the first figure of “Fantastic” Bobby Fulton. The “Pints” are an opposing subscription box company’s answer to Micro Brawlers. While both lines feature legends, the former often seems to include more of the old school stars. The Pint Size All-Star of Rich comes complete with the NWA Title around his waist. Jim Barnett not included, mmmmmyboy. I have a feeling that Rich could see another figure from any of the current boutique companies. 

While my initial lists had rules such as not including women wrestlers and non-wrestlers who hadn’t received figures (love both, but those lists are massive), I must give an honorable mention nod to James J. Dillon. For various reasons most of us felt that we would never see Dillon in figure form. It was hard enough to get the managers with WWF fame produced. Up until recently there weren’t any smaller companies doing figures. JJ himself even said that he was on a short list of names for Jakks NOT to include in the Classic Superstars line. What happened? Mattel shocked us all and produced him as a Build-A-Figure. With as much as JJ has done in the wrestling business, including but not limited to being “The Leader of the Four Horsemen,” it was well deserved. 

Others from my lists are on their way to plastic immortality. Dino Bravo, Gillberg and Mr. Hughes are all set for release in retro-styled boutique lines while Verne Gagne is slated for release in a line to be known as “Power Town.” This line is being produced by Greg Gagne and others from the Remco AWA days. The second Magnum T.A. figure is set for release here as is another legend who’s never seen a figure release: Lou Thesz. This is the type of line that would include names like Tommy Rich should it succeed. It should also be mentioned that soon to be joining the Figures Toy Company Legends line are Dr. Tom Prichard and Dennis Condrey, both names who have long deserved figure recognition. 

Yet there are still others mentioned in my past blog entries on the topic that remain figureless. Those stars would be Buddy Rogers, Dick Murdoch, Ron Garvin, Pedro Morales, Blackjack Mulligan, Chris Adams and Tracy Smothers. Any of those names would be prime candidates (and big sellers) from any of the smaller companies. Hopefully revisiting this topic in another ten years will see us placing these names and more in tiny rings of all sizes.

The Wrestling Classic Figure Review--Mattel WWE Elite Pat Patterson

We've all had a lot of thought and reflection regarding Pat Patterson since his passing last week. In compiling last week's tribute here on the blog, it came to me that his figure was never reviewed here. This is the only Pat Patterson action figure to be released over the course of his entire career. While it did get a mention and photo in the 2019 "Figure of the Year" entry, the figure was not reviewed on its own. While I do remember one of the reasons why this was so, it's a dishonor to a fun figure and a man who certainly deserved the sort of immortalization that being made into an action figure provides.

The Pat Patterson figure was one of the first released as part of Mattel's "Collector's Edition" program. This is where a figure is randomly packed in cases of a full Elite Series, but isn't really considered as being part of that series. Some are exclusive to Wal Mart, others to Target, and some have even shown up at both retailers. Thankfully over the past year Ringside Collectibles has been able to stock many of these and have them shipped to collectors at the same time as the rest of the corresponding Elite set. Despite availability getting a bit better, it's a shame that it has to be happen at all. If it's such a great thing, make an alternate version of some character we've seen dozens of times. Don't punish the longtime collectors who want as many "new faces" as they can get.

The aforementioned "Collector's Edition" designation is indeed why this figure has not been reviewed here before. It wasn't too long after its release that secondary market prices went down on the figure thus enabling us average joe collectors to add this legend to our collections. You'll note that the packaging does indicate the figure being part of this program. It's also worth pointing out that this "retro" review once again displays the style of Mattel Elite packaging that I enjoyed so much. The simply rectangular design lasted for a couple of years but is much missed. It showcased the figure better than any packaging that Mattel has done in their years with the license.

Some fans were put off that, upon first glance, "Corporate Stooge" Pat Patterson is the figure that we received. This is the look that I'm sure Mattel felt would sell best, but when you can't find the figure to begin with why does that matter? A simple removal of the pants and the very cool "First Intercontinental Champion" t-shirt reveals Patterson in his full wrestling gear, knee pads and all. The head sculpt is actually sort of somewhere in between younger and older Pat. An alternate head, much more reminiscent of the "stooge" era, was originally planned but ultimately not included. I really feel that Mattel tried their best to satisfy everyone with this figure. A few months later, fellow "stooge" Jerry Brisco was released the same way, though the hair having gray temples sort of ruled out imagining that figure as a younger version. It should be noted that while their Patterson was never released, Jakks did provide us a great younger Jerry Brisco in the fabled Classic Superstars line along with legendary brother Jack.

