Category: WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this 6¾-inch WWE figure represents the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage casually dressed with a painted-on ensemble. 

His outfit consists of: baggy light blue jeans with a light brown belt; black wristbands and black sneakers; a pair of his favorite shades; and a vintage ‘80s “Macho Man” t-shirt.  His articulation includes: 1. His head nods and will rotate a full 360-degrees (see note below).  2.  His buff arms are easily flexible, in part due to the well-built joints in his elbows and wrists.  Both the arms and wrists easily rotate the full 360-degrees.  3.  His waist also rotates 360-degrees, but his abdomen & ribs don’t bend.  However, his entire upper body can bow.  4. The stiff legs barely bend at the knees, so a sitting pose isn’t a viable option.  The legs, however, swing back and forth just enough to simulate walking.  5. His ankle joints slightly bend and turn. 

Note: It’s advisable to only turn this figure’s head sideways.  Rotating his head around a full 360-degrees seems to loosen the head’s attachment to the neck.

REVIEW:

With or without the sunglasses, its resemblance to Savage is absolutely spot-on.  Even his blue eyes and brown hair & beard are depicted with impressive care.  The paint job (especially his light purple T-shirt) appears immaculate.  The only thing inexplicably missing is a “Macho Man” bandanna, as it could have been a painted non-detachable extra.     

This figure is likely best as a display option instead of playtime.  Strangely, its limber upper body (which is loaded with posing choices) is a stark contrast to the thick and near-immobile lower half.  Despite limited options for lower-body poses, this figure stands up indefinitely once the feet are properly positioned.  Peg holes are included in the bottom of the sneakers, but a display stand isn’t part of this package.  Whether he is posing or elbow-dropping somebody, this Randy Savage figure is still worth ‘digging’ at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Though somewhat flimsy, Savage’s distinctive black-and-white sunglasses are detachable.  These shades are easily re-attached through his hair. 

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Savage’s photo shows him wearing the same light purple t-shirt.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:          7 Stars

Note: A later release of this figure comes with a ‘tough-talking’ voice chip.  However, instead of Savage’s actual voice, it’s a laughably bad imitator. 

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘basic’ WWE three-pack of approximately 6” to 6½” figures consists of: “Macho Man” Randy Savage; Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat; and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, all wearing their wrestling attire from March 1987’s pivotal WrestleMania III at the Pontiac Silverdome.  Steamboat pursued the wily Savage for his WWE Intercontinental Title.  Piper’s advertised ‘retirement’ match vs. “Adorable” Adrian Adonis also meant the sore loser gets a truly awful haircut.  These wrestling legends’ gear (including the wrist tape) is painted-on, though Savage and Piper both have tightly-secured rubber knee pads.     

To accurately define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. The figure’s head can nod and make a 180-degree turn both ways.  2. The arms and wrists can twist, turn, and bend enough to make a classic curled bicep pose.  3.  The abdomen and ribs don’t bend, but the figure’s upper body at spin at the waist a full 360 degrees.  4. The legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits.  The legs, however, can bend forward and backwards to simulate running or kicks.  5. The calves don’t rotate. 

Note: These versions of Steamboat & Savage (and probably Piper, too) are also sold separately.  The figures have a 2011 trademark.

REVIEW:

Starting with Piper, this figure’s likeness is spot-on, even down to his distinctive sneer.  Despite its modest articulation, his sturdy frame (including the terrific paint job) is exactly what a fan would want.  To Mattel’s credit, even Piper’s physique is realistically depicted.  Like Piper, Steamboat’s likeness is near-perfect, down to his red headband and the dragon logo on both of his boots.  Though his physique seems slightly embellished, everything else is exactly right (including his 5’10” height).  Of these three figures, Steamboat expresses the most articulation (in upper body and definitely lower body) points.  Unencumbered by clunky knee pads, his legs are the most limber for imitating his aerial maneuvers.           

Savage’s figure, however, is a mixed bag.  At a glance, the Macho Man’s likeness (including the paint job) is virtually flawless.  Yet, his figure is unnecessarily nearly a head taller than Piper.  The real Savage wasn’t nearly as lanky, considering he and Piper were roughly the same height (about 6’1”).  This Savage also towers a full head taller than the Steamboat figure, though their real height difference was far closer.  Savage’s lower body articulation (in part hampered by those rubber knee pads) makes him close to immobile.          

