More Legends Are Immortalized!

Can you imagine if the famed Classic Superstars line returned? What if it had never ended? Both are true, from a certain point of view. Without getting too Obi-Wan for anyone, let’s explain. Several years ago Figures Toy Company started a wrestling figure line built nearly identically to the Jakks WWE “Ruthless Aggression” style figures that included Classic Superstars. FTC has broken their line into separate smaller lines including Rising Stars of Wrestling and Legends of Professional Wrestling. Several of the figures have been featured here on the blog over the years, but I couldn’t wait to take a look at the newest releases. All of the latest released names are either brand new to the figure world or haven’t had a plastic representation in years!

Today we’re looking at Dr. Tom Prichard, Brad Armstrong, Mr. Hughes and Savio Vega. Talk about four who would’ve easily fit right into a CS series. Actually, they would’ve been a lot better than some of the names that we did get. In any case, I’m particularly happy for Dr. Tom. He was such a good wrestler who saw action in virtually every promotion and territory. He became a great trainer and to this day remains one of my favorite names to see at conventions. A random conversation that the two of us had in Charlotte a few years ago will always stick with me. I could tell that his late best friend was on his mind while we spoke. That would be another legend getting a first figure here, Brad Armstrong.

Nothing has changed with the packaging aside from the names on the back which we’ll get to. The clear plastic clamshells are cool and different from anything you’ll find in the stores. The figures can be replaced into the packaging but you will have to readd twist and zip ties if you want it to look unopened. I love that the cardbacks inside of the clamshells have nothing attached to them whatsoever. The inner tray is a separate piece, so if you choose to keep just the card, as I do, you get a nice, clean card that you could easily display if you desired. Accessories with Hughes and Vega are inconspicuously included in small plastic baggies around the feet of the figure.

The facial likenesses on all four are really good. In fact, I would have to say that Savio is far better than he looked in the photography, for whatever reason. They really nailed him which is nice considering his only other figures, from the early Jakks Bone Crunching line, are rather bug-eyed. Dr. Tom is absolutely perfect and I can just see him primping his hair as Jim Cornette announces him. Hughes is perfectly ferocious looking. The glasses are part of the sculpt which is fine considering he wrestles with them on to this day. Armstrong is really good and, like with Prichard, the hair style is down pat.

Each figure has some amount of soft goods and they all look great. Tom and Brad each have real working zippers on their jackets. Hughes is decked out just as he wrestled and does include his hat. Savio has a gold chain and is ready to defend the Caribbean. 

The best part is that these fit right in with the Classic Superstars figures that so many of us have loads of. That line had political restrictions as does Mattel’s Legends line today. It’s a great thing that in this era we have companies like FTC that will give us names that other companies won’t touch. It allows us to flesh out our collections while, at the same time, giving recognition to some of the stars who never got this particular honor. I’ve wanted a Mr. Hughes figure since those WCW and WWF runs thirty years ago. Here he is, suspenders, scowl and all! And the guys like Prichard and Armstrong who you could honestly consider to be some of the last territorial greats? Whether you photography, play or just display, these are the names that you need to flesh out those rosters. The Hulk’s, Dusty’s and Savage’s of the world are great and we love all of their figures, but what are they without an undercard?

You know what else is great? There’s no pre-ordering here. These guys are ready to ship. As always, I highly recommend you go to FTC using our link right here and be sure to use our special code: JWS_WRESTLING_MEMORABILIA for 10 percent off. You can also pick up many other legendary names such as Louie Spicolli (another new release!), Alex Wright (reviewed right here a few months ago), The Sandman, Francine and Jim Cornette in just about another color combination that you can think of. Order the four that you see here (or any combination of four or more) and you’ll even get free shipping!

What’s next from FTC? It’s been known about for awhile, but I loved seeing Dennis Condrey on the back of the card. He’ll be joining the line soon with his very first action figure along with Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane. I will continue to ask for a “wrestling tights” version of James E. Cornette, also. We’ll truly be in for some Smoky Mountain madness when that happens…

This August, It's Nothin' But Mid-Atlantic Memories!

