RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 22, 2024 16:46:42 GMT -5
Have we seen anyone other than the Major Pod say that these are coming-out this Spring? I didn’t see the reveal but haven’t seen anyone else say Spring; the traditional timeline would be the Summer so Spring would be big news.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 22, 2024 13:31:28 GMT -5
Just catching-up - did they announce a release date? Summer as normal would be the obvious thing but I was hoping they might announce expanding the line to quarterly releases 🙂
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 13, 2024 20:06:15 GMT -5
It's a pretty great figure that fits a variety of the female stars we need in the line, but more than just seeing further females made, I'm excited to see how they introduce further actions for females to build a bit of a range.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 11, 2024 8:54:14 GMT -5
The issue with doing a set of modern stars might be more about where they would be stocked rather than anything else.
If we assume that the vast majority of Retros collectors will still be resistant to modern guys rather than legends, then Mattel would likely have to consider a way to access a different range of collectors, who don't have the nostalgia for the Hasbros but appreciate good, different figures of their favourites on screen now. But even so then you want to try to get as many of the existing supporters along with you, so you'd have to be careful not to replace one of the existing Retros sets with modern guys.
So they'd probably need a new retailer to carry a modern line of Retros. What options do they have?:
i. Mattel Creations: Keeping in mind that we don't want to use one of the two existing legends Retros sets for modern guys, then they'd need to introduce a new project, perhaps made-to-order like the lWo set maybe? Or expand the current offering of two sets per annum into a quarterly arrangement? I did wonder if the current silence of the next Retro set might be in preparation for a big announcement that they are expanding to four sets a year (with the next set being available soon after WrestleMania), but that's dreamland stuff obviously.
ii. Walmart/Target: These two retailers have already failed the Retros before (Walmart especially), and while Mattel weren't completely innocent in the failure, it was mostly on the stores. Add to that that the Retros has a significant international market and these two companies both refuse to supply customers outside the US (and in the case of Walmart inside the US as well...) then this option should be the last on the list for Retros - Mattel should want the collectors giving them money for extra sets rather than having to use that excess money on the secondary market because they don't live in the US or Walmart are doing what Walmart does. The anger already seen from the Ultimate Edition collectors once Walmart got their exclusive line would be amplified here. Please don't repeat the mistakes of the past here again.
iii. Ringside: they already have the tag team sets, and they're still quite a new line to them - maybe they'll expand to two sets a year which could create space for some new guys (the suggested Dusty/Cody set, maybe Rock/Roman would be obvious moves) but not sure if Ringside have the space to expand much beyond that.
iv. Amazon: Their past exclusives have had a bit of a rollercoaster ride though they tend to be available in the end, and some are carried by the international outlets, but if not then Amazon US does ship figures internationally, so this could be an great option, depending on how easy it is to get Amazon exclusives off the ground.
v. WWE Shop: Have Mattel ever done an exclusive with them? If not then this could be an interesting start - the modern guys all together with an "Exclusive" label could be a nice ongoing line as you'd assume a lot of the traffic to that site will be current fans, alongside the legends collectors. Plus there's a WWE Euro Shop, and the US store ships internationally as well so shouldn't deliberately antagonise collectors like Walmart and Target do.
Any other options I've missed?
