2025 Wrestling Figure of the Year…and Farewell

Here we are once again at “Figure of the Year” time. It’s been a tradition that I can’t remember ever missing since the inception of this blog. This year it’s in vlog form on YouTube (handily embedded below) as is nearly all of my content these days.

As much as I’ve said over the years that the blog will never go away, I feel that my transition from blogging to vlogging is all but complete. I’m not taking down this blog, it’s been an incredible run, but I honestly do not foresee any future updates here. The vlog is updated several times a week and often daily. I will say that it skews more towards figure talk as that’s really what the majority of collectors seem to want, but I’ve done quite well talking about all facets of wrestling memorabilia on there. Most of all I’m having a load of fun doing it and in my opinion, in the short lives that we’re all given, that’s what matters the most.

I want to thank each and every one of you for sticking with me for all of these years. I’m confident that, if you already haven’t, you’ll follow me to the vlog format. The written word is just no longer championed as much as videos are. As with everything if you don’t follow the trends you get left behind. So far it feels as if my “face for radio, voice for silent movies” is popular among the video watching wrestling collectors so I hope that you tune in and agree.

Without this blog there absolutely never would’ve been a vlog. Please join me on the new adventure and as always…the best is yet to come.

-Josh

An Epic Flashback To Hasbro Glory

Recently on the vlog I’ve taken a look at some new retro wrestling figure releases. I’ve been very pleased with a lot of the product that we’ve been hit with but I felt that at least one set deserved an extra bit of detail that I can give in a traditional blog review. That set ended up being one that’s full of extra bits of details itself – Epic Toys Wrestling Megastars Series 4. Formerly Chella Toys (don’t ask me the history…I don’t tune in for the drama, I just know that it cleared up), Epic has positioned itself as one of the top boutique retro figure manufacturers with a combination of quality product and dedication to getting product out without making boatloads of promises. How many others could take lessons there?

The fourth series of Wrestling Megastars brings us a much improved version of a legend from the original Hasbro line, two stars who wouldn’t have been in that line and one who by all rights SHOULD have been in that line. In order I’m speaking of Ric Flair, Barry Windham, Dr. Death Steve Williams and The Barbarian. All four are packaged in, what I first seemed as such over twenty years ago, “collector friendly packaging.” As it was explained back in the day, “collector friendly packaging” means that you can open the figure up, remove it and then replace it with no one being the wiser. No seals, stickers, horrendous clear plastic bands or anything else. It causes some controversy among collectors as to what is truly “mint” and what isn’t, but we’re not here to discuss it. My only rule is that if it has some sort of seal, even ever so small (as a few of the Mattel WWE Retro releases have), I won’t get the one that I’ve opened autographed. For figures like these, where removing the figures and replacing them causes no harm, I actually prefer to slide out the card back and just get that signed. Personal preference.

Looking at each figure individually we’ll start with The Nature Boy. If I had to pick “worst Hasbro WWF figure” I don’t think I could pick anyone but Naitch. From the use of the Rick Rude body to the awful head (when I initially saw the “Undertake ‘Em All” ad I actually thought Flair was Dino Bravo) it was easily Hasbro’s worst “effort” of the line. I think I may have “worked” him a handful of times before I went back to the great Galoob figure. Have things finally been made right? In a nice touch by Epic this figure is actually based upon his WWF run, specifically his 1991 Royal Albert Hall match against Tito Santana. A great one to seek out or watch again.

Decked out in a soft goods green robe and green trunks, Naitch is stylin’ and profilin’. Even if we wouldn’t have seen elbow movement like this in a Hasbro, everything else about the sculpt matches up. I’m mixed on so much soft goods being used in retros since Hasbro did it so sparingly but something about this robe looks like it could’ve been done back then. I think it’s actually the gold trim. I can see this figure hanging in a store in the early ‘90s and that’s the effect we want.

Next up is Steve Williams. The good doctor is also decked out in a soft goods robe and is completely covered in red and white throughout the figure as he often was. The sculpt here is even a bit “softer” than Flair and it’s right in line with Hasbro. Of course he was nowhere near the WWF in that era but we’ve long since passed just getting then-current WWF talent in this scale. A retro Terry Gordy would go absolutely amazing next to Doc.

