ricksnerdlife
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Joined on: Mar 25, 2020 23:37:23 GMT -5
Posts: 156
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Post by ricksnerdlife on Apr 24, 2020 17:12:43 GMT -5
AEW relies too much on hardcore fans. When it comes to a toy line, that may not be the best move. See, this, I disagree with. I also disagree that it's too early for a toyline. For starts, the hype is still behind this machine. They've been getting weekly praise for the quality of their shows during this awfulness, but they are also coming in with much hype to begin with, much fanfare. They are on the cusp of mainstream, as well, with one huge storyline away from a wrestling resurgence the likes of the Attitude Era/Monday Night Wars. I can feel it. Those of us who were around and old enough to remember can feel that energy. So, when better a time to strike on merchandise, and not wait for a potential cooling off period? Strike when it's hot. Strike when it's popular. Hell, look at how much attention the Toy Fair reveals got. And when it comes to the toyline, who AEW caters to has no bearing on the popularity of the toys. How these are promoted lies on Jazwares/WCT. But what DOES give them a huge leg up is that they already have the backing of AEW, what with a giant prime time commercial on their show, highlighting these toys. Surely with more to come. A show which regularly pulls in an average of 800k viewers weekly, by the way--not including DVR'd and multiple people households. Those aren't solely "hardcore fans". And even if they did, ECW did okay catering to their hardcore fans--up until their promoter forgot how business works. With Tony Khan like backing, ECDub would still be alive today.
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Post by disorder on Apr 27, 2020 10:37:09 GMT -5
AEW relies too much on hardcore fans. When it comes to a toy line, that may not be the best move. See, this, I disagree with. I also disagree that it's too early for a toyline. For starts, the hype is still behind this machine. They've been getting weekly praise for the quality of their shows during this awfulness, but they are also coming in with much hype to begin with, much fanfare. They are on the cusp of mainstream, as well, with one huge storyline away from a wrestling resurgence the likes of the Attitude Era/Monday Night Wars. I can feel it. Those of us who were around and old enough to remember can feel that energy. So, when better a time to strike on merchandise, and not wait for a potential cooling off period? Strike when it's hot. Strike when it's popular. Hell, look at how much attention the Toy Fair reveals got. And when it comes to the toyline, who AEW caters to has no bearing on the popularity of the toys. How these are promoted lies on Jazwares/WCT. But what DOES give them a huge leg up is that they already have the backing of AEW, what with a giant prime time commercial on their show, highlighting these toys. Surely with more to come. A show which regularly pulls in an average of 800k viewers weekly, by the way--not including DVR'd and multiple people households. Those aren't solely "hardcore fans". And even if they did, ECW did okay catering to their hardcore fans--up until their promoter forgot how business works. With Tony Khan like backing, ECDub would still be alive today. You’re just regurgitating things Alvarez/meltzer say. With 750k average viewers, it’s mostly hardcore fans and some casuals. Look at their audiences and the numbers. They could barely fill the smaller venue they’ve been booking and the crowd is primarily your stereotypical IWC member. Tna drew much higher numbers and still couldn’t sell a line. What it takes, is the targeted market to buy. Whether this line will be geared towards collectors or kids is what will make or break it. No 10 year old casual fan is going to walk by and go “hey! Cody Rhodes! I love him”
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ricksnerdlife
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Mar 25, 2020 23:37:23 GMT -5
Posts: 156
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Post by ricksnerdlife on Apr 27, 2020 13:13:17 GMT -5
See, this, I disagree with. I also disagree that it's too early for a toyline. For starts, the hype is still behind this machine. They've been getting weekly praise for the quality of their shows during this awfulness, but they are also coming in with much hype to begin with, much fanfare. They are on the cusp of mainstream, as well, with one huge storyline away from a wrestling resurgence the likes of the Attitude Era/Monday Night Wars. I can feel it. Those of us who were around and old enough to remember can feel that energy. So, when better a time to strike on merchandise, and not wait for a potential cooling off period? Strike when it's hot. Strike when it's popular. Hell, look at how much attention the Toy Fair reveals got. And when it comes to the toyline, who AEW caters to has no bearing on the popularity of the toys. How these are promoted lies on Jazwares/WCT. But what DOES give them a huge leg up is that they already have the backing of AEW, what with a giant prime time commercial on their show, highlighting these toys. Surely with more to come. A show which regularly pulls in an average of 800k viewers weekly, by the way--not including DVR'd and multiple people households. Those aren't solely "hardcore fans". And even if they