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 9, 2024 16:47:02 GMT -5
Do you think the extra budget for the Deluxe figures will allow Epic to use the more expensive plastic to make those figures? It rather seems like a certain contributor to another wrestling figure podcast is still having a difficult time getting over the plastic choice despite the Shadbolts explaining it, so for his sake it might be a consideration He can kiss my ABS
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 9, 2024 16:17:05 GMT -5
So the Shadbolts mentioned a few weeks ago on 3POA that the next "Deluxe" Megastars release after the upcoming DDP figure will be someone who had been made by Chella early in the MegaStars line - so who do we think that person is? -Nick Aldis: The landmark first figure, but probably the worst and definitely deserves a better release. But he's now working for WWE, so does he have a WWE figure deal? Is he actually wrestling there or just being a GM or whatever? Might not be available anyway. -Blue Meanie: One of the better figures; no real need to revisit this one. -Josh Shernoff: I think there was something about him getting new figures somewhere? Either way the Chella was very good. -Hayabusa: Arguably one of the best Retro figures made, but maybe they could do his entrance gear which could look amazing. -Bull Nakano: This is my pick; the figure is actually so good - except the obvious But going into the WWE Hall of Fame always raises the question of a potential Legends deal, though as we've seen with Bobby Heenan then the timing is everything. -Dynamite Kid: Already corrected in the Bulldogs set. -Ethan Page: AEW figure coming out, almost certainly not available. -Adam Bomb: Was he a FC signing rather than Chella? Jamie is his mate though so maybe Could do a Wrath figure, though Adam Bomb is the more obvious deluxe option. -Al Snow: Has figures coming-out with Mitch, but that doesn't stop anything. The figure wasn't as good as it could be, but not sure it really needs a redo. He was pictured at the booth at FTLOW last weekend, and I think he was a Wrestling Trader signing originally so should be a relationship there. -Gangrel: He was a FC signing, and his figure is pretty definitive already. -Luna: Another FC signing, and a figure that could've been a lot better than it was. Some options here for the deluxe treatment. -Big Daddy: The existing figure is excellent. -Giant Haystacks: The existing figure is excellent. -Swoggle: FC signing, and a figure that was very rushed and had a lot of issues. Given his position in the community he deserves better, but don't see him being the deluxe release. -Greg Valentine: No need as the Chella is good and he has the Mattel Retro. His standard look was also done by Hasbro; no need regardless of his WWE Legends status. Only really a robe that would benefit from the deluxe treatment. -Big Stevie Cool: The most disappointing figure of the final Chella run - has other options like a Right To Censor tribute gear, so maybe. -Hollywood Nova: Arguably the best figure of the final Chella run; no need for a redo. -Tanga Loa: If not Hollywood Nova then this was the best figure in the last run. -Haku: Everyone's favourite in the last run, but could've been a lot better. An Islanders look is an option, and he has the name to excite collectors despite the previous release. -Jay White: AEW must have him completely tied-down, and his existing figure is good anyway. -Joey Knight: I have faith our Joey will get himself a deluxe figure out sooner or later Thoughts? What a great list! It’s probably the most excited I’ve been for customers to see a reveal. The “Deluxe” figures are going to be the tits. Do you think the extra budget for the Deluxe figures will allow Epic to use the more expensive plastic to make those figures? It rather seems like a certain contributor to another wrestling figure podcast is still having a difficult time getting over the plastic choice despite the Shadbolts explaining it, so for his sake it might be a consideration
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 8, 2024 8:05:39 GMT -5
So the Shadbolts mentioned a few weeks ago on 3POA that the next "Deluxe" Megastars release after the upcoming DDP figure will be someone who had been made by Chella early in the MegaStars line - so who do we think that person is? -Nick Aldis: The landmark first figure, but probably the worst and definitely deserves a better release. But he's now working for WWE, so does he have a WWE figure deal? Is he actually wrestling there or just being a GM or whatever? Might not be available anyway. -Blue Meanie: One of the better figures; no real need to revisit this one. -Josh Shernoff: I think there was something about him getting new figures somewhere? Either way the Chella was very good. -Hayabusa: Arguably one of the best Retro figures made, but maybe they could do his entrance gear which could look amazing. -Bull Nakano: This is my pick; the figure is actually so good - except the obvious But going into the WWE Hall of Fame always raises the question of a potential Legends deal, though as we've seen with Bobby Heenan then the timing is everything. -Dynamite Kid: Already corrected in the Bulldogs set. -Ethan Page: AEW figure coming out, almost certainly not available. -Adam Bomb: Was he a FC signing rather than Chella? Jamie is his mate though so maybe Could do a Wrath figure, though Adam Bomb is the more obvious deluxe option. -Al Snow: Has figures coming-out with Mitch, but that doesn't stop anything. The figure wasn't as good as it could be, but not sure it really needs a redo. He was pictured at the booth at FTLOW last weekend, and I think he was a Wrestling Trader signing originally so should be a relationship there. -Gangrel: He was a FC signing, and his figure is pretty definitive already. -Luna: Another FC signing, and a figure that could've been a lot better than it was. Some options here for the deluxe treatment. -Big Daddy: The existing figure is excellent. -Giant Haystacks: The existing figure is excellent. -Swoggle: FC signing, and a figure that was very rushed and had a lot of issues. Given his position in the community he deserves better, but don't see him being the deluxe release. -Greg Valentine: No need as the Chella is good and he has the Mattel Retro. His standard look was also done by Hasbro; no need regardless of his WWE Legends status. Only really a robe that would benefit from the deluxe treatment. -Big Stevie Cool: The most disappointing figure of the final Chella run - has other options like a Right To Censor tribute gear, so maybe. -Hollywood Nova: Arguably the best figure of the final Chella run; no need for a redo. -Tanga Loa: If not Hollywood Nova then this was the best figure in the last run. -Haku: Everyone's favourite in the last run, but could've been a lot better. An Islanders look is an option, and he has the name to excite collectors despite the previous release. -Jay White: AEW must have him completely tied-down, and his existing figure is good anyway. -Joey Knight: I have faith our Joey will get himself a deluxe figure out sooner or later Thoughts?