Posing options are limited, but these figures stand up well by properly positioning their feet.  There are holes in the bottom of the feet for display base pegs. 

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  Unfortunately, there isn’t a WWE I-C title belt for Savage & Steamboat to feud over; Savage’s trademark sunglasses & headband combo; or Piper’s “Hot Rod” t-shirt & Scottish kilt combo.  If there had been room for a fourth figure, either George “The Animal” Steele or “Adorable” Adrian Adonis would have been ideal.   

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective.  Its theme predictably relives WrestleMania III.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:               7½ Stars

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘basic’ six-inch WWE figure represents WWE World Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair for his fiery WrestleMania VIII title defense vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage at Indianapolis’ Hoosier Dome in April 1992.  To define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. This figure’s limited articulation doesn’t allow his abdomen & ribs to bend; 2. The legs can bend at the knees, but they can’t extend into splits; and 3. His calves don’t rotate. 

REVIEW:

In terms of its resemblance to pro wrestling’s self-described “dirtiest player in the game,” this figure is spot-on (though the physique is somewhat embellished).  His trademark peroxide blonde mullet, of course, is immaculate.  Though limited, the  articulation includes the ability to turn and nod his head; bend elbows; swivel his waist; rotate and bend wrists and lower legs; and expand his arms just barely for a classic curled bicep pose.  In terms of its production quality, the figure is impressively sculpted and sturdily built.  The paint quality is high-caliber, as nearly the entire red-and-white outfit is painted on.  The exception would be the red knee pads, which are tightly attached. 

Posing options are limited, but it stands up well when the feet are properly positioned.  His legs move well enough that one could even recreate Flair’s pompous strut.  There are display base peg holes in the bottom of the feet, but a display base isn’t included.  Whether for playing, posing, or just taunting his latest opponent, this Ric Flair is a solid buy at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

None.  Props, like his WWE World Title belt or his flashy ring robe, would have been appreciated.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Its generic theme hints towards his historic WrestleMania VIII showdown vs. “The Macho Man.”

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

Note: WWE/Mattel have also released a “Macho Man” Randy Savage figure wearing his WrestleMania VIII gold ensemble (minus the cowboy hat).

SUMMARY:

From Mattel in 2013, this ‘basic’ six-inch WWE figure presents WCW legend Sting from his late ‘80s – early ‘90s prime.  To define WWE ‘basic’ figures, it means: 1. This figure’s limited articulation doesn’t allow his abdomen & ribs to bend; 2. The legs can bend at the knees, but they can’t extend into splits; and 3. His calves don’t rotate. 

REVIEW:

Its resemblance to the ‘Stinger’ is mostly there.  Yet, the body is inexplicably short for someone who is 6’2” or 6’3” in real life.  Like other ‘basic’ figures, his ripped physique is somewhat embellished.  His famous peroxide blonde long crewcut, of course, is immaculately molded (including the distinctive short ponytail).  The limited articulation includes the ability to nod his head; bend his elbows; swivel his waist; rotate and bend the wrists and lower legs; and expand his arms just barely for a classic curled bicep pose. 

In terms of production quality, the figure is nicely sculpted and sturdily built.  The paint quality is high-caliber, as the entire light green, lime green, and black outfit and facial make-up is painted on.  His white wrist tape is also painted.  Posing options are disappointingly limited, but the figure stands up well when his feet are properly positioned.  There are holes in the bottom of the feet for display base pegs, though a base isn’t included.  Whether for playing, posing, or intimidating pro wrestling’s villains, this middle-of-the-pack Sting figure is a solid buy for fans at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

There aren’t any props.  A WCW World Title belt or a flashy ring jacket would have been appreciated.

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Its generic theme celebrates Sting’s energetic look for that era.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

SUMMARY:

From Mattel, this ‘elite’ WWE three-pack of approximately 6” to 6½” figures consists of: Sting; “Macho Man” Randy Savage; and “The Total Package” Lex Luger, all wearing their wrestling attire from July 1996’s pivotal WCW Bash at the Beach event.  This trio clashed with Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and, shockingly, Hulk Hogan, as this six-man tag match would controversially unleash WCW’s ‘NWO’ (New World Order) heel faction.  These wrestling heroes’ gear (including their wrist tape) and facial art are painted-on, though Savage has tightly-secured, yellow rubber boot tassels.