did, ECW did okay catering to their hardcore fans--up until their promoter forgot how business works. With Tony Khan like backing, ECDub would still be alive today. You’re just regurgitating things Alvarez/meltzer say. With 750k average viewers, it’s mostly hardcore fans and some casuals. Look at their audiences and the numbers. They could barely fill the smaller venue they’ve been booking and the crowd is primarily your stereotypical IWC member. Tna drew much higher numbers and still couldn’t sell a line. What it takes, is the targeted market to buy. Whether this line will be geared towards collectors or kids is what will make or break it. No 10 year old casual fan is going to walk by and go “hey! Cody Rhodes! I love him” First off, check yourself. I didn't insult you, don't insult me. I'm not regurgitating anything. I'm observing what I see with my own two eyes. I am able to form my own thoughts, so thank you for that, but check yourself. Now, there are facts and there are opinions. I don't operate under opinion. You are, however. Nothing you stated was factual. I operate under facts. And the facts state that AEW had a dip towards the beginning of this whole ordeal. But they saw an almost 100k rise in ratings across all demographics last week to put them at 800k. Bear in mind, things are down across the board--for everyone. So, for a fledgling wrestling company to be pulling 800k when everything is slow, again, across ALL demographics, is highly impressive. And furthermore, they have consistently done so against an established brand. Don't give me that "developmental brand" crap. It's not. It's WWE, and it's established. I know you're a pessimistic person, and that is no big deal to you, but those aren't rookie numbers. And they are good enough to warrant their network to sign them to a 5 year extension, along with airtime for a second show FACTS. Word of mouth is building up the brand with consistently positive reviews. Things will be on the uptick eventually, and they will reach mainstream status on an established network. That's significant, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. The show is only 6 months old, and you are writing it off because it hasn't hit a million YET? Come on. And bear in mind that they are hitting these numbers in 2020--not 1998, the last real wrestling boom. Give them credit for that, and stop being so dismissive. WCW didn't happen overnight. And if not for poor management, who knows where they'd be today? As far as filling arenas, that is *not* a great barometer of interest. WWE had a hard time filling arenas before this all went down. Weird that you not mention them in the same breath. Look at where they were holding these shows, as well. Look at the economy of these areas. I'm personally in Cleveland, and went to their show back in January. It's kind of a depressed area. They had a hard time selling tickets. The hard camera side was half empty, but otherwise, it was floor to ceiling. But that isn't a good judgment on the brand, rather, the people who are able to buy tickets in those towns. Or even the question of whether is it a wrestling town or not? Believe me, Cleveland is no Boston or New York or Chicago, so naturally, it will sell less. Now...toys. There is absolutely ZERO discernible, measurable way to figure out what will be a successful line, and what will not be on our end. Things you think will succeed, fail; Things you think will fail, succeed. That's the way it is. However, from a company's standpoint, lots of market research is done before diving into a huge license purchase. Sure, perhaps no kid will squeal with delight over a Brandi Rhodes. But they will over a...say...Darby Allin or a Luchasaurus or a Pentagon, or whomever is bright and colorful. It might also draw them into the brand to check it out further out of interest. And the reason TNA couldn't sell a toyline had nothing to do with the whatever you're trying to sell it as. They were released during a time when the hype for Mattel was at an all time high--who were offering proper scaling, realistic body types, a conglomerate brand, etc. And, frankly, people were over the bulbous Ruthless Aggression styled toys (I remember the boards during those days, and seeing the complaints). They were horribly distributed. And they were released during the Hogan-Bischoff years on Impact, on a niche network, when they tried to go head to head with RAW, viewership was down, and they lost horribly, failing to really recover in the ratings. Many variables went into why that line possibly failed. You know what didn't fail, though? Toy Biz/Marvel Toys' TNA line. And the only reason that line was cancelled is because Marvel Toys went defunct. Because they found licensing out their main brand, Marvel, was more lucrative than making toys, themselves. There are a lot of people, people far smarter than you or I, who have done this stuff for a very, very long time. People who have done their research, and found the venture to do this line worth the capital or not. They did the numbers, they ran the interest against the potential losses and overhead. I'm sure they find it worth their time for a reason. So, long story short...why don't you just chill with the armchair market analysis, we wait to see how these do, and enjoy the opportunity to buy great looking toys from a company putting out pretty cool looking product from a pretty enjoyable brand? Cool? Cool.
