WWE action figures are toys based on performers and personalities of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).[1][2] They are currently manufactured by Mattel, and have formerly been manufactured by LJN, Jakks Pacific and Hasbro.[3]
History
editIn 1984, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) had received a bid from Remco for the rights to the WWF's toy license. Around the same time, Galoob also bid for the WWF toy license, and were prepared to offer more than Remco. Upon receiving these offers, WWF chairman Vince McMahon told Galoob he was prepared to accept their offer, if they could prove they were a better manufacturer than Remco. Galoob suggested McMahon contact MCA Inc., who would be able to provide a reference for Galoob as they had produced toys for some of their films. Upon contacting MCA, instead of obtaining a reference for Galoob, Vince McMahon was then suggested by MCA to go into business with LJN, who were a toy manufacturer connected to MCA. LJN offered a bid to McMahon, McMahon then asked Remco and Galoob if they could match this offer, and neither were unable. This awarded LJN with the WWF license, and were its first action figures.[4]
Hasbro
editFollowing LJN's sale of the WWF license to Grand Toys, and it expiring soon after. Hasbro obtained the license and began producing the company's action figures in 1990.[5] The toys were manufactured from plastic and although not fully articulated, had various spring-loaded action features such as punches and clotheslines, although they were not unique to each figure.
Jakks Pacific
editIn 1995, Jack Friedman, previously of LJN and THQ, wanted to get back into the toy manufacturing business, as THQ had changed its direction from toys to focusing on interactive software. Inspired by Hasbro's success launching with the G.I. Joe line, Friedman then obtained the WWF's toy license to launch Jakks Pacific with. The WWF license was scheduled to finish in 2002, but would be extended in 1998 to 2009.[6] Jakks Pacific is best known for producing Classic Superstars, TitanTron Live and Ruthless Aggression.[7]
Mattel
editMattel took over production of WWE action figures. The new line-up was introduced on January 1, 2010 on wwe.com.[8] The line included the "Basic" line, similar to the Jakks Pacific "Ruthless Aggression" line. [citation needed]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Oppliger, Patrice A. (March 21, 2015). Wrestling and Hypermasculinity. McFarland. ISBN 978-0-7864-8136-1.
- ^ Boyd, Hope; Murnen, Sarah K. (June 1, 2017). "Thin and sexy vs. muscular and dominant: Prevalence of gendered body ideals in popular dolls and action figures". Body Image. 21: 90–96. doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.03.003. ISSN 1740-1445. PMID 28411472.
- ^ Williams, Kevin (June 15, 2022). Wrestling Merchandise of the 1990s. Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-3981-0721-2.
- ^ "The Toys That Made Us: Professional Wrestling! - Scott's Blog of Doom!". www.blogofdoom.com. December 12, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
- ^ admin (June 3, 2019). "COLLECTIBLES COLUMN 5 COUNT: Highest Selling Hasbro WWF Figures". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
- ^ "JAKKS Pacific Inc. Extends Term of WWF License Agreement With Titan Sports Inc - Document - Gale General OneFile". go.gale.com. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
- ^ "Wrestling – Jakks Pacific 1996-2009 (WWF/WWE)". January 2, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ "Mattel named WWE's master toy licensee starting in 2010". The Business Journals. February 13, 2008. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
