WWE Elite Collection Survivor Series (2022): Becky Lynch

The 2022 Survivor Series line once again was a Build-a-Figure wave and contained 4 figures. Rick Rude would be the figure you could build in this series. I had aspirations to pick up all the figures in the wave, but ultimately passed as I just didn't care for the others. I still may get around to picking up AJ Styles, but the young Drew McIntyre and Ultimate Warrior do nothing for me. Even Rick is a little lack luster in my book, especially when compared to some of the other BAFs released in the recent past.

On to our subject, Becky Lynch. When I first saw the solicitations for this figure I couldn't wait to show my daughter. Like I thought, she wanted it and ended up putting Becky on her Christmas list. I can't remember now who purchased this for her, but I ended up buying it off of her as she got so many figures for Christmas I guess this one fell out of favor with her for whatever reason. After I finally got her open recently, maybe she knew something about this figure that I didn't?

Becky's Survivor Series gear was different, especially those large diamond shaped knee pads. She had a look all her own that night and Mattel did a pretty good job capturing that even in toy form. Her ring gear is fairly simple being a long sleeved red top and briefs, red boots and of course the knee pads. Her hair is sculpted over her shoulders and back, which does effect the head articulation, but looks good. Fish net stockings are painted on her thighs...it's a good looking figure, but there was just something about it as I first held it in hand that I couldn't quite get.

The head sculpt is pretty spot on for miss Rebecca Quinn. This is an area where I feel Mattel is excelled. They do a great job capturing the wrestlers' likeness and this figure is no exception. Good paint apps and hair go a long way in helping with the overall look. Her facial expression is a different, but perhaps that's why this figure stands out from the other Becky Lynch figures.

The only accessories included with the figure (outside the BAF parts) are a set of extra closed fists, which I prefer the look of these hands on the figure. Articulation is standard fare here, nothing to really complain about. I feel like I should like this figure more, but there is something about it that I can't put my finger on. I wanted to gush over how great this figure is, but I can't. I won't. I don't want to be that type of fan that never has anything negative to say. This isn't a bad figure, it really isn't, but this version of Becky just doesn't quite do it for me. Your mileage however may vary.

WWE Elite Collection WrestleMania Series (2022): "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

 

Just in time for WrestleMania this weekend comes the annual Elite Collection WrestleMania series. The series features three hall of famers and a future HOFer. Each figure comes with a build-a-figure piece to build a tuxedo clad Vince McMahon.

I saved the best for last with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. This particular version of the Texas Rattlesnack is from WrestleMania XIX where he went up against the Rock.

The packaging for these WrestleMania figures mimics the regular Elite Collection, but mixes in the WrestleMania 38 logo...that unfortunately incorporates the Dallas Cowboys star. The back of the packaging lists some of Austin's career highlights, including the aforementioned WrestleMania XIX.

I watched more WCW in the 90's than I did of WWE's "Attitude" era, however I'd hear of Stone Cold's wild antics and eventually would tune in. He's not my favorite wrestler, but you can't argue that he's a legend in the business so if you're going to have a wrestling figure collection you kind of have to own a figure of Austin. 

Austin's ring gear was pretty consistent during his Stone Cold years and this figure replicates the vest and black trunks well. I love the included knee braces, something that began a staple look later in his career.

The head/face sculpts in this WrestleMania wave have been hit and miss, but they absolutely nailed the look of Stone Cold. Perhaps the bald head that made it easier to replicate his look, whatever the reason this is a great looking sculpt.

Unlock many of the other figures in this wave, Austin's vest isn't cloth and made of a soft plastic...which I am thankful for. The vest has his initials on one side and his trademark skull on the other side (and the back). It is removable if you wish.

His knee braces are also cast in a soft plastic and still allow movement with the knees. I believe that this brace to be the same that was used on the Dakoda Kai figure we looked at earlier, but obviously cast in black. Notice Steve's Texas tattoo above his ankle? I don't know I recall see that before.

If I have one gripe about this figure is the left ankle/foot...on my specimen at least the foot isn't attached to the leg that well. It doesn't effect the ankle joint, the foot can still lift up and down along w/ the ankle rocker still working.

The included Vince McMahon build-a-figure parts is Vince's head. After refreshing myself by watching some older content on Peacock today, I can confirm that the face sculpt is a good 80's representation of young(er) Mr. McMahon.