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BaLoR RoLLiNS
Main Eventer
Joined on: May 18, 2006 1:05:47 GMT -5
Posts: 1,562
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Post by BaLoR RoLLiNS on Apr 28, 2020 0:45:40 GMT -5
My biggest concern is which I'm sure has been mentioned already, once your major names are made are people gonna be willing to drop $20 per figure so easily.
Ok we can see alternate Bucks, Jericho, Omega etc. But once I have 1 set of each of those I'm good. I think Jazwares could've held off on doing chase figs right away and tucked those into later series. It's just a wait and see right now. And let's enjoy when August does come and we get our first taste of these WONDERFUL figures
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jason1980s
Main Eventer
Joined on: Sept 30, 2009 14:58:56 GMT -5
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Post by jason1980s on Apr 28, 2020 7:56:50 GMT -5
I think Cody has a better understanding of marketing plus he is working with guys who respect him and want to be a part of his company, like Jericho whereas TNA was just a quick stop for some guys with no better alternative since they couldn't work for WWE at the time. I think with social media and the almost anti-WWE following AEW will have I can see the line doing well. TNA marketed their brand about as good as a local indy show, just with more money they put in the wrong initiatives.
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Post by stc13 on Apr 28, 2020 9:19:49 GMT -5
My biggest concern is which I'm sure has been mentioned already, once your major names are made are people gonna be willing to drop $20 per figure so easily. Ok we can see alternate Bucks, Jericho, Omega etc. But once I have 1 set of each of those I'm good. I think Jazwares could've held off on doing chase figs right away and tucked those into later series. It's just a wait and see right now. And let's enjoy when August does come and we get our first taste of these WONDERFUL figures They've pretty much already burned through most names in series 1 & 2. And while I think the Bucks and Kenny have plenty of colorful attire, I agree that you burn through the roster pretty quickly. I think we start seeing some type of legends/flashback figures by series 5. Those should sell well, and allows them to spread things out before they need to do repeats on some of the second tier and lower card guys.
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Post by disorder on Apr 28, 2020 16:17:00 GMT -5
You’re just regurgitating things Alvarez/meltzer say. With 750k average viewers, it’s mostly hardcore fans and some casuals. Look at their audiences and the numbers. They could barely fill the smaller venue they’ve been booking and the crowd is primarily your stereotypical IWC member. Tna drew much higher numbers and still couldn’t sell a line. What it takes, is the targeted market to buy. Whether this line will be geared towards collectors or kids is what will make or break it. No 10 year old casual fan is going to walk by and go “hey! Cody Rhodes! I love him” First off, check yourself. I didn't insult you, don't insult me. I'm not regurgitating anything. I'm observing what I see with my own two eyes. I am able to form my own thoughts, so thank you for that, but check yourself. Now, there are facts and there are opinions. I don't operate under opinion. You are, however. Nothing you stated was factual. I operate under facts. And the facts state that AEW had a dip towards the beginning of this whole ordeal. But they saw an almost 100k rise in ratings across all demographics last week to put them at 800k. Bear in mind, things are down across the board--for everyone. So, for a fledgling wrestling company to be pulling 800k when everything is slow, again, across ALL demographics, is highly impressive. And furthermore, they have consistently done so against an established brand. Don't give me that "developmental brand" crap. It's not. It's WWE, and it's established. I know you're a pessimistic person, and that is no big deal to you, but those aren't rookie numbers. And they are good enough to warrant their network to sign them to a 5 year extension, along with airtime for a second show FACTS. Word of mouth is building up the brand with consistently positive reviews. Things will be on the uptick eventually, and they will reach mainstream status on an established network. That's