Aside from the removable clothing and alternate hands, a riot gear helmet is included with Pat and Jerry alike. This is also from the Attitude Era and I don't think I've ever put the helmets on either my Patterson or Brisco figures. If they had truly wanted to show off the versatility of the figure, one of Pat's ring jackets from the '70s would've been ideal. Sadly, a Patterson-era Intercontinental Championship belt is still off the table. There is a lot of confusion over the rights to the designs of those belts from that era. Those belts were made in trophy shops from already existing parts. Even if records were kept as to where they were made, would there truly be a case over "rights?" I feel it's more a case of "just in case someone ever does step forward, we're steering clear" instead of someone actually being able to claim those rights, but what do I know?

The prices on this figure, even in the days following Patterson's death, have stayed relatively affordable. I doubt that we'll see another Patterson or Brisco in the line, so if you want these two bona fide legends in your Mattel mix, these are the ones to grab. Both would honestly make great custom fodder for other wrestlers of the era, should that be your scene. Echoing last week's blog entry, I will again say that I'm glad that Pat was able to see his figure released. It's a true honor for anyone and I do feel that Pat was one of the lesser celebrated stars who deserved far more kudos for his endless contributions to the business.

I leave you with three instructions: Buy the figure. Open the figure. Go banana!

Pat Patterson: He Did It His Way

We've lost another legendary professional wrestler. We've lost a pioneering athlete. We've lost the creator of the Royal Rumble. We've lost the mind behind some of the greatest wrestling matches and stories ever played out. We've lost a man who always seemed to enjoy life. Pat Patterson has passed away.

This one hurt. 79 years is a long time for a wrestler to live, as sad as that statement is. Still, perhaps because of how well Patterson seemed to be able to detach himself from the wrestling life when he needed to, I expected that he would be around a lot longer. One of the most touching things from Legends House was not the big "reveal" that we all knew anyway. Instead it was to see how Patterson illustrated that as much as he loved the wrestling business, he knew when to pull back. He knew when to decompress and go back to being "Pierre Clermont," his given name. This was further explored in his autobiography released several years ago.

When discussing Mr. Patterson's death, a friend of mine recounted a story that I honestly didn't remember. He stated that when Patterson entered the room on the first occasion on which I had a chance to meet him, I led everyone in that room in a standing ovation. While I don't remember that exactly, I do believe it. I, like many others, had a great respect for the man. He thrived in so many facets of the business that we all love. Talk about someone responsible for great moments in our lives. How much joy have you gotten from the Royal Rumbles over the years? How about so many of those classic WrestleMania main events? And for those of you who were there for the classic Patterson-Ray Stevens tag team years, I envy you.

In addition to being involved in all corners of the wrestling business, he was also a master at both the serious and more comedic sides of the squared circle itself. While he could battle it out with the best of them in blood and guts battles such as his famous "Alley Fight" with Sgt. Slaughter, he also knew how to find the humor in it all. The names "Brisco and Patterson" would bring a smile to the face of almost anyone who was watching wrestling during "The Attitude Era."

Patterson released his aforementioned autobiography after a career of magazine and program covers, photos, and even trading cards. His heyday as a wrestler came just a bit before the big merchandising boom, but in one of the greatest moves that the company has made, Mattel finally released the first Pat Patterson action figure in 2019. Clad in attire reminiscent of his days as a "stooge" of Mr. McMahon, underneath was the classic Pat Patterson wrestling gear. I'm glad that the legend was able to see himself immortalized in plastic. It was a long time coming.

One of the best moments of Legends House is when Pat gets to croon his favorite karaoke tune, "My Way." We all had heard of Patterson's love for the song but it had never been documented. Thanks to the show we now have it captured for eternity. Thanks to you, Mr. Patterson, some of our own "ways" were all the brighter thanks to the entertainment you created. You will not be forgotten.

Pat Patterson

1941-2020

And The 2019 "Figure Of The Year" Is...

And what does the year boil down to? Why it's "Wrestling Figure of the Year," of course! Once again collectors were inundated with plastic representations of their favorites from yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Some stars saw their first time being immortalized in such a way while others made their first journey into the toy box in quite some time. Before we get to the winner (as far as this blog is concerned), we'll take a brief look at some other possible choices.

