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
