hulkster
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Post by hulkster on Apr 9, 2024 10:15:30 GMT -5
🤣 The Mega Powers Explode!
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@Chair.Shot
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Apr 9, 2024 15:26:49 GMT -5
Review for Muhammad Ali! Reminder to watch these with the volume on for the full experience: 360 VIEW: http://instagram.com/p/C5d94qIrfRN The Good: http://instagram.com/p/C5cqhP8sm9O First and foremost: I am so happy to have referee figures in the Hasbro scale! The fact that it is Muhammad Ali has me a little mixed. I loved Ali, I loved his association with wrestling and its lasting influence, and I appreciate this from a historical perspective. That said, this figure does a fantastic job of popping up close while blending into the background if you’re displaying him in the ring.
The reuse of parts is getting to be a bit much. The arms and hands feel really big as they do on Mean Gene, Jimmy Hart, etc.
The inclusion of a microphone was a weird choice but it’s just an added bonus. A ring bell would have been much more welcome.
I do hope we get a classic ref down the line because this being Ali is almost a little distracting from a display perspective. In the unlikely scenario they make another ref, I hope they go with black pants or a darker shade of navy. These ones look a little bright due to the gloss of the figure.
So How Do They Measure Up?:
Surprisingly well! Again, the arms and hands are a little large but height-wise I appreciate that he is shorter than most figures (as referees typically should be).
*Swipe to the end of the IG post under “The Good” to view comparison photos*
Final Verdict:
The figure itself is pretty great. The size, the action feature, and obviously the look of the gear and the likeness of Mr. Ali. It is a very sharp figure overall. This one exceeded my expectations!
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brad
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Post by brad on Apr 9, 2024 15:51:13 GMT -5
I would buy a retro pack of the Mania 40 main event in a flash. we need the Final Boss.
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mrh
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Post by mrh on Apr 9, 2024 16:35:32 GMT -5
@Chair.Shot - the Ali looks great. Makes me a little regretful I didn't buy this set...
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kojikanemoto
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Post by kojikanemoto on Apr 9, 2024 18:51:48 GMT -5
This may be a stretch, but could they do an ECW 4 pack? We have WCW and WWF/E from that era so getting a set of ECW guys would be awesome, I just don't know if they would have access to the characters to pull this off. RVD Taz Sabu Sandman that would probably be my dream ECW four pack, but we know for a fact Taz will be off limits. I can totally see Ringside doing an ECW 4 pack. Maybe Dudley Boyz, RVD, and Sandman. Dudleyz gear could be tricky thou. Bubba Ray Dudley using Kevin Owen’s upper body with Vader legs or KO’s whole body D-Von Dudley using Roman’s body/legs and arms. Hmm that’s more WWE RVD having the double spinning clothesline with AJ’ legs Sandman using the Elias setup and including a cane |
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@Chair.Shot
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Apr 9, 2024 21:50:15 GMT -5
^^^I Would love to see that! I also think there is a case to be made to include any of the following (even if they aren’t necessarily my top picks):
Paul E Dangerously
Terry Funk
Cactus Jack
Pillman
Rey Mysterio
Bam Bam Bigelow
Dusty Rhodes
Rhino
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kojikanemoto
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Post by kojikanemoto on Apr 10, 2024 8:35:38 GMT -5
^^^I Would love to see that! I also think there is a case to be made to include any of the following (even if they aren’t necessarily my top picks): Paul E Dangerously Terry Funk Cactus Jack Pillman Rey Mysterio Bam Bam Bigelow Dusty Rhodes Rhino I think Cactus and Terry would def be possibilities. I went with Dudleyz since they’re a newer signing but the overalls look would be an issue. “Star power” per set may be what it comes down to |
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Apr 10, 2024 9:30:17 GMT -5
Modern talent could hurt the line. Some people that are currently completionist for the line might not buy them and once they don't buy one set they might pick and choose what other ones they want. Someone that really only wants 90s figures that is buying the 80s ones because they are buying all of them might stop buying the 80s ones after they don't buy the modern ones. If you don't have all of them you don't need any of them is a mind set that some people have. I don't think they should do modern talent until they are running out of past wrestlers to make. You make a good point, and one that fits with me as a completist very well: I fought quite hard to keep my Ultimate Edition collection complete right up until Mattel started giving exclusives to Walmart without an international outlet in place - as we all know Walmart kill lines, so I tapped-out immediately from my complete collection upon hearing the news, and haven't yet bought another Ultimate Edition figure since then as I now no longer need to get them all to maintain the complete collection; I can be selective. Ironically the one figure they've released recently that I would've selected to get is, you guessed it, exclusive to Walmart  It's interesting to think about if similar would apply to the Retros, or at least the extent to which it would apply. The original series obviously had modern guys (way too many) but there will have been some completists who weren't buying them for another reason than completing the line. A one-off set with well chosen current names might be a good balance, but they can't replace the current limited releases we are getting, they would have to be supplementary to the existing releases. |
