As if you haven't seen 'em enough: My store FINALLY got E23

I went into work today, sipping my iced coffee, expecting a normal day. As I walked over to the toy dept. before clocking in, I really expected nothing. However, it's in those moments that you expect nothing, that things go insane. I saw, before my eyes: ELITE 23. It's about time!! However, Cesaro was gone! I grabbed what I wanted and went to buy them. Then, right as my shift ended, they began to bring out the truck freight for the evening. Upon a pallet did I see another FOUR boxes of Elites. FOUR BOXES. I figured, Cesaro had to be in one. So I went to open one, and put the figures out. I clocked out, went to grab Cesaro, bought him, and went home for the night. So happy to finally have Elite 23. By far, my favorite Elite set...however it's not without it's flaws.



There they are, all five of my figures. I skipped Cena, because I bought the BoPPV John Cena.





First we have The WRESTLING GOD himself: John Bradshaw Layfield. The man set himself up for stardom with this gimmick, and I like the figure. I would've preferred a better piece of cloth for the towel, it's just a thin white cloth. Literally the exact cloth that came with Sandow, which does not go well with him either. Everyone says the body mold sucks, and while it is too thin, I'm okay with it only because if they STARTED a new bulkier mold for guys like JBL it would look odd with the figures they've already made. Kane's flashbacks should've had a bulkier mold as well...but since they didn't and JBL is the same size as my Kane's...it's okay. The headscan is alright, could be better. Hair could be better. But for what it is, I love it. 7/10.







Now, my store did things a little backwards. Our FIRST box of Elite 23 had the Blue Globe Winged Eagle, however the boxes that I put out tonight did NOT have a blue globe. Macho Man's Wrestlemania VIII attire is superb. The detail is awesome, sans the painted on tassels on the back of his boots. I'm glad they at least made an effort to include something that few will notice. I love the headscan. It's better than my other Macho's headscans. I only own the Wrestlemania Heritage and nWo Savage so I don't know if it's new or not. The Winged Eagle belt is a welcome addition as always. This is one of the FEW cases where I think a rubber shirt is fine, however I'm just gonna glue the clasps because even though they're a bitch to get to snap, they come out way too easily. 9/10







Hunter Hearst Helmsely is a figure that could've been a 10/10. I'm not one to complain about accessories too often...but what a waste of an accessory! I really don't think anybody genuinely wanted the bullhorn and the helmet. They're such a waste of a spot that could've gone towards a European Championship, or something else. Hell, I'd even take just a microphone over those. The attire wasn't a D-X attire either, though I'm okay with that part. I would've really preferred a poncho style shirt as well, without the sides (Similar to E18 Taker) because having to clip the shirt together once again sucks. Seriously Mattel, just top making these rubber shirts. It's a COMPLETE waste of time. I don't think a single person likes them - they never fit right, they can't snap together, and they come loose with ease. I appreciate the effort, but these shirts. The headscan is at least perfect. I love the headscan. I took my European Championship and gave it to Hunter, so I can pose him and Shawn Michaels together as DX with the WWF and European titles. 7/10





Ugh. That's all I can say here. I was so excited for this figure when I saw it MOC. I'm so very disappointed in it though. The mask is a nice touch. The hat is fine as well, though Mattel should've used the hard plastic that they use on literally everything else. The tie is alright. I absolutely LOATHE the jacket. It is probably the worst accessory to remove and put back on. Getting it off was alright, but there's a surprise elbow pad on his left arm...which I know he wore during Mania XII, which is what the figure is based on, but it's an annoyance. Now I cannot for the life of me get the jacket back on, so for now it's staying off. This is where a cloth jacket would've been PERFECT. I know this is based on 'Mania XII, but I would've liked him to have less tattoos...because he's more remembered that way with the purple gloves, I feel. The headscan is phenomenal though. Theres a slight purple hue below his eyes and the hair is great. All in all, it's a decent figure...but the accessories could've been better. 8/10





The absolute STAR of the set: Antonio Cesaro. Great figure, perfect accessories. I didn't take a photo of him with the USA flag, but the US Title is absolutely perfect. Way better than the old mold. The headscan is perfect, the detail is awesome, and the thigh wraps are an awesome touch that I thought I'd hate. I really can't find a single thing wrong with this figure. The hair isn't just painted, it's got a texture to it. 10/10


Overally, Elite 23 gets a 9/10. One of the best sets they've put out, with a few minor hiccups.