When you're talking wrestling figures, you have to be talking Mattel. Unfortunately, the company which holds the WWE license decided to louse up a lot of the fun of collecting by making many of the most desirable characters limited. This practice looks to be continuing into 2020 much to the pleasure of no one. Two great figures were released in that asinine way, those being Pat Patterson and Sensational Queen Sherri. Patterson saw his first ever action figure in an over 60 year career while Sherri saw only her third and arguably coolest.

Mattel brought other characters back with "Ultimate" editions. While there was a separate figure line called "WWE Ultimate Edition," I was ultimately more partial to the most recent release of "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan. Included in the now cancelled "WWE RetroFest" line designed to evoke memories of the WWF WrestleFest video games, Mattel's newest Duggan figure reflects three different periods in the brawlers WWF career. Depending on which accessories you use, ol' Hacksaw can wear his late '80s t-shirt, his regal "King Duggan" crown from 1989, or his 1993 singlet. They even created an all-new "tongue out" head to recreate some of Hacksaw's goofier moments.

The company most famous for Barbie wasn't done there with creating cool figures or cancelling cool figure lines. At long last, "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel made his debut in the WWE Retro figure line. The line was virtually a continuation of the legendary Hasbro WWF figure collection of the 1990s. While Diesel was planned for that line, the figure never saw the light of day. In 2019 Diesel was finally produced in the beloved style...and the line was abruptly cancelled. Thanks again, Mattel.

But the constant disappointment from Mattel didn't damper 2019. Bringing smiles to many was the company Mego, brought back to life a year earlier by its original founder Marty Abrams. Though the company originally began creating action figures a half century earlier, it wasn't until 2019 that Mego introduced its first wrestling figure. Who better to start with than Andre the Giant? While the mammoth Frenchman wasn't quite as lifelike as other releases, the figure included a certain charm that only the classic Mego figure style can capture.

But enough with the runners up. The 2019 "Figure of the Year" is...

Exotic Adrian Street! Yes, in a shocking and unexpected move fitting from the Welsh grappler, the flamboyant and gender-bending wrestler had his own figure produced. While clicking his name in the labels below will bring you to a full review of the figure, what are you waiting for? Hop over to eBay and grab one for yourself. They're only available from Street himself!

2019 is over! Some are cheering, others are lamenting. Whichever camp you find yourself in, remember that 2020 should be even bigger in the wrestling figure world. Will the new NJPW figures prove to be major players? Will AEW reveal a figure line? Which legend will Mattel produce and screw us over on by making limited next? Let's watch the ball drop and find out!

The WWE Hall of Fame: The Banquet Years

Sure, it's always been and always will be a subject of contention and controversy, but take it just a little less seriously and it's just plain fun. Like it or not, the WWE Hall of Fame is what the mainstream world will always recognize as the wrestling Hall of Fame. It's simply how it is. Aside from having the WWE banner, the broadcasts are award show-quality as far as production and now attract arenas full of fans. It's hard to believe now, twenty-five years after the creation of the Hall of Fame, but it wasn't always that way.

The first induction that began the Hall of Fame, Andre the Giant in 1993, was a mere announcement on WWF television. The following three years saw small ceremonies with inductions and speeches. These events were actually not much more than dinners held in hotel banquet facilities. The 1995 and 1996 ceremonies were held in conjunction with King of the Ring and Survivor Series in those years respectively.

Many of the all-time great WWE stars took their rightful places in the Hall of Fame at those early events including Buddy Rogers, Chief Jay Strongbow, Freddie Blassie, Bobo Brazil, Gorilla Monsoon, Arnold Skaaland, James Dudley, George "The Animal" Steele, Ernie Ladd, Ivan Putski, The Fabulous Moolah, Pedro Morales, The Grand Wizard, Antonino Rocca, Captain Lou Albano, Killer Kowalski, Johnny Rodz, Vincent J. McMahon, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, Pat Patterson, Baron Mikel Scicluna, and the Valiant Brothers.

While it's nice that many of these now-deceased stars were able to enjoy their special night, their longtime fans can only wonder what the inductions of legends like Monsoon or Albano may have been like in the current Hall of Fame format. On the other hand, some of these early stars may have preferred the more intimate atmosphere that these ceremonies held, where fan attendance seemed to be more of an exception than a rule. No ridiculous chants at these banquets, for sure.