Another who didn’t have much of a chance to be a Hasbro (they were being planned during his brief stint as The Widowmaker) but did have a great Galoob is Barry Windham. “The Lone Wolf” was one of my favorite Galoob figures and definitely one of my most used back then. He had a great pose and I can honestly see a lot of that influencing the figure here. Once again the sculpt is on point for Hasbro authenticity. I’m still undecided on how I feel about the soft goods vest and the extra “claw” hand. Hasbro definitely would’ve sculpted the vest on or left it out completely. The torso sculpt is actually so good and Hasbro-esque that if I were ever to display the figure I may not even keep the vest on. Swappable hands have never been a favorite of mine with the few retro figures that have had it but I do understand the inclusion. It’s a feature of modern figures that’s been integrated.

Last but certainly not least we have The Barbarian. It’s baffling that it’s never even been rumored that Hasbro had him in the works back then. He’s a toy…he has fur and antlers…he’s a barbarian! Epic knocked it out of the park with their Powers of Pain version and this singles effort is no different. Some are calling this “Figure of the Year.” It’s absolutely amazing that this look has never before been done as a figure. The embarrassment put out by Jakks that was completely devoid of accessories and detail does NOT count. I will say that the detail here is a bit more than Hasbro would’ve done but how can it not be excused? We’ve wanted this look as a toy for thirty-five years. Barbs has come home to The Heenan Family.

It's a great set. Any or all of these would be right at home in any retro collection. My ultimate retro “test” is if you placed the figure in question among a smattering of original Hasbro releases and showed them off to someone without a clue as to who made what. If the new figure blends right in it’s obviously good to go. I think Flair, taking all factors mentioned in his individual review into consideration, would pass best. Windham would be second if the casual observer was less savvy on real world wrestling time lines. As far as modern retro wrestling figures go there isn’t a loser in the bunch.

As mentioned earlier I’ve done some quick reviews of some other recent retro releases on the vlog so be sure to check them out here.That platform has admittedly become my focus these days but I appreciate any and all who still come here to the blog for the occasional read. It keeps me going in all forms of coverage any time that I hear someone say that they’ve enjoyed any of my content. As always…thank you! And as I also always like to think, the best is yet to come!

The Retro Play We Deserved…

As wrestling figure collecting children we all dreamt of so much that, at the time, had no chance of existing. Take Hasbro for example. We had the wrestlers, the rings and a few items that didn’t fit with the figure line but were fun anyway. We were very pleased with what we did get, but we wanted more. Managers, announcers, referees, more championship belts, a cage. These items were essential to our “Federations” and we didn’t officially have them. Aside from a cage (it had to have been on the drawing board at one time or another) Hasbro never intended to bring us any of this. Nor did they plan on expanding play environments. Any wrestling fan knows that the action isn’t limited to the ring, it’s all over the place. Just as boutique companies, Mattel and even customizers are filling in the blanks on the figures we wanted, another provider is bringing us some accessories that our figures so desperately needed.

Enter Wrecollect Retro Creations. The Wrecollect products first came to my attention when I kept seeing this amazing playset of Brutus Beefcake’s Barber Shop showing up in photos. It looked like it could’ve been produced by Hasbro! Eventually I found them on social media and their website, wrecollect.com. Not only do they produce the playsets and accessories that we all wanted for our Hasbro figures in what’s currently referred to as the “retro” scale but also some sets for modern figures.

Cages, entrances, Piper’s Pits and Barber Shops are just a few of the sets they’ll do, but two caught my eye so much that I had to check them out. Those would be the retro scaled Locker Room Playset and Entrance Throne. Old school WWF fans will recognize these as figure sized representations of the classic locker room interview set on WWF television in the very early ‘90s and the throne (or “sedan” as the WWF liked referring to it) used by King Haku, Macho King Randy Savage and others.

The first thing you notice upon sight is how these boxes look so much like something Hasbro actually would’ve produced. Wrecollect goes out of their way for the full retro feel. The fonts are exact, the logos are as close as anything unlicensed is going to get and there’s even an adapted Hasbro logo. The figures shown in use with these playsets are a nice touch as well. I especially got a kick out of the retros of more modern stars being used to carry the throne as the “enhancement talent” used to do. Very fitting.

Opening the boxes yields even more attention to detail. The seat itself on the throne is made to look as if it’s made from actual wood. It really adds to looking just how the real one did. The rails to carry it have small arches cut into them so that it can nicely fit onto the shoulders of the wrestlers carrying it. If you just want to display it a post/stand is included. That way your King or Queen can stand alone in all of their royal splendor.

