RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jun 28, 2020 17:01:27 GMT -5
I never really looked too much at the Ryder head TBH; I did notice it wasn't a great likeness compared to what he looks like now, but as I wasn't watching when he had the look of the figure then I wasn't sure if it was just down to him being younger then or something. Most of the criticism I've heard on that one has been the choice of attire and the use of the kick-pads tooling (I think that was Cardona's critique of the figure) - I'd have chosen the WrestleMania 32 intercontinental win look myself, as I expect most would have. But I don't hate it, it's more on my "could've been better" list I think. Anyway, a new answer from the Q&A thread discussing the factors leading to the hiatus of the line: Steve: 2. Thanks for your great insights on the Retro line. As a collector who ONLY bought that line - was very sad to see it end and had questions about how it was managed. Seeing your responses that you knew the older superstars sold the best - and that a manager was planned at TRU - makes me hopeful about the future and that you’re listening to collectors (I desperately want to give Mattel my money for Retros of 80s-90s wrestlers). The Retro line lost its way a bit between fluctuating retail interest, TRU closing, talent selection, management leadership change, etc. It was honestly not one or two people’s fault but just a series of events that forced it to have to (hopeful temporarily) end. I came on board while planning what turned out to be the final year of the line and I think it’s agreed that the last three waves were pretty strong with an even balance of Legends and modern talent to satisfy hardcore fans, retailers, licensor, game partner, etc. But it was just too late at that point. And yes, you would have seen mote Legends in the “Collector Edition” type slots as retailer exclusives. I am hopeful we can bring these back in a way that makes sense and caters directly towards the real audience for them. I know the appetite is strong here but all of your continued patience waiting for these just helps ensure that if/when they do come back, they’re back in a way that can be successful and keep them going as long as there’s still solid collector demand. Seems a good summary of the issues we've highlighted in this thread from the start basically; good to hear it from someone within Mattel. Thanks to mrh for the question, and of course Action Figure Attack for the answer.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jun 28, 2020 17:09:51 GMT -5
I get Mattel wanting to include newer guys in the line. They obviously were harder to sell but it doesn’t seem like any kind of colossal blunder. For me, the bigger head scratcher was the inclusion of WCW guys into the line. Did we really need NWO Macho or Wolfpac Sting? No. Did I still buy them? Yup! The Ryder figure isn’t terrible but it is probably top 5 of the worst Retro heads. I wonder with the second Sting, how much extra work/time would have been needed to move the series 2 head onto an AJ (for example) body and then paint that in Wolfpac colours? The parts already existed so if the pegs are the same and the hair would sit well enough for it to work then that would've made for a more interesting figure IMHO; it's not like the jumper had singlet detailing or anything that the AJ figure didn't. Not that I dislike the second Sting (I don't have the deep hatred of jumpers as many do; I merely tolerant them ) but I like the idea of giving a wrestler's second appearance in the line a different action if possible, like with the Macho Man figures.
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@Chair.Shot
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Jun 28, 2020 18:22:11 GMT -5
We are about a month away from the one year anniversary of the “end” of the Retro line. It made all the sense to the fans at the time that Mattel was gearing up for something big to show at SDCC...and then nothing. Absolutely nothing. Even if it wasn’t the fault of two people...it still hurt.
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@WWERetroStars
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Post by @WWERetroStars on Jun 28, 2020 18:27:27 GMT -5
Totally disagree about the Ryder Retro being one of the worst. Great pose. Up there with Jericho and Austin when it comes to use for customs.
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Post by hbkjason on Jun 29, 2020 5:01:07 GMT -5
Totally disagree about the Ryder Retro being one of the worst. Great pose. Up there with Jericho and Austin when it comes to use for customs. I agree that the pose is good and for folks who make customs I get it, but as as a Zack Ryder figure it is freaking awful. If you were just shown that face and ha dno idea who it was supposed to be I bet many people would struggle to tell you it was Zack Ryder.
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Post by showbizpizzabear81 on Jun 29, 2020 5:41:41 GMT -5
A shred of good news.. I see the prices have gone down just a bit on Retros on ebay. Not Roman, JYD or Flair, but many of the others. I guess people weren't moving them when prices made them choose between Samoa Joe and food during this crazy time we live in.
