Outback Jack and Kamala talk about their LJN deals

1/4 of a penny per doll may sound absurd, but think about how many people actually get a cut of that money.

LJN's had a SRP of $9.99. Take into account all of the manufacturing costs associated with the dolls. Let's say the WWF manufactured, and this is just a complete guess, the LJN dolls for $4 a doll. At a time when many toys were retailing for that, it wouldn't surprise me that costs were that high to produce the dolls, packaging, and posters. Add in shipping costs, let's say it cost $.50-$1.00 to freight these things since they are super heavy. That right there is ~$5.00 per figure.

Stores may sell them at $9.99 but there is no way they are buying them for that much. They're probably paying $7-8 a doll at first, probably less as the managers and series three warmed the pegs, meaning, at the most, they were making $1.00/$2.00 per figure. To a company that is only making $1.00 per figure, probably actually much less, probably around $.50 when it's all said and done, 1/4 of a penny doesn't sound as absurd.

It could have worked another way, though, as well and seeing as how 1/4 of a penny is pretty low and neither were huge stars, it is likely that these guys signed contract that had no exclusive character merchandise rights and that the WWF license was a blanket rather than addressing specifics. Honestly, the way their contracts were structured at a time when there was little or no merchandising, they are lucky they got what they did. I'm not contract lawyer, but I do know that Kamala's second WWF run was right after the LJN dolls came out and Outback came in around the time of the second series' release. I'm willing to bet those first two series guys, with the exception of Hogan and maybe Piper saw even less from their figures.

You're way over-estimating production costs, especially by 1980s standards. Production cost per unit would probably be better calculated in cents, not dollars. Production is rarely ever (I'd say never) the most expensive aspect of a product like this. Also, from my time working in the retail environment I know what the markup is on action figures and it's typically 50-100 percent above store costs.

The problem these guys had is that they didn't have lawyers and the WWF knew they could take advantage of their lack of business knowledge to profit. They took what was offered, were told it was this or nothing, and weren't sophisticated enough in a business or negotiating sense to do much about it other than accept the bad terms.

I see where everyone is coming from. If I were those guys I would be pissed off too. However making a little of money back then was the way it was. Unless you were the top guy bringing in all the fans such like Hogan, Warrior, Flair, Macho...etc.. How many people can say "I went to that wwf event to see Kamala" Not many. How many stores do we hear about all these wrestlers from the 80's saying they shared a hotal room with 5 guys and drove in a car that fits 4 people but they had 6 or 7 wrestlers sharing the ride to save money. Now days it different. Guys get contracts and life is easyer like that. I feel for these legends. Its not just vince. It's the way all the promoters were back then and some are still like that.


As for everyone's figuring on the money break down... You need to see that the company LJN/Hasbro/Jakks/Mattel. Them and the WWF/WWE are going to get there money before the wrestler does. That is why in China they have them make all these figures for us and they get paid 4 cents a day. 80% of the USA's toys/action figures are made in China. The market analysis of each company is different and the retail price is aswell:

WWF LJN in 1980's
$4.99 per figure

WWF Hasbro in 1990's
$4.99 - $5.99

WWF Jakks in late 1990's
$5.99 to $7.99

WWE Jakks in early 2000's
$9.99 to $12.99

current market ranges $9.99 - $14.99

Everyone has to make there money. From the chinese that make the toys, to ship it to the USA on a plane or boat. To truck it to the toy company's warehouse. To ship it to the stores. Then to sell it to the collector or kid buying it. Still Jakks, Hasbro, LJN and WWE all made there money more than the wrestler. why do you think that Honkey, Ax and a few other wrestler held out like they did? My only question for Kamala is, if he was going to get alot of money for the JAKKS CS figure. Why did he sign the Legend's contract to have his figure made? I would have told Jeremy Padawan to go F*** himself! It's all about the money and some one gets screwed each time.

Hey I am not saying that was what is was everywhere and edged in stone. I just recall what I saw as a kid. I am 35 now..so it was awhile ago.

Hasbro for $2.99?? Never seen that. The cheapest I seen them was at KB 3 for $10 bucks. I remember a worker told me that KB Toys bought a ton of them from Hasbro in a whole sale.

As for Jakks, the DA figure went for $12.99 to $14.99 singles. Maybe not at TRU or Walmarts. But like at places like Sunco...I mean like record stores and such. That's why I don't collect them. TO much. When Jakks pays there chinese workers .40 cents a week and they sell them for that much. I am not a market suit man that works for a ceo company with a 6 figure check. I am just thinking that this is to much for a damn toy. imo

later dudes

When signing my LJN, Jesse Ventura said that this doll bought him his first Porsche. So I guess Jesse saw some money from it.

and the Kamala LJN was far from a shelfwarmer. Actually, my Aunt won Kamala, Adrian Adonis and Vince mcmahon @ a chinese auction donated by LJN way before they hit the store. I remember the store that got all the new LJN's first got like 5 cases of just Kamalas in September of 87. The owner of the store looked at me like i was nuts when i said i had him already. Anyway, i remember all those Kamalas selling out very fast from that store and i always remember it being a pretty big deal seeing a Kamala in a TRU or somewhere at all after that.

A few years back,I met Brian Blair and that was one of the breaking points with him and McMahon,said he got paid chump change for the LJN figure,and he even asked me did I remember. seeing his figure in the stores,because he told me Vince said his didnt sell well,and I told him I only saw once in a store,and it was gone a couple of days later when I had the $ to go back and buy it..had to trade a friend some old heman stuff to get the Bees back in the day.He was amused and felt even more vindicated for being pissed.

I've heard that Sheik, Volkoff, Hillbilly, and Orndorff were also pretty savvy negotiators as well (or at the very least, paid well or fairly for their early merchandise).

That's the same thing I said. Why get all upset and be bitter about the LJN and Hasbro figures. But still sign a legends contract with WWE and Jakks. Then get all worked up again over the same thing but with a new toy company. Then to make it worst. He signs with Mattel for a 4th figure. Something is not adding up. I am not saying the guy is lieing or I am doubting him. But why sign to make a figure of you and get paid peanuts and cracks?

I recall on the Law liveaudiowrestling.com HTM was saying the same thing a few years about the figures/dolls. He said the big names like Hogan, Savage, Steamboat, Steele, Piper, Andre, Bundy, Studd and a few others had a merchandise contract. Once he became Honky Tonk Man. He did the same cuz his shirts and other merchandise with his face was making money.

This is part of the reason Jesse Venture sued WWF back the day and he left..due to royals for videos/vhs tapes with his play by play voice on them... that was the rumors of his release. Some one clue me in.