The locker room has even more amazing attention to detail. You didn’t think that every locker room in every arena looked the same back then, did you? Of course you did. We all did. Now we can continue that childhood innocence. The famous blue lockers are there complete with opening doors. The pay phone (grabbed by The Macho King himself!) is ready for calls and the receiver can be held in a figure’s hand. Even the bulletin board is full of detail with some very recognizable ads from the era. Hasbro or ICOPRO, anyone?

The locker room also connects to two other playsets by Wrecollect from the same era, those being the WrestleMania interview area and the WWF entrance way/curtain. It’s a sturdy material and truly looks like an item produced by “the big guys.” Hey, since they’re not giving us everything that we want let’s help out someone who’s dedicated to the craft. Be sure to check these guys out on their aforementioned website and on all the socials under the name of their company.

Also be sure to check out J\/\/’s Wrestling Memorabilia VLOG which is getting pretty active again. I’ve done three new videos in the past few weeks to some good, and encouraging, feedback which is making me want to produce even more content down that route. Check them out here on YouTube and be sure to let me know what you want to see in an upcoming video. Keep it clean, I’m a gentleman!

The American Dream 2025

I’m admittedly biased, but I still feel that Dusty Rhodes is underrepresented in the figure world. It’s certainly a lot better than it was when all we had was the infamous polka dot Hasbro, but for a man as big as he was to the wrestling business I still feel we should be seeing him more often. I’ve always felt that he missed what should have been his figure debut, alongside Ric Flair, in the Remco AWA line. Remember that some stars such as Flair, who weren’t necessarily AWA regulars, did in fact make the line.

The increasingly laughable brain trust at Mattel have done something to remedy that and made an unusual set of wise moves in doing so. In their WWE Superstars line, a homage to that forty-year-old Remco collection, The American Dream has finally made his debut. Packed alongside his son Cody, The Dream debuts in the first two-pack for this particular line. Mattel, in a nearly unheard of move, also made it painless to get these figures. While the normal WWE Superstars line is a complete nightmare to locate due to being exclusive to Walmart, Mattel released this two-pack on their Mattel Creations website. A few button clicks and no anger or worries. It’s a great thing and Mattel would be wise to just throw every exclusive onto the site. I’m sure that they’ve lost many collector dollars with their constant need to frustrate loyal customers.

It should be noted that the biggest difference between this set and the regular WWE Superstars line is the packaging. This two-pack is done in the slide-out clamshell packaging. While there is tape, baggies and other materials that end up in the garbage involved, you can return the figures themselves to the bubble without much being noticed. Still, it won’t be “mint on card” so if you insist on having it both ways you do have to purchase two sets. I’ll also take this time to make a prediction. I think that we will see a single carded Dusty, most likely in polka dots, in the WWE Superstars line. I have zero inside info. I’m not a bootlicking influencer so why would I? Simply an educated guess.

But how does Dusty match up? Is it the Remco figure we’ve yearned four decades for? I can’t recall if I’ve ever reviewed any of the previous WWE Superstars figures here on the blog before. In the event that you’re unfamiliar, the body types are sort of a modern upgrade to the original Remco AWA figures. If you’re familiar with the Masters of the Universe retro figures you’ll have an inkling. They fit in with the originals but possess more articulation, swappable hands and other modern “amenities.” True to the original Remco offerings the WWE Superstars are big on removable soft goods outfits and some accessories. When you can find the line at retail you certainly don’t feel ripped off. Many of the figures such as Andre the Giant, Earthquake and Brutus Beefcake are even “two-figures-in-one” with a few accessory changes. 

Dusty includes a smattering of different hands, a removable soft goods shirt and the classic NWA Championship belt. I saw some complaints on how “basic” the belt was when the figure was revealed. That showed me that those commenters had no business even collecting the line. The belt is a homage to the belts included with the Remco line. The plates are printed onto a rubber strap. While the Remco belt was a sticker on plastic it’s the same concept. It works perfectly and I wish that Mattel had done this with previous belts in the WWE Superstars line. The shirt is the same design that was released with an Elite figure several years ago. Cody also has some additional hands, a soft goods shirt and his trademark weight belt.