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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 Apr 10, 2024 9:33:09 GMT -5
This may be a stretch, but could they do an ECW 4 pack? We have WCW and WWF/E from that era so getting a set of ECW guys would be awesome, I just don't know if they would have access to the characters to pull this off. RVD Taz Sabu Sandman that would probably be my dream ECW four pack, but we know for a fact Taz will be off limits. This may be a stretch, but could they do an ECW 4 pack? We have WCW and WWF/E from that era so getting a set of ECW guys would be awesome, I just don't know if they would have access to the characters to pull this off. RVD Taz Sabu Sandman that would probably be my dream ECW four pack, but we know for a fact Taz will be off limits. I can totally see Ringside doing an ECW 4 pack. Maybe Dudley Boyz, RVD, and Sandman. Dudleyz gear could be tricky thou. Bubba Ray Dudley using Kevin Owen’s upper body with Vader legs or KO’s whole body D-Von Dudley using Roman’s body/legs and arms. Hmm that’s more WWE RVD having the double spinning clothesline with AJ’ legs Sandman using the Elias setup and including a cane ECW would be a great bundle, and one that I think most collectors of our vintage would be excited about. |
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Apr 10, 2024 9:38:32 GMT -5
For me, anything post Attitude is a push. I was a fan and collected ljn and hasbro, watched the attitude era and switched off around 2001! Haven't watched any wrestling since, only documentaries about the early eras! I'm a nostalgia collector so only that era interests me, I think mattel also realised this with there recent direction with retros. I started with the Hasbros, but otherwise that covers me as well perfectly. After the Invasion fell flat then I suddenly found myself missing shows and not being that bothered, which never happened before. Only guys like Jericho, Eddie, Benoit, Angle, etc., were keeping me interested as Austin and Rock were gone, etc., but I stopped completely cold turkey when Orton won the belt at SummerSlam '04. Mattel have it right now in terms of their focus (though the mid-80s stuff could maybe do with a bit of a rest), but I'm not opposed to an extra set with more current talent - if not the WrestleMania match set idea then a two-pack with Dusty and Cody would be the obvious example, Rock and Roman another one. |
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@Chair.Shot
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Joined on: Jan 31, 2012 4:38:24 GMT -5
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Apr 10, 2024 10:35:22 GMT -5
^^^I Would love to see that! I also think there is a case to be made to include any of the following (even if they aren’t necessarily my top picks): Paul E Dangerously Terry Funk Cactus Jack Pillman Rey Mysterio Bam Bam Bigelow Dusty Rhodes Rhino I think Cactus and Terry would def be possibilities. I went with Dudleyz since they’re a newer signing but the overalls look would be an issue. “Star power” per set may be what it comes down to I used the names listed as they are guys that we know are often accessible for Mattel. So if anyone from your lineup didn’t work out, one of those stars could fill out the set. |
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FigFanVader
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Joined on: Sept 1, 2021 22:12:34 GMT -5
Posts: 191
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Post by FigFanVader on Apr 10, 2024 11:02:29 GMT -5
This may be a stretch, but could they do an ECW 4 pack? We have WCW and WWF/E from that era so getting a set of ECW guys would be awesome, I just don't know if they would have access to the characters to pull this off. RVD Taz Sabu Sandman that would probably be my dream ECW four pack, but we know for a fact Taz will be off limits. I can totally see Ringside doing an ECW 4 pack. Maybe Dudley Boyz, RVD, and Sandman. Dudleyz gear could be tricky thou. Bubba Ray Dudley using Kevin Owen’s upper body with Vader legs or KO’s whole body D-Von Dudley using Roman’s body/legs and arms. Hmm that’s more WWE RVD having the double spinning clothesline with AJ’ legs Sandman using the Elias setup and including a cane ECW would be a great bundle, and one that I think most collectors of our vintage would be excited about. I think some combo of these guys in a Ringside ECW 4-pack makes a lot of sense, and fits with the era of Retros that Ringside has been selling. Based on the comments from Bill and Steve about The Great Muta, I can also see him getting a Retro. Maybe an early WCW 4-pack with Muta, Steiner Brothers, and Paul E. Dangerously? That may be wishful thinking. Or Muta, Ricky Steamboat, Stunning Steve Austin, and Paul E? |
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@Chair.Shot
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Apr 10, 2024 16:13:28 GMT -5
And now a Medium size review of Big John Studd! 360 VIEW: Big John Studdhttp://instagram.com/p/C5ZCsMHxj55 The Good: http://instagram.com/p/C5bjquHxTUW So out of this entire set, Big John Studd was the figure I was looking forward to the most! He definitely lives up to the “Big” part of his name as he is one of the largest Retros out there! He is pretty imposing next to almost any Hasbro or retro figure out there. Though John never had the most exciting gear, Mattel’s design team did a nice job with giving him his signature blonde locks with brunette beard. This is going to be hard for me to say as I can’t offer an explanation: I just like this figure!