significant, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. The show is only 6 months old, and you are writing it off because it hasn't hit a million YET? Come on. And bear in mind that they are hitting these numbers in 2020--not 1998, the last real wrestling boom. Give them credit for that, and stop being so dismissive. WCW didn't happen overnight. And if not for poor management, who knows where they'd be today? As far as filling arenas, that is *not* a great barometer of interest. WWE had a hard time filling arenas before this all went down. Weird that you not mention them in the same breath. Look at where they were holding these shows, as well. Look at the economy of these areas. I'm personally in Cleveland, and went to their show back in January. It's kind of a depressed area. They had a hard time selling tickets. The hard camera side was half empty, but otherwise, it was floor to ceiling. But that isn't a good judgment on the brand, rather, the people who are able to buy tickets in those towns. Or even the question of whether is it a wrestling town or not? Believe me, Cleveland is no Boston or New York or Chicago, so naturally, it will sell less. Now...toys. There is absolutely ZERO discernible, measurable way to figure out what will be a successful line, and what will not be on our end. Things you think will succeed, fail; Things you think will fail, succeed. That's the way it is. However, from a company's standpoint, lots of market research is done before diving into a huge license purchase. Sure, perhaps no kid will squeal with delight over a Brandi Rhodes. But they will over a...say...Darby Allin or a Luchasaurus or a Pentagon, or whomever is bright and colorful. It might also draw them into the brand to check it out further out of interest. And the reason TNA couldn't sell a toyline had nothing to do with the whatever you're trying to sell it as. They were released during a time when the hype for Mattel was at an all time high--who were offering proper scaling, realistic body types, a conglomerate brand, etc. And, frankly, people were over the bulbous Ruthless Aggression styled toys (I remember the boards during those days, and seeing the complaints). They were horribly distributed. And they were released during the Hogan-Bischoff years on Impact, on a niche network, when they tried to go head to head with RAW, viewership was down, and they lost horribly, failing to really recover in the ratings. Many variables went into why that line possibly failed. You know what didn't fail, though? Toy Biz/Marvel Toys' TNA line. And the only reason that line was cancelled is because Marvel Toys went defunct. Because they found licensing out their main brand, Marvel, was more lucrative than making toys, themselves. There are a lot of people, people far smarter than you or I, who have done this stuff for a very, very long time. People who have done their research, and found the venture to do this line worth the capital or not. They did the numbers, they ran the interest against the potential losses and overhead. I'm sure they find it worth their time for a reason. So, long story short...why don't you just chill with the armchair market analysis, we wait to see how these do, and enjoy the opportunity to buy great looking toys from a company putting out pretty cool looking product from a pretty enjoyable brand? Cool? Cool. If you took any of that as an insult, I don’t know what to tell you. They’ve been steady at around the same numbers, even before this pandemic. They aren’t building a new fan base, otherwise numbers would should. Experts in the industry (non dirtsheet writers) have said the same thing. Being pessimistic has nothing to do with stating actual facts, which is exactly what I did. It’s a company geared towards internet marks. There’s nothing wrong with that. If anyone is doing any “armchair” analytics, it’s you being so damn sure the product and toy line will be a success. You must post on the squared circle subreddit I get it. WWE is the big bad wolf. It’s the same story with every AEW fanboy
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DestroyerOfNations
Main Eventer
WF 10+ Year Member
Joined on: Nov 29, 2011 18:39:50 GMT -5
Posts: 2,855
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Post by DestroyerOfNations on Apr 28, 2020 16:59:27 GMT -5
Do non-fans buy wrestling figures? Like others have said, I think the lack of interest at large was just due to TNA just not having as much of a reach as WWE.