Traditionally the Remco AWA figures were either “ripped” or “fat” bodied. We have one of each here. Dusty has his splotch which, though I’m not sure the Remco would’ve had it, is subtler than on the modern figures of The Dream and fits the bill. The faces on both are very good and better than Remco would’ve done however that’s been the case with all of the WWE Superstars figures. The upcoming Remco/PowerTown line is going for the same look. I will best describe it as being a “modern homage.” I guess the basic head look from 1985 just wouldn’t sell today…except to me.

There aren’t any action features or high-level detailing here and those aren’t what this line is about. They aren’t for everyone but they certainly have proven to be popular. I again applaud Mattel for making Dusty accessible to everyone as all of the figures should be. The price is a tad higher than I think most would line but, again, I’m going to throw ease and convenience into the cost. I will always pay a bit more (on a retail level, not to jobless Cheeto fingers hunting at stores instead of working a real job) to save time and frustration. Not enough people understand that time is so much more important than money. You can always make more money. There are endless opportunities. When you’re out of time there’s nothing else. Think about that.

I truly thought that the aforementioned Remco PowerTown line would be among the first reviews here on the blog in 2025, but perhaps that was some very wishful thinking. I’m still hoping to do an entry on those, too, but as you can see with this type of figure there isn’t all that much to review. While I’m personally all but done with giving Mattel and most of these other manufacturers my frustration, this time they did a good thing. It’s a set that I recommend for most any collection and, once again, one that’s easily accessible. 

The definition of “The American Dream” has meant a lot of things to a lot of people. In the sense of the American people, in 2025 “The American Dream” is being sick of rich people, sick of money-grubbing companies and (most importantly?) sick of wrestling toy manufacturers, wannabe manufacturers and their absolutely piss poor treatment of the hard-working consumer. At least this set, in some small way, helped ease up that last one a bit.

Until my next pre-order gets cancelled, that is.

The Powers Return!

Another entry so soon? Well, the last one was very unexpected. As for this one, once I had these figures in hand I knew I’d have to sing their praises. Like a lot of my work, you should know going in that, more often than not, I’m actually going to like what I’m reviewing. In my decade and a half of doing the blog, Topps was the only company kind enough to send me product to review. I’ve never forgotten that. As for everything else, it’s out of my own empty pocket. So generally you’re not going to see a review here of anything that I truly despise, unless it’s part of something else, i.e. one figure in a set.

The “boutique” figure makers that have popped up over the years, mostly producing retro figures in the spirt of the Hasbro WWF line, have largely run hot and cold. This one is too detailed. That one isn’t detailed enough. This person doesn’t belong in this style. Why do we need another version of this wrestler in this style? You can take any of those complaints and add about fifty more. And don’t even get me started on the egos of some of these “businessmen.” Early on I came to a conclusion not unlike one that I follow for most of my collecting: if I don’t like it, I don’t buy it. Some majorly pathetic folks can afford to just buy everything. That’s not collecting. It’s stocking up to feel as if it gives them some sort of clout. If someone going out and spending money impresses you, you should probably stop reading this blog and see a shrink. Those are the types that I sit back and wait for the fire sale on. Their hefty and undeserved paychecks won’t last forever and the “collections” will start hitting eBay. But maybe I’m just a sadist with bad karma.

Anyway, we’re here to talk about two of the NICEST guys in the wrestling business, The Warlord and The Barbarian. I don’t think I’ve heard a bad thing about either, aside from idiots who might critique their in-ring work. Those are the clowns who don’t understand that wrestling isn’t all flips and mat sequences. It’s getting over, being memorable and making money. While both of these guys are still making appearances, I highly doubt it’s because they need to. It’s because, if you’ve ever met them, you can tell that they both genuinely want to be there.

Ok, enough anger, I promise. Let’s get to these figures. This set is put out by the group now known as Epic Toys. I’m still not sure of the details of what happened with the late Chella Toys but something went down and the company seemed to split. At least there are several companies currently that I think rose from the Chella ashes. I could be wrong about that, but I’m not here to talk about failures. Epic Toys has done a spectacular job thus far since taking over at least a portion of the former Chella line. I had passed on the initial pre-order for The Powers of Pain and regretted it once they hit collectors hands. Thankfully a second batch was made and that’s what we’re looking at here today.