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RedDevil
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Joined on: Aug 8, 2017 18:43:00 GMT -5
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 4, 2024 9:49:34 GMT -5
Has there been any communication about what the problem actually is? Is it technical? Is to do with their shipping partners? Is it a tax or currency issue?
This is where lack of communication hurts customer relations - leaving it open to speculation helps nobody.
It also builds frustration, which helps nobody.
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RedDevil
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Joined on: Aug 8, 2017 18:43:00 GMT -5
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Post by RedDevil on Mar 2, 2024 18:35:21 GMT -5
Epic Toys just revealed their retro Bobby Heenan. Is he available now? Could make for a cool Big Rubber Guy, give him his more expressive cocky smile, one of his elaborate suits or the Mania 3 white suit to go along with Andre (if possible). His LJN was fine, but a new look could be fun! After the Epic figure was announced then we heard the detail about Bobby's Legends contract lapsing briefly and that was the time when Epic managed to get the deal done with his daughter, but I think he's back under a WWE deal now.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 6, 2024 17:49:59 GMT -5
My set has been shipped; be interesting to see how long it takes to get to the UK since the faster rate shipping wasn’t available when I ordered.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 6, 2024 11:52:43 GMT -5
My Bulldogs have shipped!
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 5, 2024 20:14:03 GMT -5
Would he really hype a Tupac release with a bullet hole image? I'm no expert on his career but surely that would be massively tasteless for obvious reasons?
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 1, 2024 20:14:32 GMT -5
I'm excited to get the ring...... it looks fantastic and reminiscent of the original Hasbro rings.... $25 seems inexpensive for something like this..... should I be concerned that it's "flimsy" plastic? Or will it be the solid plastic like the old Hasbro rings? I couldn't get past the Captcha stuff earlier today but I just got an order through for a ring tonight. This is the second ring Mattel have made for the Retros line, I assume they will use the same plastic as they did with the first edition since this is the same ring but in a different colour. I don't remember seeing any complaints about the plastic with the first ring, and lots of people were customising them so I think it's solid plastic - can someone who opened the last ring confirm?
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 1, 2024 18:46:18 GMT -5
Vader and Bundy would be awesome Vince mcmahon sooner than later i hope with his accusation My guess is Vince has been off the table since his initial "retirement" - I don't think he's appeared in any Mattel line since? Was the Elite in the powder blue suit his last figure? Regardless, Mattel aren't going to release any more Vince figures whatever happens from here.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 1, 2024 15:35:18 GMT -5
Anyone in the UK getting a “shop pay cannot be used for this country” error message? It’s only letting me check out as a guest, not when I’m logged in. This hasn’t happened with any other Mattel creations purchase for me. Yeah I did; I just went back and entered my credit card direct. The two orders then appeared in the app later from the confirmation emails I think. Never had that issue before; certainly not with Mattel Creations.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 1, 2024 12:53:11 GMT -5
I gave-up on Chrome but got through on Firefox. Two rings and two bundles ordered. Interesting the ring doesn't ship until May 31st - I wonder if this will be an unofficial made-to-order run? More likely it's just be a date well into the future for customers and Mattel exactly expect it earlier, but an interesting thought. It’ll suck if they don’t ship the figures until May 31st because they’re ordered with the ring. I nearly did that myself when I finally got through to the check-out - had to go back to remove the figures from that order before going back to get them 2 minutes later. We'll see how it plays-out; hopefully people get their figures without delay.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Feb 1, 2024 12:29:20 GMT -5
I gave-up on Chrome but got through on Firefox.