Though often unseen, these banquets yielded three individual Hall of Fame programs. Unlike the modern WWE Hall of Fame programs, these were small, four-page affairs printed on heavy paper stock reminiscent of a school concert or wedding program. Seeing as that attendance was greatly limited at these events, these programs do not become available very often. One in my own collection even has a small food stain. Could this have dropped from the fork of a Gorilla? Will you stop?

WWE Network does feature abridged versions of these events. While we may never see the full ceremonies officially released (there may be a "fan cam" version of one, but you didn't hear that from me), at least we have these fun and somewhat rare mementos of the nights where Rogers, Superfly, Blassie, and Patterson, among others, were finally and fully recognized by the company that they largely helped to build.

Pat Patterson Now "Accepted" In Book Stores World Wide

When you would think of wrestlers who should have written a book but were highly unlikely to do so, Pat Patterson topped the list. A legend in all aspects of the wrestling business, the man himself always seemed rather guarded and rarely, if ever, did real world or "shoot" interviews. His inclusion in many of the WWE Legends of Wrestling roundtable shows was somewhat of a surprise in itself. When Patterson opened up his life a bit more during the run of the WWE Network program "Legends House," the possibility of a book seemed like it just may happen one day. Here we are in 2016 and "Accepted" has hit the shelves.

Those who only know Pat Patterson as one of Vince McMahon's "stooges" in the Attitude Era are in for a shock, if any such fans with that limitation on their knowledge of the man truly exist. Patterson's story reaches back decades in the wrestling business, to a time when dreams really could be attained by someone with just a few dollars in their pocket and little-to-no real direction. Pat, born Pierre Clermont in Montreal, went from star wrestler to one of the most creative behind-the-scenes minds that the wrestling business had ever seen. But how did he get there? How did he make the jump? Where did all of the knowledge and creativity come from?

I classify most books written by wrestlers into two different categories: "wrestling books" or "books by a wrestler." Patterson's story is definitely the latter. While you're going to get the stories and tales that made up Pat's life in the ring, this is his story and how wrestling fit in, not the other way around. If you're looking to get a true glimpse at the man that is telling the story, this is the way that it should be done. Most Patterson fans will know this going in. Listening to Patterson speak on "Legends House," you can tell that while the man loves the wrestling business, he tried to never let it define him. He may identify more with "Pat Patterson" than "Pierre Clermont," but that does not mean that wrestling consumed him.

Joining Pat in telling the tale is someone who was perfect in bringing out the wrestling history aspect. Bertrand Hebert was co-author (with Pat Laprade) of the critically acclaimed "Mad Dogs, Midgets, and Screw Jobs" which told the complete story of wrestling in Montreal. Seeing as that Patterson is a native of the city and was influenced by that particular wrestling product, it was a perfect fit. Hebert also manages to avoid one of my biggest pet peeves in autobiographies: adding in long rehashes of history unrelated to the star. While it is needed in some instances in order to set up a particular scene or story, in many books it gets tiresome and is written in a way that completely distances you from the voice of the author. In "Accepted," rarely did I feel that the words written weren't coming direct from Patterson.

There are plenty of stories from the wrestling business, some of which you may have heard before, but plenty that will be new to you. Pat's work side-by-side with McMahon does not get quite as in-depth as JJ Dillon's book did, but you still get a good look at the inner workings of the golden era of the World Wrestling Federation. Even with all of the wrestling books produced in the past 17 years, this is till relatively uncharted territory. Patterson's emotions for many of wrestling's most powerful moments come through, and that is also when his love for the business shines most.

Again, wrestling does not define Patterson the most. I would say instead that it is his yearning for love and acceptance (hence the title), and maybe not completely in the ways that you may be expecting from your previous knowledge of the man. Patterson's interesting family situation from growing up also played a pivotal role throughout his life. How that actually led into his journey in the wrestling business is another story that is told here for the first time.

I definitely want more from Patterson. You know that he is full of stories that could have doubled or tripled the size of the book. Will they ever be told in a public forum such as this? Probably not. Patterson is very loyal to friends in the business as well as the McMahon family who he is accepted as a member of. I feel very lucky that Patterson has chosen to tell this much after all this time. I was also pleased with the number of photos included. Not only is there a large color section in the middle, but there are also black and white photos throughout.

