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Post by stc13 on Sept 9, 2023 9:18:02 GMT -5
Sandman confirmed it during his virtual signing with Music City Toys. He himself said he had recently signed (this was before the Dudleys announcement.)....The rumor is WWE is trying to get some ECW names for Mania weekend. Whether thats for the HOF or Axxess, who knows. Probably Axxess. Legends deals include a per appearance fee for signings, Axxess, etc. HOF inductions aren't directly tied to being under contract, and I think those decisions aren't finalized until close to WM. But would make a ton of sense to some ECW representation at the HOF to sell tickets. |
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Post by stc13 on Sept 9, 2023 9:38:34 GMT -5
Here's what we know: here are names that have been in Panini sets over the past year who have either a) had Mattel figures released/previewed, or b) have not yet had a figure.
Figure released/shown:
Terry Gordy
Teddy Long
Steiners
Bruno Sammartino
Torrie Wilson
Eric Bischoff
D'Lo Brown
Ken Shamrock
Virgil
Have cards but no figures shown recently
Afa
Sika
Tito Santana
Johnny Rodz
Al Snow
Tom Pritchard
Blue Meanie
Terri Runnels
Nasty Boys
Sandman
Stan Hansen
Stevie Richards
Haku
Juventud Guerrera
Rockin Robin
Steve Blackman
Dory Funk Jr
Spike Dudley
Lenani Kai
Nova
William Regal
Fit Finley
Tony Atlas
Ivan Putski
Eve Torres
Ivory
Have hard cards, are reported to be signed to a Legends deal:
Headbangers
Bubba Ray Dudley
I think the best way to look at this list is the names who are MOST LIKELY to appear in the Mattel line. Some could be signed only to Panini. Some could be signed to WWE and never get a figure (Normal Smiley, Johnny Rodz). But based on recent history, there's a pretty good chance we'll see a lot of these names over the next 2-3 years in figure form. Remember that the lead time on a wrestling figure is much longer than a trading card. Steve has said they already have their lineups mapped out years in advance.
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Post by kirk815 on Sept 9, 2023 10:51:09 GMT -5
From what I read, Panini signed a deal in Fall 2021 to take over the license from Topps in 2022.
I find it strange that WWE would require their other licensees (Mattel, 2K, Funko, etc.) to only have access to alumni under a Legends deal while not including that term in the new deal with Panini.
On the flip side, I find it hard to believe that Panini would pay millions of dollars for the license (probably was a huge bidding war between them/Topps/other companies) and instead of focusing on hundreds of wrestlers on the current roster and over a hundred Legends signed with WWE, that they will go out on their own and sign/spend more money on Blue Meanie, Tom Pritchard, Ivan Putski, Rockin Robin and Lenani Kai. It just doesn't make sense.
Steve mentioned 5+ years ago that Mattel could no longer sign outside talent while 2K still could (at that time).
Why would WWE hold Mattel back and not 2K? The logical answer is that Mattel's contract renewal was up before 2Ks and they had to agree to that term in order to sign the contract renewal (and it also works out in Mattel's favor since they aren't spending more money when they have hundreds of wrestlers to pick from).
For the past 3 years or so, the only Legends in 2K games have been under Legends deals.
Backing that up, if 2K could still sign people on their own, why were they so upset with WWE regarding all of the roster releases a couple of years ago? They could have just signed those wrestlers on the side.
Maybe things will change once the merger is complete, but I would think that all of the licensees are now limited to people signed to current roster/staff and Legends/nostalgia contracts.
Just because something was true 5+ years doesn't mean it still is the case.
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Post by stc13 on Sept 9, 2023 11:47:27 GMT -5
From what I read, Panini signed a deal in Fall 2021 to take over the license from Topps in 2022. I find it strange that WWE would require their other licensees (Mattel, 2K, Funko, etc.) to only have access to alumni under a Legends deal while not including that term in the new deal with Panini. On the flip side, I find it hard to believe that Panini would pay millions of dollars for the license (probably was a huge bidding war between them/Topps/other companies) and instead of focusing on hundreds of wrestlers on the current roster and over a hundred Legends signed with WWE, that they will go out on their own and sign/spend more money on Blue Meanie, Tom Pritchard, Ivan Putski, Rockin Robin and Lenani Kai. It just doesn't make sense. Steve mentioned 5+ years ago that Mattel could no longer sign outside talent while 2K still could (at that time). Why would WWE hold Mattel back and not 2K? The logical answer is that Mattel's contract renewal was up before 2Ks and they had to agree to that term in order to sign the contract renewal (and it also works out in Mattel's favor since they aren't spending more money when they have hundreds of wrestlers to pick from). For the past 3 years or so, the only Legends in 2K games have been under Legends deals. Backing that up, if 2K could still sign people on their own, why were they so upset with WWE regarding all of the roster releases a couple of years ago? They could have just signed those wrestlers on the side. Maybe things will change once the merger is complete, but I would think that all of the licensees are now limited to people signed to current roster/staff and Legends/nostalgia contracts. Just because something was true 5+ years doesn't mean