Occasionally, even a person such as myself who positively thrives off of nostalgia will admit that yesterday wasn't necessarily better.  I've been called everything from "born too late" to "an old soul," but it doesn't bother me.  I take pride in remembering, honoring, and re-living the past as much as possible.  The truth is, however, that one of the highlights of my calendar year wouldn't have had a chance of happening just two decades ago.  That event is Greg Price's Wrestling Legends Fanfest, formerly known as NWA Fanfest, and this year formally titled "Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend."

Back in the eras that many fans would deem the "glory years" of pro wrestling, an idea like Fanfest would have been unheard of.  Wrestlers may have occasionally given an autograph, posed for a photo, and gotten to know some of the more diehard fans, but an actual event designed for fans to meet the wrestlers?  It would've broken the secrecy of the wrestling business that those in it held so dear.  In this case, changes in the industry have become our gain.

If you've never previously heard of Fanfest, I encourage you to click the "label" below this entry and brush up.  The event is a four day extravaganza celebrating wrestling's past.  Fans can meet dozens of wrestling's greats, get autographs and photos, attend the Hall of Heroes dinner and ceremony, and even see some live wrestling action.  Magnum T.A., Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, Mr. Wrestling II, Ivan Koloff, The Rock & Roll Express, The Midnight Express, Baron Von Raschke, Ken Patera, and Manny Fernandez are just some of the names already announced to appear.

My personal highlight of the weekend is the aforementioned Hall of Heroes dinner.  Following a spectacular meal, everyone is treated to a Hall of Fame-style ceremony that often surpasses other similar events.  Inductees already announced for this year are both The Rock & Roll Express and Midnight Express with Jim Cornette, as well as wrestler, trainer, promoter, publisher, and announcer Les Thatcher and former Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion Danny Miller.  Cornette, who has been on a self-imposed exile from wrestling as of late, says that this will be his only 2013 appearance related to the business.  In addition to being a featured guest and Hall of Heroes inductee, Cornette will host one of his legendary late-night question and answer sessions.  Definitely not one for all ages, but nothing less than you would expect from "The Louisville Lip."

Two new features are front and center at Fanfest this year as well.  One is a four-day wrestling training camp to be run by Dr. Tom Prichard.  The good doctor and his co-trainers including Leilani Kai, Tully Blanchard, Les Thatcher, and Jerry Brisco will instruct two dozen young wrestlers over the weekend and ultimately decide upon one "Best-of-Camp" prospect.  That chosen talent will be the recipient of the $2,500 Reid Fliehr Memorial Scholarship. 

The other new addition to Fanfest's lineup of events is the filming of a new documentary appropriately titled "Mid-Atlantic Memories."  The movie will capture the memories, thoughts, and feelings of the wrestlers, promoters, and fans who lived Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling.  If you've been to a previous Fanfest in Charlotte, you have met many of those individuals who were there for the glory days of MACW and know that they absolutely loved it.  Even those of us who weren't fortunate enough to have lived it have been drawn in by the magic.

As is the case every year, Fanfest is a place for fans of all wrestling promotions to gather.  After all, so much of the top talent of the '70s, '80s, and even '90s once called Jim Crockett Promotions their home.  In addition to talent, JCP spawned so many events and concepts that have never left the minds of fans.  Starrcade, the Great American Bash, and the match that inspired so many copycats, War Games, were all born under the Crockett umbrella.

This year, perhaps more than ever, may be the Fanfest in which we remember those who have passed just as often as those who are sitting next to us at the Hall of Heroes banquet or signing an autograph.  With all of the remembrances for the film project we'll think of names like Wahoo McDaniel and Gene Anderson, both of whom didn't live to attend a Fanfest.  We'll also fondly recall virtual staples of the weekend, such as Sir Oliver Humperdink and Jack Brisco, who have sadly since passed.  In the end, those recollections will help us appreciate the present all the more.  It will also remind us to thank those who will be present in Charlotte for the memories, while we're still able to do so.

Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend will take place August 1-4 in Charlotte, NC.  For more information you can check out NWALegends.com and plan to make new memories!