The two-pack comes in a very familiar looking package with the card back greatly resembling the Hasbro two-packs of yore. The biggest difference is that this is “collector friendly” the figures can be removed without damaging a thing. Mattel has begun doing this with their retro line, however they also started adding a sticker tab so that the figure isn’t technically “mint” if you open it. That doesn’t exist here.

I’m very mixed on the concept across the board. While it’s nice and convenient, for whatever reason I’m not as keen on getting them signed in this style. I can’t say that I never will. I recently had the Mattel Retro Wendi Richter signed (it was from a set before the sticker arrived), but for some reason I’m just not as big on it. I prefer the traditional card back and glued bubble combo when it comes to getting them signed. Just a personal preference.

Whatever your feelings are on that, you WILL want to open these. These are absolutely 100% the closest “retro” figures we’ve gotten thus far to actual Hasbro releases. No, there isn’t any “Real Wrestling Action,” but the style and sculpts are absolutely right there. These could’ve been popped into Series 1 and a non-collector would be none the wiser. The PoP were still very much a team in this look when that series was designed so it isn’t out of the question that they COULD have been done then. Both figures also have the look of two original Hasbro poses. The Barbarian most closely resembles Hulk Hogan #1 or Sid Justice while The Warlord looks almost exactly like a redesign of Hogan #3. I absolutely love these designs/sculpts.

Some may have an issue with the soft goods entrance gear, but why? The Berzerker was released with soft goods. They’re a perfect balance of detailed and not-too-detailed. Although I’ve always felt that it was probably a wrestler’s tall tale, but for years the story has went that Mary Tyler Moore wanted to buy The Barbarian’s “fur” at WrestleMania VI. She probably made a joke that got taken too far, but it’s cute and the figure here brings it to mind.

The Barbarian is so under utilized in the figure world. I’m very much hoping that Epic takes on his “antlers” look as a single release. As for getting your hands on these, I wouldn’t even want to look at eBay prices and unless Epic does another release that will be the only way to go. They could do single carded releases if the demand is there. I just don’t want the company to get overwhelmed. They have, in my opinion, a retro coming that, in design, could even outdo these two (will you all please rise?), as well as the long awaited retro debut of Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. What really killed these boutique releases for a lot of us were the constant announcements and no product. Slow and steady wins the race. However you look at it, the retro ring is getting crowded.

So I came back for a few weeks. I have two ideas in the pipeline so I guess we could make a few more entries to round out the year. One is regarding a set that is scheduled to ship this year (although, you never know…) and another that, well, it might be one of the oddest ones I’ve done. Is it really memorabilia? Is it merchandise? It certainly features merchandise, in a sense. Regardless, I feel like talking about it and you can make your own decisions on whether it belongs here or not.

Maybe we’ll visit with The Von Erich boys yet again, too. This blog always was a “World Class” kinda affair.

Some Legendary Returns…

What could possibly drag me out of the “indefinite hiatus” that the blog has been on? Maybe The Greatest Wrestler on God’s Green Earth? Ok, no maybe. Definitely. In the nearly six blogless months of 2024 we’ve seen a lot of great figures but something about a proper NWA Harley Race figure gave me a feeling that I haven’t felt since I was a kid. When the figure was announced I felt as I did when I’d walk into a store and see brand new Hasbros or, in an instance that we all can remember, when the “Undertake ‘Em All” figure ad hit WWF Magazine. It’s a figure that many of us have been waiting decades for and here it is along with three similarly themed friends.

In case you’ve been under a rock (and who could blame you in this world?), the new Harley Race is part of a Mattel Creations four pack called “Legends of the Territory Era.” The set also includes Superstar Billy Graham, Gorilla Monsoon and, once again, Muhammad Ali. The set shipped almost as soon as it went on sale and is still available as of press time. Kudos must be given whenever an exclusive figure (or any figure for that matter) is easily accessible to collectors. There’s no need for manufactured collectibles with a limited availability. None at all.

As most Mattel Creations WWE releases have been, the packaging is impressive. The figures reside in a double sided display inside two boxes with impressive artwork. I really appreciate the faux vintage posters used for the design on the inner box. They show that care was instilled during the creation of this. That being said, some of the verbiage used by the company later nearly nullified all of that, but we’ll discuss that in a bit. Although I’m sure you could somehow store the figures back in the trays, it’s the plastic ties that keep them standing so they may move around a bit while stored. If you’re tossing the plastic trays be sure to remove Graham’s sunglasses first. They tend to blend in to the background.