"Accepted" is one of the books that comes along that I can't put down. As I mentioned earlier, it definitely left me wanting more, but what we received was excellent. I do classify it as a "book by a wrestler" rather than a "wrestling book," but fans of wrestling's past won't be disappointed. Ray Stevens, the WWF, Canadian wrestling, the territories, Sgt. Slaughter, Killer Kowalski, and the Royal Rumble are just a few of the wrestling aspects of Pat's story. With a list like that, how can you go wrong?

Wrestling Cards Of Pure Imagination

We don't always get what we want. It's an old saying, even a song, and it rings true in every day of our lives. Nonetheless, sometimes our minds can produce images of those things that we want. In this day and age, it's becoming easier and easier to project those ideas into reality. 3D printers are fast becoming the latest Star Trek-esque technology to catch on in the real world. They can produce items from our minds into tangible matter in just hours. The ability to create items from our minds digitally has existed a lot longer. Today, you'll be going inside my mind (yikes!) to see an idea that I've described here a few times before...a new WWE Heritage tribute to the 1987 Topps WWF trading card collection.

Imagine, if you will, that Topps has indeed decided to celebrate thirty years of their 1987 WWF release. This would also coincide with 2017 being thirty years since what many consider to be the biggest wrestling event of all-time, WrestleMania III. Using only concepts that Topps could possibly use in the release as well as only names who have appeared in previous releases, this is what those cards might possibly look like...

The original 1987 release was made up of basic wrestler "name" cards, action cards with captions, "television set" cards with word bubbles, and a few cards featuring images from WrestleMania III. Stickers were also included in the original set, but since they were reuses of photos on the cards albeit with different backgrounds, I didn't include them in the "new" set. Just as I was careful to only include superstars who could contractually be used if the set were really released, I replaced the old WWF block logo where needed and even etched it out in one or two instances.

Like all Heritage releases, the wrestlers featured would be a mix of old and new. While Topps likely has its reasons, the photography in some sets has been reused several times in recent memory, so I attempted to use some rarer shots of many of the stars. Just as in the original 1987 set, promotional "posed" images of some stars would be used as they translate very well to the designs of the cards.

The captioned action shots are easily brought up to date, again with a mix of current WWE Superstars and Legends. The WrestleMania III cards would instead be replaced with a WrestleMania History subset, featuring one shot from each of the thirty-two WrestleMania events. Although it has been awhile since roman numerals have been used in the actual promotion of WrestleMania, each card would feature them here. There are plenty of newer WrestleMania moments that haven't had their proper due in trading card form, which can be remedied here.

The "television set" style cards originated in the 1985 Topps WWF card set and continued with the "sequel" released by O-Pee-Chee in 1986 and of course in 1987. Although the original cards generally had humorous "word bubbles" featured spewing from the mouths of the stars, I think that the set could also represent some of the more memorable moments in televised wrestling history whether the quote is funny or not. With many past moments on wrestling programs now being digitized into high-definition, I think that these shots could easily be plucked for usage on trading cards.

The set could feature the usual relic and autograph cards, but I would also like to see the first Heritage "cut signature" cards. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, these cards feature autographs removed from other sources and implanted into the card. These cards are usually very limited and more often than not feature signatures of deceased stars. Topps WWE Undisputed sets of 2015 and 2016 were said to have featured some cut signatures. With the nature of the Heritage releases it only makes sense to carry the concept over.

Will a set such as this ever come to light? That's up to Topps and WWE. Certainly some or all of the concepts could turn into reality. Regardless, it's fun to take a look at what could be, and for me to transplant an idea from my brain to the infinite archive of the Internet...

...as if the Internet needed any more demented minds!

WWWF Wrestling Action #5

And as quickly as it began, it ended. WWWF Wrestling Action Vol. 1 No. 5 was indeed the final issue of the storied publication. It's hard to say whether or not this was planned to be the last issue, but as publisher Les Thatcher told me years ago, the McMahon's decided to pull the plug. Fittingly, the final issue is a look to the future and contains several "firsts" that would follow the company into the next decade.

