Better late than never? 2024 best of lists are likely old news, but I put this one together and figured I’d share it before the calendar flips to February.
You can also check out my lists of the best Elites and AEW figures or listen to me discuss some of those picks on the latest Wrestling Figure News Podcast.
Anyway, here’s long-overdue list of the Best WWE Ultimate Edition figures of 2024.
Honorable Mention: Bret “Hit Man” Hart – Monday Night War (Walmart Exclusive)
The attire of this Bret “Hit Man” Hart is a 10/10. The head sculpts, not so much. Even with the heads not hitting, I still love this figure.
Honorable Mention: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper – Coliseum Collection (Mattel Creations)
The “Rowdy” Roddy Piper Ultimate Edition figures were top-notch in 2024. You could argue the Monday Night War WCW-era Piper was better than this Coliseum Collection figure. But as an LJN kid, this one hit my nostalgia bone. Add a ringer T-shirt and this is a top 10 figure.
Honorable: Mention: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
Again, the Coliseum Collection is one of my favorite sub-lines, and finally getting a Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat is good enough for an honorable mention. Plus, these head sculpts are among the Dragon’s best yet.
10. Eric Bischoff – WCW Nitro Ring
This is the Eric Bischoff figure Attitude Era collectors have been waiting for. The molded leather jacket looks fantastic and works better than expected. The younger Easy E heads are well-crafted. This is a must-have.
9. Eddie Guerrero – Monday Night War (Walmart Exclusive)
Mattel course-corrected the Eddie Guerrero torso for this WCW-era figure. The glossy pants and early heel Guerrero heads push this figure over the top.
8. The Outsiders (Ringside Exclusive)
Ringside Collectibles continued to crush its exclusives, and this Outsiders 2-pack was another one for the good guys. The Scott Hall taunting hands and head perfectly captured Hall. Nash upgrades the Elite 16 figure, with some never before released accessories (nWo vest and elbow pad). More Ringside exclusive 2-packs, please.
7. Vader (Target Exclusive)
Mattel continues to plus-up older Elite figures with Ultimates. This Target exclusive Vader figure was no exception and an underrated figure. Add in the re-release of the Vader-era WCW Championship and this was an easy buy.
6. Steiner Brothers (Ringside Exclusive)
Maybe one of the more underrated figure releases of the year was the Steiner Brothers’ much-anticipated first Mattel WWE action figures. These didn’t disappoint, from little details like Rick’s mismatched boots and the unique coloring of the Michigan jackets (note Scott’s is a lighter yellow on the sleeves). What an amazing year for Ringside exclusives.
5. Ultimate Warrior (Target Exclusive)
Speaking of underrated, the Target exclusive Ultimate SummerSlam Ultimate Warrior started 2024 off as a figure of the year contender. This Warrior pops in deco hits, the air brushed duster looks fantastic as does the Warrior’s face paint. Add in a proper tan and this Warrior went next level.
4. Asuka – Series 20
Speaking of underrating, I may be doing so with this Asuka. Mattel lead designer Bill Miekina put the attention to detail in this figure that it deserves, and having the resources of the Barbie team for soft goods like Auska’s robe makes this a must-have figure.
3. Cody Rhodes – Series 21
Mattel plused-up the Cody Rhodes Ultimate. This figure feels better in-hand than the original Mattel Creations release. The molded jacket was a nice upgrade over the cloth jacket on the first Ultimate, which seemed a little baggy. This Cody remained a standout from Day One.
2. CM Punk (Ringside Exclusive)
Recency bias? Maybe. A lot of collectors had this as the No. 1 figure of the year. And it’s a close second for me. The heads are the best we’ve seen in the Mattel line for Punk. It’s an unforgettable moment. The attention to detail, blowing-a-kiss head and overall feel makes this a top figure release. Just not quite No. 1 for me.
1. Papa Shango (Amazon Exclusive)
Papa Shango is my No. 1 figure of the year. For me, this figure takes a good Elite figure to a great Ultimate Edition, with soft goods robe, skull for cursing and bone necklace. The cursing head with eyes rolled in the back put this figure over-the-top for me. Call it recency bias. Call it the grip of nostalgia. Call it whatever you like, but Papa Shango is my No. 1 Ultimate of 2024.
For more figure rankings:
The Best WWE Elite Figures of 2024
Podcast: The Best WWE & AEW Figures of 2024
#Ad Disclosure: As an Amazon and Mattel Creations affiliate, I earn commissions from qualified purchases.
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