We have seen these parts used with Braun and Diesel. It’s not my favorite as it doesn’t quite work with every giant. John was a big, strong guy but different legs could have really elevated this figure.
I think John would look bigger if they were able to make his boots look smaller. A big part of John’s look were those white tights and I feel as though his figure is 25% red boots. It’s part of the exaggerated style but it just feels a little off.
The stars on his tights needed to be smaller too. This would have helped to make him feel even bigger. As a nitpick, I believe the tights he wore at WM1 had black stars and not red.
Last small criticism: the molded hair and beard are clumpier than what I would have preferred. The heads on the Retros still need work. I definitely know who this was supposed to be and understand we aren’t going for complete realism but I feel like it’s a little too dumbed down.
So How Do They Measure Up?:
*Swipe to the end of the IG post under “The Good” to view comparison photos*
Studd is without question in that Giant Category! I appreciate him being smaller than Andre. Naturally, you’ll see he is bigger than most figures which makes sense.
Final Verdict:
I know I spent time nitpicking this figure but I really do like it! It felt like a missing piece even if John Studd wasn’t really part of the original Hasbro era. It is my favorite figure of this set. That might seem surprising but between Ali and Hogan, it was some stiff competition. Those figures exceeded my expectations. But because Big John Studd met my expectations and he was a highly desired figure, I am booking him at the top of the list!
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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 Apr 10, 2024 16:57:58 GMT -5
ECW would be a great bundle, and one that I think most collectors of our vintage would be excited about. I think some combo of these guys in a Ringside ECW 4-pack makes a lot of sense, and fits with the era of Retros that Ringside has been selling. Based on the comments from Bill and Steve about The Great Muta, I can also see him getting a Retro. Maybe an early WCW 4-pack with Muta, Steiner Brothers, and Paul E. Dangerously? That may be wishful thinking. Or Muta, Ricky Steamboat, Stunning Steve Austin, and Paul E? That would be a fun set - with Pillman back under contract then we could see both of the Hollywood Blondes in a bundle, or a Flyin’ Brian in tribute to the Galoob! |
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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 Apr 10, 2024 17:21:52 GMT -5
I would buy a retro pack of the Mania 40 main event in a flash. we need the Final Boss. It’s that Final Boss Rock that really has me thinking about this WrestleMania bundle idea - it’s such a great look for him; I’ve rewatched the end of the title match so many times over the last few days, especially him marching down to confront Cena looking like a million dollars - this latest run has managed to lift his legend even higher, which is insane to think about. Thinking about the potential bundle, Mattel probably wouldn’t need to invest that much in the tooling given what they have already. Assuming all four guys get new heads (Roman’s series 1 head could potentially be reused, but it’s 8 years old at this point so should be a new head), then they could do: -Roman: basically the series 1 but without the Shield top, so switch with the Billy Gunn/Jerry Lawler body, assuming they fit with the series 1 legs and arms, which I assume they would. This figure recipe seems cheap enough to throw in an accessory like his red Samoan necklace (no idea if this has a traditional name, no offence intended if it does) - that piece already exists in the Elite/Ultimate lines so no new tooling needed. -Heyman: I mean this is clearly the Paul Bearer version of the manager body. I’d like them to have the belt as well to go with him, which they’d perhaps do in the Hasbro style that they showed with the winged eagle at Mania, so that would need new tooling. -Cody: either the clothesline action or the Mr T Tornado spin - seems easy. How do the Elite/Ultimate weight belts fit on Retros? If well then that’s another potential accessory that wouldn’t need new tooling that the budget saving on the figure could allow. -The Rock: First I thought Ambrose would be a good base, but now I think Elias would be better since the hand grips would allow him to whip the ‘Mama Rhodes’ weight belt (assuming they fit the Retros well, like I asked about above with Cody). The waistcoat/vest will definitely be made for the Elite/Ultimate lines soon, so there’s another piece that wouldn’t require unique tooling from the Retros budget to include on the figure. The existing bundles cost $60 I think, so make the made-to-order price here $70 to provide insurance if the orders don’t meet expectations and you’ve got something to offer Retros collectors as well as modern day collectors who are paying $25 or whatever for Elites and over $30 for Ultimates - they’ll think they’re getting a bargain with four figures for $70  |
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mrh
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Joined on: Sept 1, 2018 0:11:53 GMT -5
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Post by mrh on Apr 10, 2024 17:45:03 GMT -5
And now a Medium size review of Big John Studd! 360 VIEW: Big John Studdhttp://instagram.com/p/C5ZCsMHxj55 The Good: http://instagram.com/p/C5bjquHxTUW So out of this entire set, Big John Studd was the figure I was looking forward to the most! He definitely lives up to the “Big” part of his name as he is one of the largest Retros out there! He is pretty imposing next to almost any Hasbro or retro figure out there. Though John never had the most exciting gear, Mattel’s design team did a nice job with giving him his signature blonde locks with brunette beard. This is going to be hard for me to say as I can’t offer an explanation: I just like this figure!