The cover story is "Stars Of The '80s" featuring artistic renderings of
Bob Backlund, Ivan Putski, Tony Atlas, Tito Santana, Ken Patera, and Hulk Hogan. While autographing my copy, The Hulkster told me that this was his first magazine cover appearance. The claim may very well be true. This magazine predates his first Pro Wrestling Illustrated cover appearance by several years. There may be a program or two out there from this time or before with a Hogan cover, but as far as magazines I do believe this to be his debut.

Also of historic note is the change on the cover from the previous four issues. "World Wide Wrestling Federation" has silently become "World Wrestling Federation." There is still at least once instance of "WWWF" being used inside the magazine.

In the opening page we don't get any real indication that this would be the last issue. It is said that subscription balances will still be fulfilled. Just as with issue #3, issue #4 was a complete sellout as well. The $2.50 back issues of the first two editions were still available. Fill my cart. "Vince McMahon" pens the "As I See It!" column this time around, and there really isn't much to identify if that was supposed to be father or son.

Features kick off with a brief story and photos on the new and popular tag team championship team of Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. Putski is in a transitional phase where he isn't quite the clone of The Mighty Igor any longer, nor is he the slimmer and more cut undercarder that many grew up on in the '80s. Our next article is about "A Perfect '10'." No, it isn't Nickla Roberts. It's "The Incredible" Hulk Hogan. Even here, The Hulkster just simply looks different from anything else the wrestling had seen up to the point.

Another two-pager discussing Afa and Sika of The Wild Samoans is followed by a three-page story titled "Who Is The Real Living Legend?" It seems that Larry Zbyszko (now being misspelled "Zbyscko") is no longer the fan favorite tag team partner of Tony Garea as he was in the previous issue. At this point he has made his infamous turn on his mentor, Bruno Sammartino. This article is highlighted by a photo of a battered, beaten, and afroed Bruno struggling to get up off the mat. Blood is pouring off of Sammartino's face in a shot that rivals that of Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIII.

Our centerfold this issue features the WWWF Champion and Inter-Continental Champion, Bob Backlund and Pat Patterson, respectively. "Intercontinental" is spelled with the hyphen and this is the aforementioned instance of WWWF being used in this WWF issue. One wonders if this photo was taken backstage in Rio de Janeiro after the huge tournament to crown the first Intercontinental Tournament. Perhaps this is why the background of the photo was replaced by generic blue. The mysteries deepen!

Patterson is also the subject of one of our next articles in addition to fellow 1980's WWF official, Rene Goulet. "The Fighting Frenchman" is shown battling both Sika and Larry Zbyszko (here spelled "Zbyscho" in a new variant). Patterson is shown slugging it out with Ken Patera in a story that questions whether or not the blond from Montreal has completely changed his formerly "evil" ways.

Speaking of Patera, the next two-page story is all about the former Olympic great. A wonderful color photo of Patera, pictured with manager The Grand Wizard, reminds us that this is not the same Patera that many remember in 1987 and 1988. Patera was a vicious and feared heel at this point. Had this version of Patera picked up where he left off in his late '80s run, Hogan may have had another credible challenger to the WWF Championship.

After a two-page feature on Bob Backlund, Tony Atlas gets a photo and small blurb. When I had "Mr. U.S.A." sign the cover of this issue, he knew where his feature was inside. He turned to it, signed that photo as well, and briefly went over the column. Future feuds with Patera and Hogan are mentioned. Atlas press-slamming The Hulkster not only became the cover of an issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, but also one of the strongman's proudest moments.

We end with a college of five of the photos that were used to create the cover. In addition to the cover stars, Zbyszko (now "ZybscKo"), Tony Rich (likely a typo for Tommy Rich), Austin Idol, Mike Graham, the Von Erichs, and Ric Flair are also mentioned as those who will likely be the biggest sensations of the 1980's. While all shown or listed had some success in the decade, I think that we can boil it down to Hogan, Flair, and the Von Erich boys as those who truly reached superstardom.

We've now explored all five issues of WWWF Wrestling Action. As I said in the first issue entry, the set counts among my favorite pieces of wrestling memorabilia. It's a nice-sized set that contains a lot of history. WWE should celebrate the series, but it isn't going to happen. They recognize Victory Magazine as their first publication. The two issues of Victory are good, but aren't much more than two more issues of the regular WWF Magazine. Wrestling Action is a completely different take on a wrestling magazine. If you have one issue or all five, cherish them. If you don't have any, let the hunt begin!

