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 Survivor Series (2020): Drew McIntyre

With the 2020 WWE Survivor Series PPV airing this evening (Sunday, 11/22/20) I figured now was a perfect time to revisit Mattel's excellent Elite Collection of action figures. For this post we'll showcase a figure from the new Survivor Series Elite subcollection - none other than the Scottish psychopath, Drew McIntyre!

 

Drew comes in the familiar Elite Collection packaging sporting a large window to show off the figur. The back of the packaging has a large image of Drew, along with a brief bio and a cross sell of the other 3 figures in this special Survivor Series wave - John Morrison, Kane and Samoa Joe.

Right off the bat you can see that Drew comes packaged with an alternate head, a cloth Team RAW shirt and a pair of semi-closed hands.

Each side of the packaging has additional images of Drew McIntyre. This packaging is designed to be reusable in the sense that you can remove the inner plastic tray that houses the figure and it's accessories, then put everything back and slide the tray back into the box. Perfect for those collectors that want to let their figures "breath" and display in package.

I was impressed with the overall look of the figure in the a packaging, but even more impressed once I got the figure out of the packaging. The sculpt is muscular, but not too over the top. The head sculpt is nearly perfect. The joints on the figure are tight which I was happy to see as it allows the figure to hold in various poses. Drew's black trunks have his logo on the back and seems to be accurate. While he doesn't have any tattoos to be recreated for the figure, Mattel did an admiral job with the chest hair.

Speaking of the head sculpt here is a close up of the default head. This one features Drew's long locks pulled back, slightly coming around his neck. You can see the determination in his eyes which have a nicely applied deco. I'm not sure how Mattel (and other toy companies for that matter) are applying the facial paint applications now, but it looks great. Drew's now signature beard and goatee finish off his look.

Other than the additional head and hands packaged with the figure is this red sleeveless cloth shirt. I'm usually not a big fan of cloth accessories such as this, but this works for a few reasons. 1) Survivor Series is all about brand vs. brand and in this case McIntyre represents team Monday Night RAW. 2) the shirt fits snug on the figure and the smooth velcro strip on the back let's the shirt hold onto the figure well. I did find it was easier to put the shirt on the figure after popping off the head, but your mileage may vary.

 

The alternate head features Drew's hair hanging down in front of his face, slightly obscuring one eye. It's a nice sculpt, but I prefer the other head as it better capture's his current look.

All of the Elite Collection figures feature enhanced articulation from the Basic or Core collection figures. The most obvious addition in this department is the ab crunch, thigh swivel and ankle articulation. The plastic knee pads do hinder the double jointed knees, but they can slightly be moved up and down to allow more flexibility.

Wrestling figures have come a long way in recent years. It seems as if each subsequent year that Mattel has pumped out these WWE Elite Collection figures the better they get. The likeness of the WWE Superstars, the sculpting of the figures and the added accessories are all top notch. 

I believe this Survivor Series line is exclusive to Walmart stores with McIntyre and Kane being the two that are in demand the most. If you are a fan of this line then I'm sure you probably have already picked these or have plans to. However if it's been awhile since you've bought a wrestling figure you really can't go wrong with any of the Elites, especially with this latest version of the Scottish psychopath!