it still is the case. Apologies in advance - this is gonna be wordy. TLDR - Panini could have a financial incentive to do individual deals, where Mattel doesn't. Doing direct Legends deals through WWE is beneficial to WWE and to the licensees (2k, Panini, Mattel, etc). WWE pays a small advance paid against a % of merch revenue out of WWE's cut. But they can offer licensees a large roster of current and nostalgia wrestlers. For the licensee, they have a set roster and don't have to spend extra money on talent. That means they keep more profit. And for WWE, it's economy of scale - they ultimately end up making more, because they can offer the same slate of talent to all licenses, driving higher revenue splits. Make no mistake about it - if Mattel executives thought they'd make more money being able to sign wrestlers directly, it would have been a point of negotiation in the last contract extension. This model maxes profit for Mattel and WWE. That's what they care about. They don't care about whether we get Crush or Glacier toys. For Panini, the calculus is a little different. For Mattel, the cost difference to make Roman Reigns or Terry Gordy (in terms of direct cost - obviously there is deco, sculpting, etc). Autographed cards are a big part of the card industry, and what wrestlers/athletes are paid to sign (physical cards or sticker sheets that are then affixed to the card) spans a wide range. When I left the industry, the average autograph for a low-mid name athlete was being paid somewhere around $3/signature. A guy like Derek Jeter or Ken Griffey Jr commanded somewhere around $150/per. Many card products guarantee X autographs or "hit" cards per box. So companies usually need a large roster of low cost signatures, rounded out by a handful of mid and top-top names. Otherwise collectors opening boxes would have a higher probability of getting duplicate autographs in the same box or frequent repeats in a case. At least in the sports products, autograph rates are negotiated between the company and the athlete's agent. For low end talent, that "negotiation" is basically "we'll pay you X dollars to sign Y items" and it's basically take it or leave it. I can't say if wrestling works the same. Wrestlers are on the road far more than most athletes, so I assume it's harder to get the same volume of current star autographs. And many wrestlers under Legends deals are deceased. So it would make sense that Panini would negotiate the ability to sign additional talent (or stipulate that WWE sign additional talent). Almost all the names I listed off earlier (basically except for Blackman) were included in recent autograph sets. Maybe Panini is doing direct deals. But even if they are...out of the hundreds and hundreds of wrestlers (check out some of the Leaf wrestling sets) who could sign...Rockin Robin and Nova seem like some REALLY REALLY weird deep cut choices. Yes, the company wants cheap signatures. But you also want cheap signatures that your consumer will be satisfied with. If the reaction is "this is worthless garbage," they're not doing to drop $100+ on another box of cards. |
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scotthitman1
Superstar
Joined on: May 26, 2016 20:59:07 GMT -5
Posts: 752 
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Post by scotthitman1 on Sept 9, 2023 16:42:45 GMT -5
Would love to get the debut wwe tie dye dudleys, or ecw tie dye duds.
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hukablues
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Jul 9, 2022 19:07:47 GMT -5
Posts: 65
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Post by hukablues on Sept 9, 2023 17:58:54 GMT -5
I hope. My custom isn't the best. But with Chella or whomever they are now doing Sabu, I could see Mattel wanting to take over with an ECW line. Ah yes the Chella Toys ultimate Sabu that has been on the preorder line for over a year with 0 update  |
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Post by Rocky Balboa on Sept 9, 2023 18:02:33 GMT -5
I would be all over a Sandman figure
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Post by Rocky Balboa on Sept 9, 2023 18:03:54 GMT -5
Sandman confirmed it during his virtual signing with Music City Toys. He himself said he had recently signed (this was before the Dudleys announcement.)....The rumor is WWE is trying to get some ECW names for Mania weekend. Whether thats for the HOF or Axxess, who knows. I hope it's for Mania itself. Have Theory or some jobber be in the ring and talk sh*t about Philly and have the OGs take turns beating him up |
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hukablues
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Jul 9, 2022 19:07:47 GMT -5
Posts: 65
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Post by hukablues on Sept 9, 2023 18:13:56 GMT -5
With these new signings I think a small ecw line could be very possible. A mixture of originals and wwecw because getting all the ogs are probably unlikely. Out of most that I believe are under contract the list is viable. Feel free to add what I miss
RVD
Heyman
Dudley’s
Sandman
Rey Mysterio Jr
Eddie Guerrero
Steve Austin
Bam Bam
Terry Funk
Mick Foley
Sid vicious
Kurt Angle
ONS Edge with biker helmet
Bobby Lashley
Durag Vince
Gold standard Shelton
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wholefnshow420
Mid-Carder
Joined on: Mar 29, 2021 15:24:53 GMT -5
Posts: 488
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Post by wholefnshow420 on Sept 9, 2023 19:36:30 GMT -5
This is exactly what I said about this exact thing in the sdcc thread with everyone named with current deals.