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Post by hulkjoegan on Jun 29, 2020 10:49:44 GMT -5
I never really looked too much at the Ryder head TBH; I did notice it wasn't a great likeness compared to what he looks like now, but as I wasn't watching when he had the look of the figure then I wasn't sure if it was just down to him being younger then or something. Most of the criticism I've heard on that one has been the choice of attire and the use of the kick-pads tooling (I think that was Cardona's critique of the figure) - I'd have chosen the WrestleMania 32 intercontinental win look myself, as I expect most would have. But I don't hate it, it's more on my "could've been better" list I think. Anyway, a new answer from the Q&A thread discussing the factors leading to the hiatus of the line: The Retro line lost its way a bit between fluctuating retail interest, TRU closing, talent selection, management leadership change, etc. It was honestly not one or two people’s fault but just a series of events that forced it to have to (hopeful temporarily) end. I came on board while planning what turned out to be the final year of the line and I think it’s agreed that the last three waves were pretty strong with an even balance of Legends and modern talent to satisfy hardcore fans, retailers, licensor, game partner, etc. But it was just too late at that point. And yes, you would have seen mote Legends in the “Collector Edition” type slots as retailer exclusives. I am hopeful we can bring these back in a way that makes sense and caters directly towards the real audience for them. I know the appetite is strong here but all of your continued patience waiting for these just helps ensure that if/when they do come back, they’re back in a way that can be successful and keep them going as long as there’s still solid collector demand. Seems a good summary of the issues we've highlighted in this thread from the start basically; good to hear it from someone within Mattel. Thanks to mrh for the question, and of course Action Figure Attack for the answer. Interesting response from AFA again. I’m quietly hoping that they will relaunch, but not expecting any time soon - I reckon at least another year. It’s just a shame when there’s talk of retailer exclusives - generally means no chance for those of us in the U.K.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jun 29, 2020 15:18:16 GMT -5
I had set this year’s SDCC as the “deadline” for my hopes of the line returning, so soon here we are.
Basically I think if we hadn’t heard anything at all in a full year after the hiatus announcement was made, and they weren’t addressed at the major show that Mattel uses to lay-out their plans into 2021, then it’s not realistic anymore to think they’ll return, especially if we don’t know if the WWE-Mattel licence is going to be extended.
I’m not seeing nor feeling anything either way in regard to if we will hear something or not.
What gives me hope is the great unknown of the new Mattel Creations service - huge IF, but IF the WWE team are approaching that as a Matty Collector/Hasbro Pulse/crowdfunding-type service, then we have the natural home for the Retros IMHO. If it’s “just” a new venue for Mattel to sell the odd remaining stock or something rather than anything more adventurous, then that hope will join all the rest of our hopes in the grave.
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Post by TheLastDude on Jun 29, 2020 15:38:30 GMT -5
I’m quietly hoping that they will relaunch, but not expecting any time soon - I reckon at least another year. I had set this year’s SDCC as the “deadline” for my hopes of the line returning, so soon here we are. I wouldn't put any sort of time limit on a return. Beyond the fact that there's no reason to set yourself up for disappointment, when I asked Steve about the potential for other "non-wrestling" lines for the future, he did indeed state that the MOTU crossover line is what they're working on right now, it's selling very well, and they're expanding it beyond what was initially planned. So, we're in for it with those figures for right now. Obviously, that can change. Who knows what's coming with the new Matty Creations site. Just keep in mind that Steve likes Retros, Mattel knows we want Retros, and if they can make it work, I'm sure they're going to do so. It's easy to get down when it's been a year now, but look at it this way...I waited 22 years between the end of Hasbro and the beginning of Retro, so...it could be worse.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jul 1, 2020 15:08:43 GMT -5
I’m quietly hoping that they will relaunch, but not expecting any time soon - I reckon at least another year. I had set this year’s SDCC as the “deadline” for my hopes of the line returning, so soon here we are. I wouldn't put any sort of time limit on a return. Beyond the fact that there's no reason to set yourself up for disappointment, when I asked Steve about the potential for other "non-wrestling" lines for the future, he did indeed state that the MOTU crossover line is what they're working on right now, it's selling very well, and they're expanding it beyond what was initially planned. My thinking behind saying that I’d give it a year wasn’t really based on anything solid, rather just the thinking that SDCC seems to be the major event where things are laid-out, so I wasn’t going to lose hope until this year’s had gone without Retros being mentioned. I do think however that the more time passes the less likely it is for the line to return - I know the Legends took like a decade to return, but at least Mattel could point to the strong sales of Elites as evidence that there was a market for the style of figures at least if nothing else; I’m not sure the Retros have the same sort of evidence behind them to convince stores to take them on again years after they were cancelled. But I obviously don’t know the details of how things