Post by Micro on Jul 31, 2011 5:05:50 GMT -5
One of my favorite specialty matches is the classic steel cage match. The concept is a simple one; Lock up two competitors in the ring within a cage and let them tear each other apart until there is one decisive victor with no outside interference. It's a brutal test of toughness and a perfect way to settle a rivalry. The cage match is also one of the oldest type of special matches, apparently dating as far back as 1937 with Jack Bloomfield and Count Petro Rossi going against each other in the first rudimentary cage made of chicken wire. Over time, the cage structure has evolved from chicken wire to steel bars to the current chain link version. This match has also been made famous by such great encounters like "Mr Wonderful" Paul Orndorff vs. Hulk Hogan and "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka vs. Don Muraco! Now, Mattel brings this unforgiving structure to the Basic lineup with the Kmart Exclusive Steel Cage Match playset...
When I first came across this playset last year, I thought it was cool but I actually passed on it. At the time, I wasn't really interested in the Basic Rings and I was hoping that Mattel would make a steel cage structure for the ESR. Sadly, by the time I got the news that Mattel wasn't making accessories for the ESR, this playset was pretty much sold out at Kmarts and I regretted not picking it up. Luckily, I came across a decent deal online so I can finally share my thoughts on this playset!
Like all Mattel playsets, you get a Basic Pro-Tension ring. Normally, there's an exclusive PPV-specific ring apron sticker for these playsets but this one just comes with the standard Raw logos. It's a little disappointing but this is one of Mattel's first playsets, so it's ok. Besides, I only got the Raw ring with white ropes so I was missing a regular red-roped version anyway.
Instead of any weapons or small accessories, we get two Basic figures with this set. Mattel actually put together a good rivalry here that would be settled in this type of match: John Cena vs. Randy Orton! Here, we get a generic Cena without arm bands and plain white shoes as well as a good standard Randy Orton with Gold/Bronze logos. I've seen some early exclusive figures skimp out on details but both are decent figures and Randy Orton actually seems to have all his tattoos. Chances are, you already have these guys in your collection by now but I was actually missing a good Basic Orton so this is nice...Even though he looks like he's giving us the People's Eyebrow!
Now, let's get to the main reason for getting this set, the cage itself! It's a nice structure that's pretty easy to assemble. It consists of four pieces that interlock and held in place by eight corner clips that also attach to the ring posts.
The clips go over the corner posts and gives you a chance to reenact that ominous moment when the cage is lowered down onto the ring!
The details on the chain link cage, panels, and scaffolding are all nicely done and look great when it's all put together. It's a sturdy structure, fitting snug and tight on the ring.
As nice as the cage is, it becomes very apparent when you put the figures inside just how small and cramped the Basic rings are. I must be spoiled by the ESR because this playset feels a bit claustrophobic in comparison.
At least Mattel gave the scaffolding a little bit of a ledge so that figures could be positioned at the top. I know there's no outside interference allowed by I just had to put Superfly Jimmy Snuka there, for old time's sake!
For those who want to take the easy way out of the cage, there's also a working door for them to walk through. It's the nice, final touch that completes the steel cage and adds drama to the match!
Overall, this is a pretty basic playset. No weapons or extra gear, just a ring, a cage, and two figures to battle. The newer playsets are either more elaborate or include lots of accessories in comparison but the simplicity of this setup works for this match type. Considering the price of a Basic ring and two figures, this was actually a pretty decent deal at retail. It's a shame that this is an exclusive set that's no longer available at Kmart. Either you got this when it came out or you have to look online to find it now. I'm glad I finally got a hold of this and, looking at how simple the cage design is, I really wish Mattel would scale up the panels to be compatible with the ESR. Even if they just sold the cage alone, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!
When I first came across this playset last year, I thought it was cool but I actually passed on it. At the time, I wasn't really interested in the Basic Rings and I was hoping that Mattel would make a steel cage structure for the ESR. Sadly, by the time I got the news that Mattel wasn't making accessories for the ESR, this playset was pretty much sold out at Kmarts and I regretted not picking it up. Luckily, I came across a decent deal online so I can finally share my thoughts on this playset!
Like all Mattel playsets, you get a Basic Pro-Tension ring. Normally, there's an exclusive PPV-specific ring apron sticker for these playsets but this one just comes with the standard Raw logos. It's a little disappointing but this is one of Mattel's first playsets, so it's ok. Besides, I only got the Raw ring with white ropes so I was missing a regular red-roped version anyway.
Instead of any weapons or small accessories, we get two Basic figures with this set. Mattel actually put together a good rivalry here that would be settled in this type of match: John Cena vs. Randy Orton! Here, we get a generic Cena without arm bands and plain white shoes as well as a good standard Randy Orton with Gold/Bronze logos. I've seen some early exclusive figures skimp out on details but both are decent figures and Randy Orton actually seems to have all his tattoos. Chances are, you already have these guys in your collection by now but I was actually missing a good Basic Orton so this is nice...Even though he looks like he's giving us the People's Eyebrow!
Now, let's get to the main reason for getting this set, the cage itself! It's a nice structure that's pretty easy to assemble. It consists of four pieces that interlock and held in place by eight corner clips that also attach to the ring posts.
The clips go over the corner posts and gives you a chance to reenact that ominous moment when the cage is lowered down onto the ring!
The details on the chain link cage, panels, and scaffolding are all nicely done and look great when it's all put together. It's a sturdy structure, fitting snug and tight on the ring.
As nice as the cage is, it becomes very apparent when you put the figures inside just how small and cramped the Basic rings are. I must be spoiled by the ESR because this playset feels a bit claustrophobic in comparison.
At least Mattel gave the scaffolding a little bit of a ledge so that figures could be positioned at the top. I know there's no outside interference allowed by I just had to put Superfly Jimmy Snuka there, for old time's sake!
For those who want to take the easy way out of the cage, there's also a working door for them to walk through. It's the nice, final touch that completes the steel cage and adds drama to the match!
Overall, this is a pretty basic playset. No weapons or extra gear, just a ring, a cage, and two figures to battle. The newer playsets are either more elaborate or include lots of accessories in comparison but the simplicity of this setup works for this match type. Considering the price of a Basic ring and two figures, this was actually a pretty decent deal at retail. It's a shame that this is an exclusive set that's no longer available at Kmart. Either you got this when it came out or you have to look online to find it now. I'm glad I finally got a hold of this and, looking at how simple the cage design is, I really wish Mattel would scale up the panels to be compatible with the ESR. Even if they just sold the cage alone, I'd buy it in a heartbeat!