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ricksnerdlife
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Mar 25, 2020 23:37:23 GMT -5
Posts: 156
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Post by ricksnerdlife on Apr 28, 2020 19:05:16 GMT -5
If you took any of that as an insult, I don’t know what to tell you. They’ve been steady at around the same numbers, even before this pandemic. They aren’t building a new fan base, otherwise numbers would should. Experts in the industry (non dirtsheet writers) have said the same thing. Being pessimistic has nothing to do with stating actual facts, which is exactly what I did. It’s a company geared towards internet marks. There’s nothing wrong with that. If anyone is doing any “armchair” analytics, it’s you being so damn sure the product and toy line will be a success. You must post on the squared circle subreddit I get it. WWE is the big bad wolf. It’s the same story with every AEW fanboy Wow. You so clearly glossed over everything that I said, or have piss poor reading comprehension. Where did I mention WWE? At all? Other than to state that AEW goes head to head with them? So, not sure where your last little dig came from. But you can redirect that. And secondly, as far as me being so sure the product will be a success: "Now...toys. There is absolutely ZERO discernible, measurable way to figure out what will be a successful line, and what will not be on our end. Things you think will succeed, fail; Things you think will fail, succeed. That's the way it is. However, from a company's standpoint, lots of market research is done before diving into a huge license purchase." Pretty sure I said that. I merely listed things that could be in their favor. Learn how to read. Or do it better.
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Post by shanieomaniac on Apr 28, 2020 21:19:21 GMT -5
Hey, just a bit of a POV about wrestling figures from a non-fan's perspective?
When I was about 9 or 10 years old, I was wandering through Woolworths with my grandfather. I was in the toy aisle and I spotted the peg of WWF Hasbros sitting there. I saw the Undertaker in front, and was instantly intrigued. I carded through all the figures, and picked out a few I wanted. One was the Undertaker, I believe one was a Hogan. I held them up to my pappy, and told him "I want these! Please, Pappy?".
He took them, realized they were WWF figures, made a face, and told me "No! Put those right back where you found them!" He then bought me a fashion doll instead, and I was very unhappy.
I had never seen a single episode or commercial for wrestling prior to that in my life. But to me, a ten-year-old GIRL, those wrestling figures were pretty darn nifty. I never forgot that incident, and imagine my surprise five years later when I watched my first episode of RAW and pointed at the Undertaker on my TV saying "HEY IT'S THAT GUY!!!!"
So if you think for one second that wrestling figures, especially unique, brightly colored ones, only appeal to actual wrestling fans?
You are so very wrong.
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ricksnerdlife
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Mar 25, 2020 23:37:23 GMT -5
Posts: 156
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Post by ricksnerdlife on Apr 28, 2020 21:34:04 GMT -5
Hey, just a bit of a POV about wrestling figures from a non-fan's perspective? When I was about 9 or 10 years old, I was wandering through Woolworths with my grandfather. I was in the toy aisle and I spotted the peg of WWF Hasbros sitting there. I saw the Undertaker in front, and was instantly intrigued. I carded through all the figures, and picked out a few I wanted. One was the Undertaker, I believe one was a Hogan. I held them up to my pappy, and told him "I want these! Please, Pappy?". He took them, realized they were WWF figures, made a face, and told me "No! Put those right back where you found them!" He then bought me a fashion doll instead, and I was very unhappy. I had never seen a single episode or commercial for wrestling prior to that in my life. But to me, a ten-year-old GIRL, those wrestling figures were pretty darn nifty. I never forgot that incident, and imagine my surprise five years later when I watched my first episode of RAW and pointed at the Undertaker on my TV saying "HEY IT'S THAT GUY!!!!" So if you think for one second that wrestling figures, especially unique, brightly colored ones, only appeal to actual wrestling fans? You are so very wrong. Boom. There it is.
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newworldoz
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Joined on: May 20, 2017 7:03:52 GMT -5
Posts: 205
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Post by newworldoz on Apr 28, 2020 22:11:44 GMT -5
My biggest concern is which I'm sure has been mentioned already, once your major names are made are people gonna be willing to drop $20 per figure so easily. Ok we can see alternate Bucks, Jericho, Omega etc. But once I have 1 set of each of those I'm good. I think Jazwares could've held off on doing chase figs right away and tucked those into later series. It's just a wait and see right now. And let's enjoy when August does come and we get our first taste of these WONDERFUL figures I'm hoping all the major names in the first 2 sets won't matter. Colt Cabana and Christopher Daniels probably don't count as major names but they have been around a long time and have pretty solid fan bases. These are Indy guys who have survived on their own merch. I think they can sell figures as part of a new wrestling promotion. On the flip side are newer names like Luchasaurus and Orange Cassidy that we're all excited to have in figure form.
