Above was ProRasslin’s Wish List for 2016 SDCC reveals. We didn’t get a ring attire Lana, Carmella, Byron or Shane McMahon but boy did Mattel hit on most of our wants! Amazingly, this want list is already starting to feel outdated. Luckily for collectors, with Ringside Fest coming up in October, there is a good chance we see a couple new figures. We’ll definitely see the near-final products for most of the figures above. So what do action figure collectors have to look forward to in October? How many new figures might we see? The answer to both could be a lot!
Though nothing has been announced for this year yet, Ringside Fest typically happens in early October. Ringside Fest, toy distributor Ringside Collectibles’ annual event, is a real treat for fans who can get tickets and make it to NYC. Top stars appear for autograph sessions, release dates of late 2016 and early 2017 figures will come into focus and you get to see many new figures on display. Ringside is the online leader in WWE toys often getting the most recent figures weeks or months before Walmart, Target and Toys R Us. Once they announce which figures will be in what series, the figures typically go up for preorder on their site. The prices are higher than almost everywhere other than eBay or your local hobby shop, but there is something to be said about getting your hands on the newest figures well before retail store toy hunters.
So what do we want to see from Mattel in the coming months? Well, ProRasslin’s collecting habits focus on the current roster as opposed to legends, so our wish list may look a little different than yours. One of the low hanging fruit we’d like to see immediately are all the new titles. The turnaround time from design to release can be a little lengthy when it involves brand new sculpts, but because the only difference among the main titles are the colors, it’s safe to say we’ll get the Universal title, both women’s titles and Smackdown Tag Titles sooner rather than later.
On the Raw roster, the number one item has to be the Cruiserweights. It’d be nice if Mattel could shoot TJ Perkins to the top of the Elite figure list and release him with the title. Then you’ve got highly appealing, kid friendly masked stars in Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik who would sell well. Mattel can take their time on the other guys as they establish themselves, but those 3 are must haves right out the gate.
The biggest star missing from the women’s division line up is Nia Jax. Her size is so impressive. Done right, her figure would be a hot seller in a market that already values women’s figures. After Nia, Jojo and Dana Brooke seem the most likely to immortalized in plastic.
Amazingly, most male wrestlers on Raw already have a recent or accurate figure available. The most notable upgrades to existing figures would be Braun Stroman Strowman with his new haircut and new versions of the Primo and Epico if they stay relevant long enough. Of course, a new Michael Cole and a first-time-ever Byron Saxton would be a nice compliment to the upcoming Corey Graves figure. And why not throw in a Tom Phillips, perhaps with adjustable height!
Smackdown has a few holes currently, but a lot of those superstars are on the way. Mattel announced AJ Styles, Alexa Bliss, American Alpha and Maryse at SDCC. That leaves Mojo, Rhyno and Carmella as the only three wrestlers without Mattel action figures on the shelves or announced. WWE vets Heath Slater and Curt Hawkins could definitely use an update to reflect their current looks. We’re still holding out hope for a few Shane McMahon figures in ring gear and in a suit. Imagine an Elite Shane with interchangeable shoes! Of course, a Smackdown GM Daniel Bryan would be nice and we’d personally love to see a Mauro Ranallo!
Mattel has also shown a commitment to making NXT figures. For collectors, that news is GLORIOUS. Yes, Bobby Roode has to top any collectors’ current wishlist for NXT figures. Like Samoa Joe, there is no reason not to make his first figure an Elite with a nice robe. He’s not the only star we’re dying to see. NXT and CWC standouts Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa have Battlepack combo written all over them. The charismatic Tye Dillinger and No Way Jose would also make good looking figures.
Whether it’s Ringside Fest, NYCC, Toy Fair in February or next summer’s SDCC, expect Mattel to continue covering every corner of the WWE Universe. Past, Present and Future.
Then
Now
Forever