This by far is the best figure in the 2022 WrestleMania series and is a must own. I've yet to see this series at local retail, but I would imagine they'll sell fairly well, I mean doesn't everyone want a throw back announcer Vince McMahon figure in their collection?

WWE Elite Collection WrestleMania Series (2022): AJ Styles

Just in time for WrestleMania this weekend comes the annual Elite Collection WrestleMania series. The series features three hall of famers and a future HOFer. Each figure comes with a build-a-figure piece to build a tuxedo clad Vince McMahon.

We'll start off this series of posts with Bret "Hit Man" Hart. This particular version of the Bret is the WrestleMania 36 where he went up against the Undertaker in a Bone Yard match.

The packaging for these WrestleMania figures mimics the regular Elite Collection, but mixes in the WrestleMania 38 logo...that unfortunately incorporates the Dallas Cowboys star. The back of the packaging lists some of Shawn's career highlights, including the aforementioned WrestleMania XXVI.

Ever since AJ Styles joined the WWE, I've enjoyed watching him perform. I think he's one of those guys that makes a great babyface or heel. When I saw that this figure was taken from WrestleMania 36's Bone Yard match against the Undertaker, I knew this was one that I wanted to have. I was excited to open him up...even though he comes with cloth t-shirt. The printed OC design looks good and  the shirt  fits the figure pretty well. The Velcro strip along the backside holds together well and the shirt is easily removable. Since this wasn't your traditional wrestling match, AJ is sporting blue jeans which surprisingly look pretty good.

Finally, a face sculpt that looks like the actual wrestler! After the last few figures I've opened I've been disappointed with how the head/face looked, this figure hits a home run. There is no doubt that this is AJ.

AJ comes with several accessories outside of the Build-A-Figure part. He has three sets of interchangeable hands, a pair of gripping, his gloves and a pair of hands holding three fingers up. He also comes with a shovel accessory...which may be a first for a WWE figure.

The included Vince McMahon build-a-figure part is the chest. The jacket is attached to the body, but it is cast in a softer plastic. 

AJ Styles is one of the best figures thus far in the new WrestleMania series and one that will be going into my personal collection. I've yet to see this series at local retail, but I would imagine they'll sell fairly well, I mean doesn't everyone want a throw back announcer Vince McMahon figure in their collection?

WWE Elite Collection WrestleMania Series (2022): Bret "Hit Man" Hart

 

Just in time for WrestleMania this weekend comes the annual Elite Collection WrestleMania series. The series features three hall of famers and a future HOFer. Each figure comes with a build-a-figure piece to build a tuxedo clad Vince McMahon.

We'll start off this series of posts with Bret "Hit Man" Hart. This particular version of the Bret is the WrestleMania XXVI where he went up against the boss himself, Vincent Kennedy McMahon.

The packaging for these WrestleMania figures mimics the regular Elite Collection, but mixes in the WrestleMania 38 logo...that unfortunately incorporates the Dallas Cowboys star. The back of the packaging lists some of Shawn's career highlights, including the aforementioned WrestleMania XXVI.

Growing up a WCW fan it was exciting when another WWE legend jumped shipped and joined "the other company". However I was never attached to Bret so I wasn't expecting much going into opening this figure. I generally don't care for cloth clothing/accessories, however this one isn't too bad. I love the printed design on the front and it fits the figure pretty well. The Velcro strip along the backside holds together well and the shirt is easily removable. I'm not a fan of wrestler figures that aren't in their gear as the jean shorts here, while appropriate for the character, just don't look that great in plastic form.

I'm not digging the face. It looks derpy. I don't know what other word to use here. I mean, I guess it kinda resembles Bret...maybe? The only good take away here is the hair...it's sculpted well.

As I mentioned earlier, the cloth shirt is removable, but after doing so I wished I had not! Maybe this is why Bret wrestled in a shirt/jersey in his later years?! Like with most modern Elite Collection figures, Bret features all the articulation that you'd expect. The elbow pads do restrict the articulation a bit, but the pads are made from a softer, thinner plastic so you can move them to a certain extent. 

The included Vince McMahon build-a-figure parts are the legs. I'm pretty sure these are the exact same legs that were used for the Royal Rumble series Build-A-Figure, Jimmy Hart.