work. Steve has explained how the Masters aren’t connected to the Retros, but instead to the Zombies and such lines, so the apparent success of the Masters I only take as a good thing - the better WWE merchandise moves then logically the more interest there will be in other WWE lines and space dedicated to them, so whilst I’m not a Masters guy then I do like that they’ve seemingly found a market. So, we're in for it with those figures for right now. Obviously, that can change. Who knows what's coming with the new Matty Creations site. Just keep in mind that Steve likes Retros, Mattel knows we want Retros, and if they can make it work, I'm sure they're going to do so. Completely agree on the Steve point; his obvious passion for the Retros and him being a collector of figures himself is a huge plus for all of us (whichever line you collect). Bill also of course, but it’s more Steve who has kept the Retro dream alive. I do believe that if there is anyway to bring the Retros back then it will happen because of the support of the line within the WWE team, but as I say the more time passes the less I like the odds. If Mattel Creations doesn’t get used to create exclusive lines or to crowd-fund figures, then we are left again at the mercy of Walmart and Target - and I have no faith in either of them based on what has gone before with the Retros. It's easy to get down when it's been a year now, but look at it this way...I waited 22 years between the end of Hasbro and the beginning of Retro, so...it could be worse. The problem is that if we wait another 22 years for the line to return then us in the target market will start dying-off
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Post by newgenandy on Jul 1, 2020 15:13:29 GMT -5
I’m quietly hoping that they will relaunch, but not expecting any time soon - I reckon at least another year. I had set this year’s SDCC as the “deadline” for my hopes of the line returning, so soon here we are. I wouldn't put any sort of time limit on a return. Beyond the fact that there's no reason to set yourself up for disappointment, when I asked Steve about the potential for other "non-wrestling" lines for the future, he did indeed state that the MOTU crossover line is what they're working on right now, it's selling very well, and they're expanding it beyond what was initially planned. So, we're in for it with those figures for right now. Obviously, that can change. Who knows what's coming with the new Matty Creations site. Just keep in mind that Steve likes Retros, Mattel knows we want Retros, and if they can make it work, I'm sure they're going to do so. It's easy to get down when it's been a year now, but look at it this way...I waited 22 years between the end of Hasbro and the beginning of Retro, so...it could be worse. The motu figures seem to be doing really well. Non wrestling YouTube toy channels are covering them and giving rave reviews
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Bpatrick
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Post by Bpatrick on Jul 1, 2020 15:19:56 GMT -5
I wouldn't put any sort of time limit on a return. Beyond the fact that there's no reason to set yourself up for disappointment, when I asked Steve about the potential for other "non-wrestling" lines for the future, he did indeed state that the MOTU crossover line is what they're working on right now, it's selling very well, and they're expanding it beyond what was initially planned. My thinking behind saying that I’d give it a year wasn’t really based on anything solid, rather just the thinking that SDCC seems to be the major event where things are laid-out, so I wasn’t going to lose hope until this year’s had gone without Retros being mentioned. I do think however that the more time passes the less likely it is for the line to return - I know the Legends took like a decade to return, but at least Mattel could point to the strong sales of Elites as evidence that there was a market for the style of figures at least if nothing else; I’m not sure the Retros have the same sort of evidence behind them to convince stores to take them on again years after they were cancelled. But I obviously don’t know the details of how things work. Steve has explained how the Retros aren’t connected to the Masters, rather instead to the Zombies and such lines, so the apparent success of the Master I only take as a good thing - the better WWE merchandise moves then logically the more interest there will be in other WWE lines and space dedicated to them, so whilst I’m not a Masters guy then I do like that they’ve seemingly found a market. So, we're in for it with those figures for right now. Obviously, that can change. Who knows what's coming with the new Matty Creations site. Just keep in mind that Steve likes Retros, Mattel knows we want Retros, and if they can make it work, I'm sure they're going to do so. Completely agree on the Steve point; his obvious passion for the Retros and him being a collector of figures himself is a huge plus for all of us (whichever line you collect). Bill also of course, but it’s more Steve who has kept the Retro dream alive. I do believe that if there is anyway to bring the Retros back then it will happen because of the support of the line with the WWE team, but as I say the more time passes the less I like the odds. If Mattel Creations doesn’t get used to create exclusive lines or to crowd-fund figures, then we are left again at the mercy of Walmart and Target - and I have no faith in either of them based on what has gone before with the Retros. It's easy to get down when it's been a year now, but look at it this way...I waited 22 years between the end of Hasbro and the beginning of Retro, so...it could be worse. The problem is that if we wait another 22 years for the line to return then us in the target market will start dying-off It may take another 22 years to sell off the rest of those Series 3 Seth Rollins...