see this is what I don't get what is Mattel or even bill thinking of holding off on these names for if it's true because each one has been constantly asked for multiple times and not only that can have multiple use for many different figures
And still sell great at retail if done the right way into the Legends the main elite top and ppv lines
Al snow Avatar /Shinobi chase 97/98 attire / leaf Cassidy chase 00/01 black/blue pants chase
Tom Pritchard multiple different looks
Terri Alexandria York Marlena pms raw 02 interviewer
Blue meanie ecw attitude era and bluedust
Stevie Richards ecw/wcw chase attitude era debut Rtc raw 02/03 05/06 ecw return
Stan Hansen one and done possible Legends chase
Sandman ecw raw 97 wcw hak wwe 05/06 ecw return
Juv ecw wcw unmasked wwe 05/06 ecw return
Haku islander king meng early/late wcw attitude era return
Dorry funk one and done Legends chase
Rockin robin one and done Legends chase or possible 2 pack with kai
Leilani kai one and done possible 2 pack with robin
Spike Dudley ecw wwe debut 02/03 wwe cruiserweight tite run ecw return
Nova ecw early/late chase Simon dean chase bwo return
Headbangers multiple different attires plus flying nuns beaver cleavage and chaz singles and lo down run
Tony atlas one and done Legends chase
Steve Blackman a few looks could be done
Ivan putski one and done Legends chase
Ivory wwe 99 debut Rtc late attitude era run and ruthless era
Bubba ray ecw wwe 99 debut blue camo white/grey camo red camo 02/03 raw solo run smackdown 04/05 Dudleys ecw return
Great Khali one and done 06 Legends elite
Finley early/late wcw and wwe debut
Johnny rodz one and done Legends chase
This is almost as bad as them having the rights to inoki hugh Morris public enemy and bill just straight refusing to not making them years ago
Other than that Every single name I have found multiple uses for Mattel
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kinnikuman
Main Eventer
Joined on: Feb 6, 2020 21:42:25 GMT -5
Posts: 4,674
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Post by kinnikuman on Sept 9, 2023 21:28:15 GMT -5
I hope. My custom isn't the best. But with Chella or whomever they are now doing Sabu, I could see Mattel wanting to take over with an ECW line. Ah yes the Chella Toys ultimate Sabu that has been on the preorder line for over a year with 0 update They actually sent out an email ... saying it was delayed lol. |
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Post by ztj_wwf on Sept 10, 2023 4:12:24 GMT -5
It was confirmed on the Major Pod that Panini can sign their own talent. A representative from Panini confirmed it on the podcast? Or other people on the podcast saying the same things that they read on here for the past 5 years? I believe they reported it based on personally knowing people who had signed the deals. I'm the only one here who has pointed it out, and that's based on hearing what they said, so they're certainly not repeating anything that was said here... |
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Post by ztj_wwf on Sept 10, 2023 4:12:44 GMT -5
It was confirmed on the Major Pod that Panini can sign their own talent. Lol so your source is “trust me bro?” No, my source was a podcast hosted by guys who are in the business and know people who have signed these deals...How does that equate to "trust me bro"? |
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Post by ImJoeGrizzlyBitch on Sept 11, 2023 23:18:55 GMT -5
Lol so your source is “trust me bro?” No, my source was a podcast hosted by guys who are in the business and know people who have signed these deals...How does that equate to "trust me bro"? nobody cares about Zack “Jobber” Ryder or his cronies. |
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4life
Superstar
Joined on: Oct 2, 2017 22:45:08 GMT -5
Posts: 765
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Post by 4life on Sept 11, 2023 23:38:46 GMT -5
 As someone who lives in PA, I will happily take any ECW figure. |
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Post by Jeremiah on Sept 12, 2023 0:07:08 GMT -5
Someone find Perry Saturn he needs money last I heard.
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Post by ChuckPOORis55 Cody Gang 4 Lyfe on Sept 12, 2023 10:26:55 GMT -5
Would be an instant buy. With the rumblings of the Dudley Boyz also signing a deal I'd hope they'd be able to sign other ECW Originals. Would love Elite versions of: Tommy Dreamer Sandman Sabu The Dudley Boyz Spike Dudley Raven bWo Balls Mahoney Tajiri Just give me a bunch of ECW Originals and I'll be happy. It is still mind boggling to me that Steve Corino is on their payroll and has been for years yet we probably will never get a figure of him. |
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Post by Glorydaysofwrestling on Sept 12, 2023 15:23:57 GMT -5
Would be an instant buy. With the rumblings of the Dudley Boyz also signing a deal I'd hope they'd be able to sign other ECW Originals. Would love Elite versions of: Tommy Dreamer Sandman Sabu The Dudley Boyz Spike Dudley Raven bWo Balls Mahoney Tajiri Just give me a bunch of ECW Originals and I'll be happy. It is still mind boggling to me that Steve Corino is on their payroll and has been for years yet we probably will never get a figure of him. I didn’t realize this. We need 2 versions of Corino |
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Post by TheHitmanKid on Sept 16, 2023 11:58:05 GMT -5
An Elite of his WWE look is one i've wanted for a long time. Give him - 2 Heads - Cloth shirt - Some hands - Singapore Cane  This is the Sandman elite I want in my collection |
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personagamer
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jan 10, 2021 17:56:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,595
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Post by personagamer on Sept 17, 2023 21:08:29 GMT -5
Hope to God they also get Raven, he has such a unique look that needs a updated figure
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