Two rings and two bundles ordered.
Interesting the ring doesn't ship until May 31st - I wonder if this will be an unofficial made-to-order run? More likely it's just be a date well into the future for customers and Mattel exactly expect it earlier, but an interesting thought.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jan 29, 2024 13:11:19 GMT -5
If Mattel decide to keep doing the Ringside tag sets with factions then the options are limited:
-Hart Foundation: No Pillman (or Owen of course), could sub-in Natalya but collectors wouldn't like it -Evolution: No Ric Flair -Four Horsemen: No..., well, anyone really -Corporation: Any point doing them without Vince? -Ministry/Corporate Ministry: Maybe could work, but are there many interesting choices available? -Wolfpac: Nash and Luger are there, but otherwise needs two of Savage, Konnan or Sting (and we already have him in Wolfpac gear) Basically leaves The Nation as the best option, though obviously missing Mark Henry (though he's not getting any attention from AEW I think? Maybe they could get him on a Legends deal).
My guess would be they switch to actual tag teams for the next set, unless they can get Pillman back so they could do the Hart Foundation - not too many other factions of the stature of the nWo and DX.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jan 26, 2024 19:55:39 GMT -5
Realistically we’re looking at only one more bundle this year after the upcoming WrestleMania bundle - unless the earlier release of the DX bundle compared to the timing of last year’s nWo bundle means that they’ll sneak-in another tag team bundle at the end of the year or something similar, then we’ll just be getting the August Mattel Creations bundle, which we’ll hopefully hear about at WrestleMania.
With the August bundle following on chronologically after the DX set, then I hope it is an Attitude Era bundle led by X-Pac (preferably in his return red in-ring gear) so collectors can place him next to DX on their shelves.
But a lot of Attitude Era names have either been done or have appeared in the line recently under different looks or aren’t available or would be better saved for other bundles (e.g. the Hart Foundation if Mattel get Pillman back under contract, the Nation, Faces of Foley (Commissioner Foley being the fourth one there), or better placed in tag sets like the Dudleys) so getting an interesting balance is something to consider.
But what if they tied-it into the current Monday Night War theme they’ve got going on in the Elite and Ultimate lines? Something like:
Monday Night War Retros bundle:
-X-PAC (red gear) -Austin (anchor for the set; street gear) -Goldberg (WCW) (is he still under a Legends contract?) -DDP (in jeans)
Alternative names could include Eddie Guerrero, Booker T, Big Poppa Pump, Rey Mysterio, maybe Luger in the shirt though he recently appeared in the orange set - Mattel should have enough names to create another WWF guy along with two WCW guys to join X-PAC in the bundle.
Something like that could be interesting.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jan 26, 2024 9:45:02 GMT -5
Thinking back to the gaps we had had for decades in the Hasbro line up until the date that the Retro line was first announced, Mattel has so far given us: -Purple gloves Undertaker (two of them actually, one without a hat) -The Attitude Era guys (including DX and the nWo - depending on if you felt this timeline needed representation, which I did) -A better Ric Flair -Debut Goldust (slightly out of the Hasbro timeline but very close) -Green trunks Macho (inspired by the Hasbro prototype) -DIESEL(!!) (the really really big one on most people's list) -Piper in ring gear -Hart Foundation Anvil -R&B Greg Valentine -USA Lex Luger -Orange card Doink -Tugboat (who was intended for the first Hasbro series) -Jerry Lawler(!!) (second only to Diesel on my personal missing Hasbros list) -Vader (like Goldust slightly out of the Hasbro timeline but very close) And other gaps we've had addressed: -An announcer (Gene Mean) -Managers (Jimmy Hart and Paul Bearer) -Women (Wendi and Chyna coming over the next month or so) -A referee (Ali) I think the remaining gaps are probably something like a better/short-haired Rick Rude, long-tights Macho King and heel attire Jake Roberts as the big single figures now (as well as more announcers, managers and women in general of course). Some others I'm not remembering now maybe, but the list has been addressed tremendously. Steve and the team have done very well for us
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