The Memorabilia Of WWE Legends House

It should come as no surprise to anyone that a show like WWE Legends House is right up my alley.  While no big devotee of the "reality" television boom of the last fifteen odd years, I've never made it much of a secret that I am a fan of the stars of wrestling's past.  Giving some of those stars the chance to shine once more in a setting that highlights the often quirky personalities of these past titans?  I'm there.

As soon as WWE Network was announced, Legends House promos started rolling.  After all, the show had been filmed two years earlier and was finally going to see the light of distribution.  I'll be the first to admit that the initial "teaser" look at the show appeared less than promising.  Sure, everyone expected normal reality show hijinks paired with wrestling legends, but for whatever reason the preview felt underwhelming.  The novelty of seeing these men as they appear today was nonexistent for someone like myself who sees them regularly on the convention circuit.  Would there be another hook to Legends House?

With Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jimmy Hart, Pat Patterson, Mean Gene Okerlund, Tony Atlas, Hillbilly Jim, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Howard Finkel all under one roof, the answer could only be "yes."  Thus far, the show has been an entertaining mix of humor, drama, and cabbage rolls.  Viewers are already debating as to which of the legends will be standouts and which will cause the most trouble during the group's stay in the former Palm Springs estate of "Marx Brother" Harpo Marx.

While no memorabilia from the show itself has crept up (yet), any fan is bound to get nostalgic with these eight legends.  Only one (Patterson) never had an action figure, but others like Piper and Duggan more than make up for that.  Great portraits hang above each legends themed bed area, but what other items could've been placed in the house?

The first legend to arrive at the house was "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas.  The strongman immediately noted that he is known for press slamming Hulk Hogan.  This is indeed fact, and one of these moments was immortalized on the cover of Pro Wrestling Illustrated back in August of 1981.  Atlas loves seeing and discussing merchandise that included him, but he has always seemed especially proud of this PWI cover.  He often adds the story that this particular photo was the sculptors reference while designing the Slammy Award trophy.  Truth or fiction, it is still an impressive shot from wrestling's past.

Jimmy Hart has described himself as "the ultimate entertainer."  While many fans have certainly enjoyed his ringside antics, Hart was making audiences get off their feet long before entering pro wrestling.  As a member of "The Gentrys," Hart crooned out hits like "Keep On Dancin'" that helped define 1960s music.  In wrestling, Hart continued to parlay his musical skills by penning countless entrance themes and even cranking out a few albums.  His "Outrageous Conduct" album was released both during his Memphis and WWF runs.  With songs as clever as they are comedic, the albums are sought after due to being produced in relatively low quantities.

Hillbilly Jim is one wrestler who seems to have adapted nicely to life after the business.  He's also one of the better remembered characters of 1980s WWF.  This is, in part, due to the visibility of his LJN WWF figure.  If you didn't have one, you knew someone who did.  I can still remember pointing out the wrestling figure of "the farmer" (as my young mind dubbed him) on trips to the much-missed Hills toy department.  We may never know why the figure was designed with a red shirt underneath Jim's overalls, but no LJN collection is complete without the country boy.

It will be a shame if the show completes without Mean Gene or The Fink grabbing a microphone, and what better choice than the WWF Microphone by PlayTime Products.  This toy wasn't on shelves very long, but it was the closest that any company came to the real deal.  The 80s/90s WWF microphone was so iconic, it even "showed up" at a 1992 WCW/NWA press conference.  Wherever it appeared, you knew that something was about to go down in the wrestling world.  "Put that cigarette out..."

We can only wonder what predicaments the legends will find themselves in as the weeks go on (I'm personally anticipating their encounter with Adam West), and if indeed a Legends House Season 2 will go forward.  Hulk Hogan has been already been rumored for a second run.  Despite being a lifelong Hulkamaniac, I'd rather see some of the underexposed legends get time in the house.  Who would I book?  How about Arn Anderson, Nikolai Volkoff, Ron Simmons, Dusty Rhodes, Bob Backlund, Sgt. Slaughter, Terry Funk, and for the first time, a female legend.  One who has a place in history, but whose real-life personality has never really taken center stage.  Knowing her as I do, she considers herself one of the "boys" and would fit right in.  Of course I am speaking of the one and only, Leilani Kai.

Aloha, Legends!