Next Coliseum Collection Sets?

[kirk815]

May 1, 2024 7:56:48 GMT -5 redrooster said:

We need a First time in the line in the Coliseum Collection. Haku is rumored to be signed but, we wont see him until 2025 or later possibly. I really cant think of any other firsts they could give us that are plausible besides Dynamite, OMG, Ventura, Killer Bees....The Bees are definitely on the fringe of maybe never, Adrian Adonis would be a incredible figure but I don't see it ever being made, Hercules same thing.

Regarding Haku, are you referring to us speculating that the odds of Haku signing are more favorable because of his son joining WWE, connections to the Rock and being at the HOF?

Or did I miss something and it was actually rumored that he signed a deal by more legit sources (like wrestling news sites).

If it is just based off of us speculating, then you should take that with a grain of salt. There are people that have actually worked for WWE for years that never signed a Legends deal so a close connection doesn't equal a deal.

[breal59]

If they still had Magnificent Muraco I would have thought that they put him with Ricky Steamboat. Based on what was said on the recent podcast, it's clearly not their best selling line.

[darkprophet]

May 2, 2024 6:17:57 GMT -5 breal59 said:

If they still had Magnificent Muraco I would have thought that they put him with Ricky Steamboat. Based on what was said on the recent podcast, it's clearly not their best selling line.

This is why I’m grateful for each set we get. I know this line is finite and will likely end before they get to “everybody” they have available. That said, when they get to the point where they are considering canceling the line, I hope they could instead pivot to individual releases of whichever more popular characters they have yet to do: Warrior, Andre, Sheik, etc. I think they are spreading some of these out to anchor waves, but I know they would sell well individually too if it comes to that or nothing.

[ctm814]

May 1, 2024 8:39:54 GMT -5 oldschoolfool said:

May 1, 2024 7:56:48 GMT -5 redrooster said:

We need a First time in the line in the Coliseum Collection. Haku is rumored to be signed but, we wont see him until 2025 or later possibly. I really cant think of any other firsts they could give us that are plausible besides Dynamite, OMG, Ventura, Killer Bees....The Bees are definitely on the fringe of maybe never, Adrian Adonis would be a incredible figure but I don't see it ever being made, Hercules same thing.

I don't know...the Bees dont seem that unlikely to me but, I dont know why they havent gotten figs in the Mattel era. At this point, I'd even be happy even if one of them got a figure (ideally with an alternate masked head so a x2 purchase gets us masked bees at least). Anyway, I just dont see them on the verge of never like say Outback Jack and Ted Arcidi.

I did a post on Tito a while back for Elite. And everyone started saying, it will just hang on the shelves.  Myself I want Tito done right.
But a lot of feedback I got was, negative.

[darkprophet]

May 6, 2024 9:38:10 GMT -5 ctm814 said:

May 1, 2024 8:39:54 GMT -5 oldschoolfool said:

I don't know...the Bees dont seem that unlikely to me but, I dont know why they havent gotten figs in the Mattel era. At this point, I'd even be happy even if one of them got a figure (ideally with an alternate masked head so a x2 purchase gets us masked bees at least). Anyway, I just dont see them on the verge of never like say Outback Jack and Ted Arcidi.

I did a post on Tito a while back for Elite. And everyone started saying, it will just hang on the shelves.  Myself I want Tito done right.
But a lot of feedback I got was, negative.

For store shelves, that might unfortunately be the case. But since Coliseum Collection is direct to consumer, if he were to ever become available again, he’d be perfect for this line!

[MKSavage]

May 6, 2024 9:38:10 GMT -5 ctm814 said:

May 1, 2024 8:39:54 GMT -5 oldschoolfool said:

I don't know...the Bees dont seem that unlikely to me but, I dont know why they havent gotten figs in the Mattel era. At this point, I'd even be happy even if one of them got a figure (ideally with an alternate masked head so a x2 purchase gets us masked bees at least). Anyway, I just dont see them on the verge of never like say Outback Jack and Ted Arcidi.

I did a post on Tito a while back for Elite. And everyone started saying, it will just hang on the shelves.  Myself I want Tito done right.
But a lot of feedback I got was, negative.

And people always overlook the fact that Tito was way over produced in that wave. His figure was the one that replaced Hogan in the line. So instead of having an even number of Hogan, Yoko, and Tito figures, you got 2 times the amount of Tito figures when the Hogan figure was removed. A normal run of Tito figures will do fine.  

[ChuckPOORis55 Cody Gang 4 Lyfe]

May 2, 2024 6:17:57 GMT -5 breal59 said:

it's clearly not their best selling line.

The fact you can still buy Hogan/Funk should have told you that.

[jt]

I had a discussion earlier with an older family member that collects other figures and was around when the LJN figures first dropped and it made me wonder what the target audience for this line is exactly.

Obviously it's supposed to cash in on nostalgia for the initial LJN series while also operating in the current collectors market but it seems like there's a disconnect between collectors now and people who were fans in the 80s and collected LJNs.

It seems like if you were to poll people that were around to get the LJNs as kids they would be excited for guys like Tito Santana, or Brutus Beefcake, or Greg Valentine, but now it seems like they won't anchor a set.

Any thoughts as to why that might be? Is there any chance Mattel gambles on names like The Killer Bees or other mid to lower midcard pairings for sets?

[darkprophet]

May 7, 2024 1:57:21 GMT -5 jt said:

I had a discussion earlier with an older family member that collects other figures and was around when the LJN figures first dropped and it made me wonder what the target audience for this line is exactly.