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newworldoz
Mid-Carder
Joined on: May 20, 2017 7:03:52 GMT -5
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Post by newworldoz on Apr 28, 2020 22:15:37 GMT -5
Speaking of new, AEW is new. We're excited for this. TNA had run it's course. Without trying to get this thread locked I'll join the chorus and say TNA was the biggest problem for the TNA figure line.
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BaLoR RoLLiNS
Main Eventer
Joined on: May 18, 2006 1:05:47 GMT -5
Posts: 1,562
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Post by BaLoR RoLLiNS on Apr 29, 2020 1:28:32 GMT -5
My biggest concern is which I'm sure has been mentioned already, once your major names are made are people gonna be willing to drop $20 per figure so easily. Ok we can see alternate Bucks, Jericho, Omega etc. But once I have 1 set of each of those I'm good. I think Jazwares could've held off on doing chase figs right away and tucked those into later series. It's just a wait and see right now. And let's enjoy when August does come and we get our first taste of these WONDERFUL figures I'm hoping all the major names in the first 2 sets won't matter. Colt Cabana and Christopher Daniels probably don't count as major names but they have been around a long time and have pretty solid fan bases. These are Indy guys who have survived on their own merch. I think they can sell figures as part of a new wrestling promotion. On the flip side are newer names like Luchasaurus and Orange Cassidy that we're all excited to have in figure form. These names you mention may mean something to us wrestling fans. And us buying at RSC. But sitting at wal mart for many seasons will be the reality. Also with the word being said of AEW figs being put out every 2 months.... that's alot of cash to consider along with if you wanna buy WWE or $45 NJPW figs
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newworldoz
Mid-Carder
Joined on: May 20, 2017 7:03:52 GMT -5
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Post by newworldoz on Apr 29, 2020 6:24:41 GMT -5
I just think the gap between the major names like the young bucks or Omega and the other names isn't that great. If you own a Kenny Omega Bullet Club t-shirt you know who Colt Cabana is.
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Post by stc13 on Apr 29, 2020 6:46:22 GMT -5
First and only warning:
Enough of the fighting and name calling. People have strong opinions on AEW in both directions. Find a way to make constructive, respectful points.
I'm getting really sick of locking threads over bickering.
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ricksnerdlife
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Joined on: Mar 25, 2020 23:37:23 GMT -5
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Post by ricksnerdlife on Apr 29, 2020 7:16:13 GMT -5
First and only warning: Enough of the fighting and name calling. People have strong opinions on AEW in both directions. Find a way to make constructive, respectful points. I'm getting really sick of locking threads over bickering. It's been a lively debate with a few digs, but I haven't seen any true fighting or name-calling here. It's all good.
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daniel1990
Jobber
Joined on: Apr 29, 2020 17:50:41 GMT -5
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Post by daniel1990 on Apr 30, 2020 16:05:16 GMT -5
This also gives guys and girls a chance at getting their very first figure they might not have signed with WWE and would never of had a figure and this opens up many doors for future signings as well I can’t wait for the figures
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Post by BadGirlRyleigh on Apr 30, 2020 16:53:45 GMT -5
I'm hoping all the major names in the first 2 sets won't matter. Colt Cabana and Christopher Daniels probably don't count as major names but they have been around a long time and have pretty solid fan bases. These are Indy guys who have survived on their own merch. I think they can sell figures as part of a new wrestling promotion. On the flip side are newer names like Luchasaurus and Orange Cassidy that we're all excited to have in figure form. These names you mention may mean something to us wrestling fans. And us buying at RSC. But sitting at wal mart for many seasons will be the reality. Also with the word being said of AEW figs being put out every 2 months.... that's alot of cash to consider along with if you wanna buy WWE or $45 NJPW figs Someone like Luchasaurus is not warming retail. He’s made for action figures. And people who don’t even watch wrestling know who Orange Cassidy is
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The Coach
Superstar
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Post by The Coach on May 27, 2020 23:37:44 GMT -5
Let’s not forget how they didn’t listen to the fans after they overwhelmingly voted for the line to be RA over DA style. I’ll never forget the outrage that caused.
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