The Ali – Monsoon side is a tribute to their often-replayed confrontation that was part of the build to Ali’s Boxer vs Wrestler match against Antonio Inoki. Monsoon’s airplane spin on Ali has been replayed ad nauseum over the years so you’ve no doubt seen it. We’ve only ever had one wrestling gear version of Monsoon before and this one greatly improves on it. While it’s obvious whose parts are being recycled here, it really works. It truly looks like Monsoon standing there. It’s absolutely his shape, size and stature. No one asked for another Ali but here we are anyway. It does compliment the Monsoon well. The soft goods upper body clothes look a tad off at times but it was crucial that they were made this way for the recreation of the scene. Apparently we should be grateful for this figure. Again, we’ll discuss that in a bit. I absolutely love the watch accessory which I had overlooked in the preview pics. It fits on like the recent removable wrist bands do so you have to remove the hand for the watch to come off.

The Race – Graham duo is a tribute to the never-ending ‘70s struggle of the NWA versus the WWWF. It’s cool to think of how that was possible back then, even if the business-minded promoters could never agree to give us a definitive winner. Not even for a short while. No one could look better than the other. That being said, both sides look great here. While I already gushed over Harley, a lot of the talk has been the belts and rightfully so. This is the first time that the “domed globe” NWA Championship has been in the Mattel line (and one of few figure-sized versions anywhere) and we’ve never seen the ‘70s WWWF Championship released at all. As much as I love the former, it’s the latter that really sticks out to me here. It’s scary close to the real deal and, yes, it does have the WWWF lettering. To think that we have both of these titles in the line in 2024 is mind blowing. Coupled with the fact that we’re getting the UWF Championship later this summer makes you want to ask, “what’s going on here?” Remember when “rights” absolutely could not be worked out for these belts? I can’t speak for them all, but I highly suspect that it was finally realized that no one really WOULD hold the rights to this WWWF title. These were “trophy belts.” Some trophy maker, probably in a back alley shop in Brooklyn, cobbled this belt together with spare parts. It would be a long shot if anyone tried to sue over that “design.” I could be entirely wrong regarding rights and I’m sure that someone “official” will tell me that I am, but I’m going by the facts of how these original belts were produced.

The original Mattel Billy Graham release was perfect and this one only improves on that perfection. The new “Scott Steiner” biceps are used further hitting home Graham’s impressive physique. The shirt is the new style without the velcro so you simply remove the head and hands to slide it on and off. It fits like a glove just as it would in real life. The extra elbow articulation really helps with his poses. While you don’t get the ‘80s Billy Graham head as you did in the first release, you could pop it on here if you really wanted to. This version is to celebrate the ‘70s and its flamboyant champion who paved the way for Hogan, Ventura and even Steiner among many others.

Finally, we have Harley Race. Remember that while the Jakks Classic Superstars release was nice, he had no facial hair. The head was a simple repaint of their King Harley Race head. Facial hair could’ve easily been painted on but inexplicitly wasn’t. Here we’ve got completely molded mutton chops and an amazing head of curly hair. The figure is relatively similar to the Mattel King Harley but that works. With the wonders of modern figures you can even pop the Greatest Hits blonde Harley head onto this body for a really early version of Race, as he did have blonde hair early on. The color here is royal blue and it’s topped off with his robe that Jakks had also included. This time we get “Race” on the back which is a great detail. The belt fits nicely. I might say that the main plate is just a tad too big, but I’m not complaining. Belts are hard to get both looking great in appearance and looking appropriate when on the figure.

A lot of the “official word” on this set rubbed me the wrong way. When first announced this was said to be first in a “line,” as in we’d receive different sets down the pike. This was corrected to be a “one off.” I don’t know who to blame here. Did someone at Mattel claim this to be a line? It was the worthless goons, I mean, “influencers” who seemingly first used the word. Could they ALL have gotten it wrong? In the grand scheme of things it means nothing, but perhaps we’re kowtowing a bit too much to these folks, eh, Mattel? I know they’ve certainly never influenced me on anything. I don’t watch their videos or even follow them, I’m alerted by others when they have some interesting news since, again, that’s how Mattel and most of these toy companies feel the need to release “scoops,” as it were.

