83 Cena figures! Some Mattel Production Stats

If we compare this statistic to any other toy line, such as He-Man to the MOTUC line, Superman to the DCUC line, or Wolverine to the ML line, we have to remember relative numbers. There's usually about 150 or so WWE releases every year. There are substantially fewer waves of any other brand out there. DCUC just became DC Unlimited with only 4 figures per wave. Marvel Legends are only about 3 waves a year now, and He-man, I don't know the ins and outs for sure, but isn't MOTUC 2 figures each month?

EDIT: Also, since there is a shorter window for these figures to sit on shelves, you have to realize the unique postion Mattel is placed in. You always want John Cena to be available throughout the year, he is most kids favorite wrestler after all. He doesn't detract from other people getting a spot. Quite the opposite. He fills space in the mandated 6 figures per wave, he has to be one of the cheapest to produce since he is usually both a repaint and lacking much deco. He does sell well overall, we hear about areas all the time that are clogged with him, but in the big picture, these locales are few and far between. He is a slow burn, but he does sell. I don't think I could find an old one, like a red Cena even if I hit all the drugstores in a 50 mile radius. If he sells well and costs little to produce, the money made from his production allows them to take risks on smaller names. If the revenue stream were any lower, you could kiss Hawkins, Barretta, McGillicuty, and many others goodbye.