To accurately define a WWE ‘elite figure, it includes: 1. The figure can nod and turn his head 180-degrees both ways.  2. The elbows and wrists bend to comfortably create a classic curled-bicep pose.  3.  360-degree rotation of the wrists and hands are easy.  4. 360-degree swiveling of the waist is also easy.  5. Bending his upper body/chest is workable.  6. The calves allow a 360-degree rotation of the legs.  7. The knees and ankles bend.  8.  The figure easily stands, as long as his feet are properly positioned.  The bottom of the feet have peg holes for any display base the figure may fit, but display bases aren’t included for these figures. 

Note: This Sting, Luger, and Savage, are exclusive to this set, particularly for Savage & Luger’s use of Sting-like face paint.

REVIEW:

Starting with “The Total Package,” his figure’s likeness (even the facial expression), ripped muscular frame, and paint job are all spot-on.  Luger’s imposing, real-life 6’5” height is recreated next to the Savage and Sting figures (who mimic their approximate 6’1”-6’2” real heights).  Despite the black knee pads, Luger’s loose mobility is excellent.  The same applies to Sting, as everything about this Stinger figure is top-caliber.  In a subtle way, Sting’s physique isn’t overly embellished, which nicely adds to its realism.  Perhaps the figure’s most life-like visual element is the neat wide-eye stare.  Another plus is that his tights are garnished by his colorful scorpion logo on one leg and a multi-colored “Stinger” on the opposite leg. 

The Savage figure borders on near-perfection (in terms of its sturdy construction; a spot-on likeness, etc.).  This Sting-inspired “Macho Man” is only marred by the generously ripped portrayal of his upper body.  Still, the figure’s ‘agility’ is remarkably on a par with the real Savage’s legendary high-flying antics.  Posing options are surprisingly good, though the lack of a display base is a disappointment.  Whether for posing or battling the sleazy NWO, this awesome three-pack proves an exceptional buy for WCW fans at its standard purchase price.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

Savage’s black bandanna is detachable.  Oddly enough, so is Luger’s ponytail. 

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic yet effective.  Its theme predictably reflects the 1996 Bash at the Beach.

ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:                          9 Stars

SUMMARY:

From JAKKS Pacific in 2003, this two-pack consists of a prominent WWE tag team of the mid-80’s: B. Brian Blair (with the moustache) and drop-kick specialist: “Jumping” Jim Brunzell, both in 6¾-inch form.  Their attire consists of: yellow-and-black vertical striped trunks with matching wristbands for Blair (and white wrist tape on Brunzell); firmly attached black rubber knee-pads; and each with a variation of yellow-and-black wrestling boots.  Blair also has white knuckle tape on his right hand.  These Bees wouldn’t be complete without their yellow-and-black fabric masks to bewilder evil opponents and, whenever necessary, the referee.  

Their limited mobility and ripped sculpting is a precursor to that of current WWE-Mattel ‘basic’ figures.  Specifically, each figure’s articulation points allow or won’t allow: 1. Their heads turns both ways, though Brunzell’s head appears more flexible.  However, Brunzell’s head is in a permanent nodding position.  2. 360-degree rotations are possible with the arms.  The arms also bend at the wrists and elbows, so a classic bicep curl pose is possible.  3.  The upper body will bow, but the waist & abdomen don’t move.  4. Sporting okay flexibility, the legs can bend at the knees and ankles, but they can’t extend into splits.  Walking and kicking poses are workable.  5.  Neither the legs nor the calves rotate.      

REVIEW:

In terms of their resemblance to Blair & Brunzell, the likenesses are close, aside from the embellished physiques.  Even Blair’s brown mullet and moustache are spot-on.  In terms of production quality, these figures are well-sculpted and sturdily built.  The paint quality is high-caliber.  Their faithfully-rendered masks will tend to sag because the nose hole is slightly too big.  For posing, the Bees stand up well when their feet are properly positioned.  However, there aren’t peg holes in the bottom of the feet for display bases.  Their elongated feet are instead protected by a ring at the bottom of each boot sole to provide balance for standing poses.  For those remember Blair & Brunzell’s high-flying antics, seeing this fan-friendly duo again makes a welcome treat.    

ADDITIONAL CONTENT:

The sole extra is their detachable yellow-and-black masks. The masks are baggy enough to easily put on and take off.    

PACKAGING:

The packaging is simplistic but effective.  It offers some cool nostalgia re: the Bees’ wrestling legacy.

BRIAN & ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING:        7 Stars