We have seen these parts used with Braun and Diesel. It’s not my favorite as it doesn’t quite work with every giant. John was a big, strong guy but different legs could have really elevated this figure.
I think John would look bigger if they were able to make his boots look smaller. A big part of John’s look were those white tights and I feel as though his figure is 25% red boots. It’s part of the exaggerated style but it just feels a little off.
The stars on his tights needed to be smaller too. This would have helped to make him feel even bigger. As a nitpick, I believe the tights he wore at WM1 had black stars and not red.
Last small criticism: the molded hair and beard are clumpier than what I would have preferred. The heads on the Retros still need work. I definitely know who this was supposed to be and understand we aren’t going for complete realism but I feel like it’s a little too dumbed down.
So How Do They Measure Up?:
*Swipe to the end of the IG post under “The Good” to view comparison photos*
Studd is without question in that Giant Category! I appreciate him being smaller than Andre. Naturally, you’ll see he is bigger than most figures which makes sense.
Final Verdict:
I know I spent time nitpicking this figure but I really do like it! It felt like a missing piece even if John Studd wasn’t really part of the original Hasbro era. It is my favorite figure of this set. That might seem surprising but between Ali and Hogan, it was some stiff competition. Those figures exceeded my expectations. But because Big John Studd met my expectations and he was a highly desired figure, I am booking him at the top of the list!
Great review
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Post by blutocheesecake on Apr 12, 2024 21:24:15 GMT -5
How great would it be to get a Barber Shop with break away glass, or other interview sets?
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britishbrickfan
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Posts: 984
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Post by britishbrickfan on Apr 13, 2024 2:11:10 GMT -5
seeing the Brother Love figure has made me wonder - what if Mattel were doing a 4-pack of the Gimmick Battle Royal from WrestleMania X7?
who would we want to see in with Brother Love? would people want a Cornette? or would you give that slot to someone else like the Goon?
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@Chair.Shot
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Apr 13, 2024 9:34:35 GMT -5
seeing the Brother Love figure has made me wonder - what if Mattel were doing a 4-pack of the Gimmick Battle Royal from WrestleMania X7? who would we want to see in with Brother Love? would people want a Cornette? or would you give that slot to someone else like the Goon? I definitely wouldn’t hate it if they got 4 solid names. I tried to break it down from most likely to least likely. Most Likely (originals) Hillbilly Jim The Gobbledy Gooker Harvey Wippleman Kim Chee The Goon Less Likely: -Michael PS Hayes (seems like it wouldn’t be very desirable) -Duke The Dumpster Droese (WWE seems to want nothing to do with him though he would fit in). -Jim Cornette (not on the best terms with WWE; seems difficult for any figure company to sign besides one) -One Man Gang (concussion lawsuit) Hasbro Remakes: Sgt. Slaughter (Different gear than Hasbro) Earthquake (Different gear than Hasbro) Kamala (Different gear than Hasbro) Bushwhackers (Different gear than Hasbro) Repo Man (Concussion lawsuit; already has a Hasbro) Retro Remakes: Iron Sheik (Already done in Retro form) Doink (Already done in Hasbro and Retro form) Nikolai Volkoff (Already done in Retro form) Tugboat (Already done in Retro form) |
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brad
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Joined on: Jul 14, 2018 18:57:58 GMT -5
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Post by brad on Apr 13, 2024 11:15:21 GMT -5
The Gooker in retro form seems like a no-brainer.
V excited for Brother Love. I will buy that set for that fig alone.
Also, we REALLY need Jake in black flame tights with the cobra.
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