Q&A w/Steve aka AFA Official Thread NO DISCUSSION, Q&A ONLY!

[Action Figure Attack]

Nov 6, 2019 14:43:52 GMT -5 #Heel said:

Nov 6, 2019 14:07:15 GMT -5 Action Figure Attack said:

Yes, lineups are in place for more UE beyond series 4. We’ll be sticking to the formula of one Legend and one contemporary talent unless there’s a last minute adjustment that needs to happen.

I'll refrain from trying to sound negative in saying this, because I think you have done a great job in answering questions to the best of your ability, as far as what you can and can't say. However, if Mattel can't comment on talent under a deal when it comes to certain attires, talent not under a deal, retail distribution, or future line ups what is the point of a q&a? Unfortunately that doesn't leave much to ask, and I understand that isn't your fault but if the company only allows you to say so much, its going to make for a very repetitive q&a. Once again I don't want to sound negative in saying this, but I believe in being direct.

Questions regarding why we haven’t gotten certain attires: in the majority of cases, the simple answer is we just haven’t gotten to those attires yet. I’m not refusing or unable to comment but there’s usually no deeper answer. I do like seeing what gear is being requested by you guys though.

Future lineups: No toy company gives away lineups until the time is right, especially in informal Q&A’s. We’ll continue to reveal these through WWE, Ringside or at conventions when things are lookin solid and the timing is right.

Talent under deals: sometimes I can comment. Sometimes I can’t.

Retail distribution: Mattel sells product to retailers. Product ships to the retailer’s distribution centers. The retailer then distributes to their individual locations. While I don’t have visibility in most cases beyond that, seeing feedback on your retail experiences is always helpful as we alway continue to work with our retail partners to improve things.
Sometimes I do have answers like in the case of Ghostbuster. People were concerned that it was completely done at retail and I was able to communicate that it would soon be re-stocked at Walmart.com.

[POOR-ly Cuyler]

Nov 6, 2019 14:43:52 GMT -5 #Heel said:

Nov 6, 2019 14:07:15 GMT -5 Action Figure Attack said:

Yes, lineups are in place for more UE beyond series 4. We’ll be sticking to the formula of one Legend and one contemporary talent unless there’s a last minute adjustment that needs to happen.

I'll refrain from trying to sound negative in saying this, because I think you have done a great job in answering questions to the best of your ability, as far as what you can and can't say. However, if Mattel can't comment on talent under a deal when it comes to certain attires, talent not under a deal, retail distribution, or future line ups what is the point of a q&a? Unfortunately that doesn't leave much to ask, and I understand that isn't your fault but if the company only allows you to say so much, its going to make for a very repetitive q&a. Once again I don't want to sound negative in saying this, but I believe in being direct.

It’s how q&as always are from Mattel. Been like that 10 years now. I always cringe when people ask “are you gonna make so and so” because we know the answer for years now. Q&as are good to ask questions about FIGURES THAT ALREADY EXIST OR WE KNOW ARE COMING. The what if’s are endless and it’s always gonna be “if we have the rights and it makes sense.” Questions like why was this part used, is this gonna be fixed, is it gonna come with___, when/where can we expect___, etc are more likely to be answered directly.

[natureboyfauser]

If Walmart ordered King Harley Race for a line does that mean they have to have all Harley Races? Or can you release Harley Race through other means if you want to? Can you eventually do another King Harley Race through let's say Ringside or someone else with different packaging? Thank you for the education and hope of getting him through other means other than me selling off one of my kids.

[Deleted]

I can answer this. He didn't really want anything to do with wrestling anymore. He's in real estate and basically retired.

He should be in the HOF, but I think he views that part of his life over. Not sure how he ended up in 2K19

If that is true then why did he sign a deal with Mattel for an action figure and 2K to appear in the WWE video game?!  He appeared in 2K18 as well not just 2K19.

I don't believe we will see another figure made, which sucks, but I just threw that question in their to see what kind of reply I would get from AFA.

[Davey]

AFA, What is your favourite Ultimate Warrior that hasn’t been made as an Elite yet? Thanks! 👍

[Fighter Hayabusa]

Any thoughts of revisiting the original Entrance Greats concept minus the music box and have basic figures with soft goods entrance attire?

[WCWThunderRosa]

Can we get a Spinner belt that actually spins? All that need to be done is to make the WWE logo part and modify the Rated R deco

[~*Young $ Money*~]

I know you have said you won’t answer questions about if this guy or that guy is under a deal but I feel this is a little different. Are there any gimmicks you can or can’t make due to a wrestler either not wanting it or wwe rejecting it. For years we have heard Kane didn’t like the Issac yankem gimmick but you were able to do that. Also are there any gimmicks you guys can do without having to sign someone. Like Doink’s gimmick is owned by Wwe so you didn’t have to have a talent signed or maybe you did?

Is that the reason we haven’t gotten a Dink? Because only one persons has portrayed him?

[Action Figure Attack]

Nov 6, 2019 15:10:24 GMT -5 @cdnmadness said:

if they’re under a deal, we’ll do our best to make them.