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Post by newgenandy on Jul 2, 2020 3:30:02 GMT -5
If retros do come back I’d like them to have the same plastic / feel as Hasbro figures had.
If you line them up the more Matt finish on the retros makes then stand out. I’d like then to blend in more seemless
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jul 4, 2020 18:44:43 GMT -5
I've seen some references on Facebook to series 9 being found at Five Below again - has anyone near to one found anything interesting there lately?
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Post by showbizpizzabear81 on Jul 4, 2020 23:20:33 GMT -5
I've seen some references on Facebook to series 9 being found at Five Below again - has anyone near to one found anything interesting there lately? I havent, but I hope they pop up. It'll bring that green Savage closer to the $15 that it was instead of the $80 it is now. Using these for customs are killing me, smalls.
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alphadeltaxray
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Post by alphadeltaxray on Jul 5, 2020 14:10:27 GMT -5
I've seen some references on Facebook to series 9 being found at Five Below again - has anyone near to one found anything interesting there lately? I havent, but I hope they pop up. It'll bring that green Savage closer to the $15 that it was instead of the $80 it is now. Using these for customs are killing me, smalls. The series 9 Macho Man and the Diesel skyrocketed in value/price pretty much overnight. Especially Diesel, which I had just picked up another one back in late April for under $30.
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Scotty Flamingo
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Post by Scotty Flamingo on Jul 5, 2020 17:32:41 GMT -5
I've seen some references on Facebook to series 9 being found at Five Below again - has anyone near to one found anything interesting there lately? Hopefully. There should still be a lot of Series 9 & 10 out there since neither set showed up at Walmart & Target. Then all the Five Below stores around here got was Series 8. Series 6 never showed up anywhere either. Why can’t the stores find a bunch of these like they did with the Elite sets that never showed up last year.
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thekingbalor
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Post by thekingbalor on Jul 7, 2020 19:53:07 GMT -5
Have the Retros been cancelled? I haven’t seen any new releases of them lately.
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RedDevil
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Post by RedDevil on Jul 8, 2020 6:57:56 GMT -5
Have the Retros been cancelled? I haven’t seen any new releases of them lately. They aren’t being made right now, but not officially cancelled. The line is “on hiatus” whilst Mattel are looking at how to bring it back. Hopefully we hear something in this year’s SDCC reveals, but there’s nothing to indicate that that will happen - we shall see. The problem seems to be that the line can’t survive without Walmart and/or Target supporting it, and they weren’t willing to support it past like series 8 at best - the way those stores handled the line was a total mess. I hope that Mattel can find a way to do it without those stores being involved, but options seem very limited. We have a tiny bit of hope now due to the WWE team talking about involving themselves with the Mattel Creations website, but we don’t know what exactly they will use that service for - all we know is that Mr T will be available on there, so maybe all the WWE team will be using the Mattel Creations website for will be as a venue to sell this year’s SDCC exclusive stock since the convention obviously isn’t happening. But IF WWE Mattel are looking at launching exclusive figures or lines on Mattel Creations, then the Retros seems to be an ideal candidate from where we are sat, but obviously we don’t have the full picture of such matters. So we continue to wait...
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alphadeltaxray
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Post by alphadeltaxray on Jul 8, 2020 9:22:06 GMT -5
I've seen some references on Facebook to series 9 being found at Five Below again - has anyone near to one found anything interesting there lately? Hopefully. There should still be a lot of Series 9 & 10 out there since neither set showed up at Walmart & Target. Then all the Five Below stores around here got was Series 8. Series 6 never showed up anywhere either. Why can’t the stores find a bunch of these like they did with the Elite sets that never showed up last year. Found series 9 at Five Below last night. I've never even seen retros at a five below so that was a nice surprise.
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