This is a decent figure, however I'm not sure this is one that I'll want to keep in my collection. So far this is the weakest figure in the series in my own opinion. I've yet to see this series at local retail, but I would imagine they'll sell fairly well, I mean doesn't everyone want a throw back announcer Vince McMahon figure in their collection?

WWE Elite Collection WrestleMania Series (2022): Shawn Michaels

 

Just in time for WrestleMania this weekend comes the annual Elite Collection WrestleMania series. The series features three hall of famers and a future HOFer. Each figure comes with a build-a-figure piece to build a tuxedo clad Vince McMahon.

We'll start off this series of posts with Shawn Michaels. This particular version of the Shawn is the WrestleMania XXVI where he put his career on the line against the Undertaker. If you're a wrestling fan, then you'll know that this match didn't go well for the "Heartbreak Kid".

The packaging for these WrestleMania figures mimics the regular Elite Collection, but mixes in the WrestleMania 38 logo...that unfortunately incorporates the Dallas Cowboys star. The back of the packaging lists some of Shawn's career highlights, including the aforementioned WrestleMania XXVI.

This is the first Shawn Michaels figure that I've opened so I was looking forward to this figure. I love the wrestling gear he has, even though his top is cloth. I generally don't care for cloth clothing/accessories, however this one isn't too bad. It's got a fairly ornate design printed on both the front and back and the sides have three individual pieces of fabric attached to front/back. The deco on the paints is meant to replicate the leather cowboy chaps he is known for wearing. I like the silver accent added to the tips of his boots.

While this figure captures Shawn's likeness, I can't help but think his face looks tired. It's a great sculpt, but it's not quite what I was expecting.

Like with many figures that feature a cloth shirt/jacket/robe, it is removable. It's a little tight despite it fitting the figure somewhat loosely, however removing the hands helps removing his vest. I was surprised to see his chest wasn't that toned, then again this figure does represent Shawn later in his career. He comes with a set of interchangeable hands, but they are the open posed hands that I believe most people won't use that often.

The included Vince McMahon build-a-figure parts are his arms with a set of interchangeable hands. These are the exact same pair of hands that are also included with Shawn Michaels.

This is a good solid figure, however it didn't wow me as much as I thought. For now he'll go into my WWE HOF collection, but I'll probably be on the lookout for another version eventually. I've yet to see this series at local retail, but I would imagine they'll sell fairly well, I mean doesn't everyone want a throw back announcer Vince McMahon figure in their collection?

WWE Elite Collection Royal Rumble Series (2022): Jimmy Hard Build-A-Figure

With each of the 4 figures included in the 2022 Royal Rumble series includes a different figure part to build the "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart. While it may seem like an odd character to include as the bonus, let's be honest...how many WWE fans would search out and purchase a manager type figure like Jimmy?

Jimmy Hart's wardrobe was always as loud as his mouth and this carries over to his build-a-figure form. Jimmy is sporting a bright pink sports coat with a black dress shirt and slacks. A wide black sash covers his midsection. His thin white tie features piano keys and helps tie (no pun intended) the whole ensemble together. Both the jacket and the tie are a softer plastic so there is some give.

I think the sculptors did a pretty good job capturing Jimmy's likeness, however you've got to have his iconic shades on to complete the look. A cool feature regarding the shades is that there is a small hole molded into his hair on each side that allow his shades to attach to the head. Not only does this allow the shades to stay on the head better, it just looks better as the sides of the shades "disappear" into the hair. I'd not seen this done before with an action figure so kudos to Mattel. Of course Jimmy is sculpted with his mouth open...I mean when your main accessory is a mega phone how can you not have his mouth open?

In addition to his red/white/heart covered megaphone, Jimmy also comes with a pair of interchangeable pointing hands. Overall this is a great bonus with a great wave of figures. I love the fact that he's only split up between 4 figures versus 6 figures like a lot of the Hasbro Marvel Legend Build-A-Figures. Jimmy has a great sculpt and is the perfect addition to pose outside of your wrestling ring set up. All that's left to complete his look is perhaps interchangeable jackets for the different wrestlers he managed over the years. Bret Hart has a figure in the new WrestleMania series and I think the two will go together side by side nicely in my display.