After revealing a pair of Kane Elite action figures as part of the Comic-Con reveals, the Big Red Machine was a popular subject among wrestling figure collectors over the last couple of days.
Collectors on the wrestlingfigs.com forum asked Action Figure Attack, aka Steve Ozer, Mattel’s associate manager for global brand marketing for the WWE toy line, several questions about the Big Red Machine’s future 7-inch action figures.
Collectors wanted to know if the next Kane figure could feature a “newly sculpted debut mask and a new non-removable 2002 ‘half-mask’ with sculpted goatee.”
“To me, it only makes sense that that’d be one of the next versions of Kane explore,” Ozer wrote.
Ozer also addressed design questions for future Kane (and Undertaker) figures. He wrote that he’d like to make laceless boots happen for both Brothers of Destruction, and Kane will “hopefully” get a newly sculpted torso in the future.
Let’s get into the weeds on the WWE Mattel line. Here are highlights from the Q&A.
Asked if the Fan Takeover attires of Adam Cole (camouflage Takeover War Games) and Christian (WrestleMania XX) would be under consideration for future waves …
- “I know these looks are desired which is why they were in the poll. I really thought they’d win. The only thing the poll guarantees is that the winning looks will come first. They’re on my radar for down the road though.”
- Ozer added that although not all of the runner ups would be next or guaranteed, “clearly popular gears like the camo Adam Cole would be prioritized.”
Asked why the Elite 79 Undertaker was made a Collector’s Edition Walmart exclusive and how readily available the figure will be …
- “It actually allows for us to make a bigger deal out of it. This won’t be rare like Pete Dunne.”
- He added in another response: “These should be roughly as easy to find as The Rock Collector’s Edition fig.”
Asked if E79 Undertaker will be sold on Walmart.com this fall …
- “I’m not 100% certain yet but ideally, yes.”
Asked if Elite 81 and 82 would be out in late 2020 …
- Elite 80 is the last official wave of 2020. Although Ringside Collectibles will likely “airship” E81 and E82 early, it’s “too early to tell if brick and mortar” retailers will receive them by the end of this year.
On if the WrestleMania 2 Elite Mr. T and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper 2-pack will come out by the end of the year …
- “T vs Piper should be.”
On the release timing of Ultimate Edition 8 (Edge and Randy Savage) …
- Early 2021 for Randy and Edge.
Asked if “Hollywood” Hogan Ultimate Edition figure coming with a weight belt and shirt …
- “Both should be included on final product. You’ll see more with the next step visuals shortly.”
On the future of the Ultimate Edition line beyond that …
- “UE beyond Series 10 (and any toy line really) is dependent on retail interest and sales. As of today, there is definitely retail interest and sales are solid so things are looking good.”
On the possibility of Ultimate Edition 2-packs …
- “I don’t think we’ll be seeing UE 2-packs just yet but maybe down the road as the line continues to grow in popularity.”
Asked if Ultimate Edition Brock Lesnar and Shawn Michaels figures will make it to retail stores …
- “I’m not certain honestly. I know we’ve shipped out everything for that wave but I’m not sure who it was allocated to. If you want them, don’t sleep on these two.”
On the Legends Series 8 case breakdown …
- 2x Eddie Guerrero and 1x each Ultimate Warrior, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.
Asked if Ringside Collectibles will carry the upcoming Survivor Series Elite wave …
- “I’m assuming but that’s a question for them really.”
Asked if the WWE Legends waves will remain 4-figure waves and if Legends Series 9 and 10 will be revealed at Ringside Fest …
- Ozer wrote that they will remain 4-figure waves, and it’s unclear if they’ll be revealed at Ringside Fest.
Asked if the Legends Series would be sold on Ringside Collectibles …
- “It will not.”
Asked when Beast Mode will reach retailers …
- “Beast Mode is hitting smaller retailers now. May be just a little longer before they’re at a major retailer.”
Asked if Hulk Hogan will receive a single-carded figure in the Masters of the WWE Universe line …
- “At this time, Hogan with the ring is the only way you’re gonna be able to get him.”
On the lack of first-time-in-the-line Legends and Flashback figures …
- “Of course there will be more soon but you have to realize that after 10 years, there’s not going to be a dozen 1st Time in the Line Legends announced at one event. More are already in the pipeline and we’ll continue to work with WWE to add more to our available roster of Legends.”
Asked if the Fan Takeover Series 2 X-Pac would come with a soft goods nWo shirt …
- “He will.”
Asked if the British Bulldogs tag team era Davey Boy Smith would come with mid-sized boots and tube socks similar to Harley Race and Don Muraco …
- “This is most likely final.”
Asked if the Rocky Johnson Elite is a final or if there is time to add his tattoos or lighten his skin tone …
- “The fig shown is essentially final.”
Asked if there was a reason why lower legs for tights were used on the Legends Bobby Heenan instead of bare skin lower legs …
- “We noticed this leg error immediately and put in a request to China to change it. Apparently that didn’t happen unfortunately.”
Asked if Viking Raider Erik’s kickpads will be fixed …
- “That’s essentially final product.”
On using pin-less parts in the future …
- “We have some pin-less parts already. The Network Spotlight Jinder for instance. I’m sure you’ll see more as time goes by.”
Asked if a canceled Marlena figure could find its way back into a lineup …
- “I’ll keep trying until it’s no longer a possibility.”
Asked if Mattel is still planning a re-release of Harley Race …
- “When we can make it happen it absolutely will.”
In response to a plea to make LOD 2000 …
- “There’s no need to plea. If they’re ever made available to us again, it’s on!!!!!”
On if “Sensational” Sherri or Luna Vachon in the Legends line …
- “That’d make me very happy also.”
On a potential Rhythm & Blues era Greg Valentine …
- “It’d be the next one I’d personally like to do. We’ll see if we can make it happen.”
Asked if there is a chance of the “Brock Party” Brock Lesnar figure, with Money in the Bank briefcase, could be a future release …
- “It’d make for a great fig.”
On the lack of Jeff Hardy reveals …
- “There will be more Jeff Hardy figures.”
Asked if more Jimmy Hart figures are possible …
- “More Jimmy’s are possible.”
On the possibility of a 1970s era Dusty Rhodes Elite with floppy hat and red robe …
- “Possibly. We’ll see.”
On the chances of a 1970s era Gorilla Monsoon action figure …
- “It’s possible. We’ll see if it comes to fruition.”
On making an Attitude Era Jerry Lawler with jacket …
- “Probably down the road. That look really should have a fig.”
On Lawler having an excited “puppies” reaction …
- “Maybe. Would have to submit to licensor to see what they say.”
Asked how Mattel will make Shotzi Blackheart’s tank …
- “No idea but we’re up for the challenge.”
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