Can you clarify this statement because it sounds like you are saying that even if someone is signed and available to Mattel that doesn't necessarily guarantee that you will make a figure of them?!  What factors (aside from the approval of the overlords at WWE) are involved in deciding whom to make a figure of?!  Billy Graham has been under a legends deal for several years now yet no figure has been made- what is the reason for this?  Do you not think a figure of him would sell, have you not found a proper spot for him or is WWE blocking a figure from being made?!

A few other questions that likely won't be answered but I will throw them out there anyway:

1- Does WWE have a say in how you release figures, specifically legends?!  Are they responsible for the removal of legends from the main line and for these 'Collectors Edition' store exclusives?

2- How long do you think Mattel will have the WWE license?

3- Will we continue to see niche legends (mid-carders, etc.) in the line or is what Bill said true that going forward WWE will only be signing deals with legends that they can make money from?! (i.e. main eventers)

4- Why has Rick Martel not been re-signed?! (It has been 8 years since a figure of him was released, do you not think another figure of him will sell?!)

There’s no more info I’m able to share on Billy. Sorry. If we’re able to, we will get him in the line and the hypothetical figure would have a proper reveal.

WWE does have say on everything. Legends have not been removed from mainline Elites. You’ll keep seeing them whenever possible.

I hope Mattel keeps the WWE license indefinitely. We’ll see how it all pans out over time.

Of course WWE will only sign talent that make sense from a business standpoint. That doesn’t mean talent other than main eventers is off the table though. Tons of memorable Legends were mid-carders.

Don’t have specifics on why Martel hasn’t been signed. We put in requests with WWE but usually don’t get specifics on why some talents are signed and some are not. I do think we could sell another Model figure and maybe even a Strike Force Martel. Maybe one day he’ll be available to us.

[Steve Holt]

Are we getting the Rest of Undisputed Era in Camo to match Roderick?

[stc13]

Just wanted to say thanks to Steve for being so available and answering so many questions. I'm sure being peppered with questions and complaints constantly can get old. But hopefully in the grand scheme of things having a slightly unruly, dedicated fanbase is a good problem to have.

[TheLastDude]

Retail distribution: Mattel sells product to retailers. Product ships to the retailer’s distribution centers. The retailer then distributes to their individual locations. While I don’t have visibility in most cases beyond that, seeing feedback on your retails experiences is always helpful as we alway continue to work with our retail partners to improve things.
Sometimes I do have answers like in the case of Ghostbuster. People were concerned that it was completely done at retail and I was able to communicate that it would soon be re-stocked at Walmart.com.

Can we get this quote made into like a banner or something? Like a big, flashing neon one.

[💯ULTIMATE💯]

Action Figure Attack

Will the Classy Freddie Blassie pointing hands come with molded rings?

[Artie Kendall]

Nov 6, 2019 18:06:23 GMT -5 TheLastDude said:

Can we get this quote made into like a banner or something? Like a big, flashing neon one.

Members would just complain about the size and color. Of the banner.

[TheHitmanKid]

Nov 6, 2019 18:28:16 GMT -5 💯ULTIMATE💯 said:

Action Figure Attack

Will the Classy Freddie Blassie pointing hands come with molded rings?

Bill said in a previous video (I think SDCC) that the fingers will come with molded rings.

[alabamaslammer64]

Nov 6, 2019 18:28:16 GMT -5 💯ULTIMATE💯 said:

Action Figure Attack

Will the Classy Freddie Blassie pointing hands come with molded rings?

Yes, Bill or Steve said that recently

[Mongo Bears]

Thank you AFA
You have made wfigs a better place with your presence

[thehitman101]

Nov 6, 2019 20:41:36 GMT -5 Mongo Bears said:

Thank you AFA
You have made wfigs a better place with your presence

Agree 100%

[disorder]

Nov 6, 2019 18:06:23 GMT -5 TheLastDude said:

Retail distribution: Mattel sells product to retailers. Product ships to the retailer’s distribution centers. The retailer then distributes to their individual locations. While I don’t have visibility in most cases beyond that, seeing feedback on your retails experiences is always helpful as we alway continue to work with our retail partners to improve things.
Sometimes I do have answers like in the case of Ghostbuster. People were concerned that it was completely done at retail and I was able to communicate that it would soon be re-stocked at Walmart.com.

Can we get this quote made into like a banner or something? Like a big, flashing neon one.

It’ll some how be read wrong and turn right back into “it’s Mattel’s fault” some how

[casanova]

Nov 6, 2019 16:56:58 GMT -5 ~*Young $ Money*~ said:

I know you have said you won’t answer questions about if this guy or that guy is under a deal but I feel this is a little different. Are there any gimmicks you can or can’t make due to a wrestler either not wanting it or wwe rejecting it. For years we have heard Kane didn’t like the Issac yankem gimmick but you were able to do that. Also are there any gimmicks you guys can do without having to sign someone. Like Doink’s gimmick is owned by Wwe so you didn’t have to have a talent signed or maybe you did?

Is that the reason we haven’t gotten a Dink? Because only one persons has portrayed him?

I have posted a very similar question for gimmick characters such as Who, Sultan, Blue Blazer in the other thread. There heve been so many great wrestlers with a masked alter ego (anybody remembering Mr. America?). Would be great to get a little more info about this topic in general.