In addition to it not being a line, I was directed to where the voice of Mattel stated that it was a one off because there weren’t enough characters nor enough interest to support more. Wrong and wrong again. Off the top of my head I compiled a list of at least twenty names currently known to be “available” to Mattel who could fit into this line. What better does Mattel like than using what they already have? Especially since I’ve been told that the statement of “This set would not have seen the light of day without Ali” was made by the same official voice. That’s funny considering that this is the figure that most DIDN’T want and also the one that a lot collectors stated would be up for sale. I understand getting the most of a license but it’s already been proven that the crossover for Ali just didn’t translate with the Mattel releases. Am I happy to have him? Absolutely. Am I glad that he’s the reason, in Mattel’s mind, that we got these amazing Race, Graham and Monsoon figures? Most assuredly. But that shouldn’t have BEEN the reason. If PowerTown can give us names with much less marquee value in 2024 than these three then so can Mattel. Why would they not want to produce more versions of Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, Bruno Sammartino and Terry Funk? Why do “The Legends of the Territory Era” have to be limited to the ‘70s? The time period lasted well into the ‘80s. Sounds like a team with limited knowledge of history to me and shortsightedness as far as consumer demand. Really, though, we have to keep in mind that toy companies aren’t in it for our collections nor our wants. They are in it to make money and, remember, it’s their job. They want to slap something together, present it to the bean counters and go home. For every loving detail like the ‘70s poster packaging we also get told that what we want doesn’t matter nor does the era that we know better than they do. Just remember that.

On the bright side, the Harley figure did make me remember something very positive. Twenty years ago this November I’d met Race for the very first time. With the help of this new figure I was able to recreate the first 8x10 that I’d ever had signed by him. It was a positive as this set, overall, is. When it was first announced I pretty much decided that I would do a one-off review for it, but then all of the issues in the last paragraph made me reconsider. After receiving the figures in-hand I knew that they had to be featured. If I may be your “influencer” for a second, go get yourself a set. Prove Mattel wrong and show that legends of all eras are what many of us want. If you’re reading this you probably feel the same. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I do have some ideas flowing. One may elaborate on a memory you just read about. I don’t want to limit my returns to amazing figure reviews, but if you want them I’ll try to oblige.

As always in the past fifteen years, thanks for reading and I’m sure that the best is yet to come…

 

Figure Of The Year 2023

It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time once again. What was the single best figure of 2023? Maybe I shouldn’t say single since, as far as this blog is concerned, there were two winners in 2022. There’s no denying that there are now more figures than ever to choose from since, for better or worse, there are now a multitude of manufacturers. Well, at least there are a handful of manufacturers and some kids playing dress up and trying to be manufacturers. Thinly veiled shade aside, more names than ever are immortalized in plastic and as long as they’re available to all it’s ultimately a better market. Let’s take a look at a few of the choices this year, some which were reviewed on this blog and some that weren’t.

You know him and you love him. Virgil was back in 2023 with a new figure from Mattel. This is only the second action figure of Virgil in his wrestling gear to be produced and just the fourth overall. For such a ubiquitous character in the glory days of the WWF it’s hard to believe, but at least he’s finally getting his due. I’m not sure why the choice was made to do this one as a Build-A-Figure as he would’ve been a hugely popular character in the Legends series, but there’s always room for that, too, just change it up to the look he had in the Hasbro figure. (George Foreman on Nutrisystem?) While we’re at it, why not a “Bodyguard Virgil” Retro figure?

Andre the Giant, as usual, saw a multitude of new releases but none stood out to me more than the suited version finally released in Mattel Elite Series 100. It’s a look that’s been ignored for decades and was finally done, complete with a variant. The big man was perfect for all of the “35^th Anniversary of WrestleMania IV” celebrations that were held worldwide (you weren’t invited to one? Where were you?) and filled a gap in collections everywhere. My one gripe with the figure was that the huge “paw” hands that were used on about two Andre figures and a Big Show release several years ago were not included and seem to be forgotten by Mattel altogether.

Figures Toy Company added some absolutely great names to their Legends line with the first ever figures of Dr. Tom Prichard, Brad Armstrong and Mr. Hughes among others. Many collectors sleep on these offerings and will be sorry when they’re no longer available. It’s the one line that I would absolutely guarantee a monetary value raise for once they’re no longer in production. The company has also recently announced that going forward there will be a brand new body type for all future released figures. This could be a game changer with some of the unique names that only FTC is seemingly willing to make. As the kids say, “I’m here for it.”

The Coliseum Collection gave us some nice possibilities with Ravishing Rick Rude and Jake “The Snake” Roberts as well as the Rowdy Roddy Piper and George “The Animal” Steele releases that you saw featured here last week. I honestly think that Steele could be my “First Runner-up” this year, if I had one, and I’ll reiterate a point that I made last week: availability is key. All of The Coliseum Collection releases are still available to order at press time. Remember, one of the factors in my choice of “Figure Of The Year” is availability. No one should be left in the cold buying what is nothing more than a children’s toy. Speaking of toys, George came with plenty including a turnbuckle and Mine!

No one could talk “Figure Of The Year” without mentioning the first six PowerTown Wrestling releases. Stan Hansen, Bruiser Brody, Verne Gagne, Kerry Von Erich, Lou Thesz and Magnum T.A. will forever be immortalized as the first figures in what will hopefully become one of the greatest lines of all-time. There were some hick-ups along the way and maybe a questionable marketing choice and tactic or two, but with the upcoming lineup announced I think we’re in for more FOTY possibilities in 2024. Let’s not forget their new “Remco” line, either! Dory Funk Jr, Wahoo McDaniel, Madusa, Junkyard Dog, Kamala and Jack Brisco will make up Ultras Series 2.

We can’t forget Mattel’s Mr. America, Gobbledy Gooker, Rhythm and Blues Greg “The Hammer” Valentine in both Elite and Retro formats as well as various entries from the Remco-styled WWE Superstars line. Perhaps the figures that could’ve caused another tie would have been Samu and Fatu. The Headshinkers were long overdo for a return to the action figure world. Nearly three decades, to be exact. While I got everything I needed from the releases I have to believe that some collectors didn’t end up with what I feel were the more desirable variants, The Samoan Swat Team versions. The boys had never before been done in this style as figures and it’s a shame to think that someone may not have been able to grab them. An honorable mention goes out to their manager, Paul E. Dangerously, who was released in the same series. It was “the mad scientist of wrestling’s” first figure in that look and name.

The winner? The 2023 Figure of The Year? From Junkshopdog it’s none other than Aja Kong. The Junkshopdog line should be familiar to anyone reading this. It’s a line based on the Japanese Popy wrestling figures of the early ‘80s. The fully licensed line has taken on names not only from the original era in which it replicates but also newer stars from around the world. You may recall their Bruiser Brody release reviewed right here on the blog several years ago. Recently the company was proud to announce that through a licensing deal with WWE they’re able to add Hulk Hogan to their lineup. This is especially fun since The Hulkster was indeed part of that original ine by Popy.

Aja Kong has long been one of my favorites. Her appearance in the line follows the release of fellow women’s wrestling star Bull Nakano who is equally amazingly captured. While I’d still like modern articulated releases of both of these ladies, the ability that the company had to take their unique likenesses and translate them perfectly to the Sofubi figure style is amazing. Another huge plus is that these figures come to you in one-hundred percent “collector friendly packaging.” This is a term used for decades which means that you can remove the figure from the packaging without damaging a single thing. Mattel has adopted this with their Retro line, but I’m not as fond of it there. In that line it’s a poor late-in-the-game change that disrupts the flow of the collection itself. Junkshopdog has been doing it since their first release. Best of all, while the company has had some sellouts on limited editions, most of their figures are available to purchase directly from them. No need to play the scalper game here. No “Biggin’” is buying his next bag of Cheetos off of the hard work of these guys, that’s for sure.

I’m looking forward to what 2024 brings us as far as wrestling figures. In my opinion Mattel has had disappointing “preview” showings and, aside from Virgil, the often bright lights of the Build-A-Figure sets have been huge letdowns. They’re also completely becoming slaves to retailer exclusives. Jazwares has seemingly lost as much steam with their AEW line as the wrestling company itself has. Why pre-order any of the figures when most characters are going to be clearance out at $4.99 by the end of year? Maybe it’s the smaller companies such as Junkshopdog that we should be looking to. The issue there is that for every Junkshopdog, which has proven itself to be a legitimate contender for your money, there are five or ten other little boys pretending to be toymakers with varying results. Caveat emptor.

We’ll be back next week to “wrap it up…”