Obviously it's supposed to cash in on nostalgia for the initial LJN series while also operating in the current collectors market but it seems like there's a disconnect between collectors now and people who were fans in the 80s and collected LJNs.

It seems like if you were to poll people that were around to get the LJNs as kids they would be excited for guys like Tito Santana, or Brutus Beefcake, or Greg Valentine, but now it seems like they won't anchor a set.

Any thoughts as to why that might be? Is there any chance Mattel gambles on names like The Killer Bees or other mid to lower midcard pairings for sets?

I’m in my mid 40’s, grew up on the LJNs, am all in on this line, but would prefer homages to classics from earlier-in-the-line wrestlers, like Studd, Sheik, Beefcake and Valentine, to later-in-the-line wrestlers like Warrior and Honky- who feel more Hasbro era to me. But I think they want to strike that balance of appeasing the older collector and bringing in more mass market appeal, to make more money at the end of the day. The fact that none of these sets have sold out and they have not been able to increase frequency of releases says that the market for these figures is limited. I’m just happy they are still coming out!

[thep1]

May 7, 2024 1:57:21 GMT -5 jt said:

I had a discussion earlier with an older family member that collects other figures and was around when the LJN figures first dropped and it made me wonder what the target audience for this line is exactly.

Obviously it's supposed to cash in on nostalgia for the initial LJN series while also operating in the current collectors market but it seems like there's a disconnect between collectors now and people who were fans in the 80s and collected LJNs.

It seems like if you were to poll people that were around to get the LJNs as kids they would be excited for guys like Tito Santana, or Brutus Beefcake, or Greg Valentine, but now it seems like they won't anchor a set.

Any thoughts as to why that might be? Is there any chance Mattel gambles on names like The Killer Bees or other mid to lower midcard pairings for sets?

What was y'alls discussion about? Please share details! Would love to know y'alls convo and take on LJNs.

I am 44, and as a kid in 84-85 when these dropped, I vividly remember seeing this in TRU and they in turn got me into wrestling It was my favorite toy line growing up and continues to be to this day! I do get those that don't like them because you can't do much with them, but they are just pretty to look at and their face sculpts and overall looks are so well done! And of course the nostalgia-factor.

[The Big Boss Man]

May 7, 2024 8:04:31 GMT -5 darkprophet said:

May 7, 2024 1:57:21 GMT -5 jt said:

I had a discussion earlier with an older family member that collects other figures and was around when the LJN figures first dropped and it made me wonder what the target audience for this line is exactly.

Obviously it's supposed to cash in on nostalgia for the initial LJN series while also operating in the current collectors market but it seems like there's a disconnect between collectors now and people who were fans in the 80s and collected LJNs.

It seems like if you were to poll people that were around to get the LJNs as kids they would be excited for guys like Tito Santana, or Brutus Beefcake, or Greg Valentine, but now it seems like they won't anchor a set.

Any thoughts as to why that might be? Is there any chance Mattel gambles on names like The Killer Bees or other mid to lower midcard pairings for sets?

I’m in my mid 40’s, grew up on the LJNs, am all in on this line, but would prefer homages to classics from earlier-in-the-line wrestlers, like Studd, Sheik, Beefcake and Valentine, to later-in-the-line wrestlers like Warrior and Honky- who feel more Hasbro era to me. But I think they want to strike that balance of appeasing the older collector and bringing in more mass market appeal, to make more money at the end of the day. The fact that none of these sets have sold out and they have not been able to increase frequency of releases says that the market for these figures is limited. I’m just happy they are still coming out!

I think there are a few reasons why these aren’t selling out.


1) Collectors have to buy two figures, when sometimes they may prefer only one in the set. And considering they are the most expensive line (UE), that may not be justifiable to everyone.

2) There haven’t been any First Time in the Line figures. As appealing as some of these are, if you already have a version you like, then why pony up for the UE version? This was true for me for the Hart Foundation. I love the set but I already love the elites and don’t need to pay that much for an upgrade that would render my elite set obsolete. If I could trade in my elites for half off (or something) I’d consider it. But toy collecting isn’t like that.

[jt]

May 7, 2024 8:04:31 GMT -5 darkprophet said:

May 7, 2024 1:57:21 GMT -5 jt said:

I had a discussion earlier with an older family member that collects other figures and was around when the LJN figures first dropped and it made me wonder what the target audience for this line is exactly.

Obviously it's supposed to cash in on nostalgia for the initial LJN series while also operating in the current collectors market but it seems like there's a disconnect between collectors now and people who were fans in the 80s and collected LJNs.

It seems like if you were to poll people that were around to get the LJNs as kids they would be excited for guys like Tito Santana, or Brutus Beefcake, or Greg Valentine, but now it seems like they won't anchor a set.

Any thoughts as to why that might be? Is there any chance Mattel gambles on names like The Killer Bees or other mid to lower midcard pairings for sets?

I’m in my mid 40’s, grew up on the LJNs, am all in on this line, but would prefer homages to classics from earlier-in-the-line wrestlers, like Studd, Sheik, Beefcake and Valentine, to later-in-the-line wrestlers like Warrior and Honky- who feel more Hasbro era to me. But I think they want to strike that balance of appeasing the older collector and bringing in more mass market appeal, to make more money at the end of the day. The fact that none of these sets have sold out and they have not been able to increase frequency of releases says that the market for these figures is limited. I’m just happy they are still coming out!

Personally I want every figure they can do, I'll even buy no names like Kirshner if they do them, but clearly im in the minority. It kinda disappoints me that people aren't excited to get ultimates of some of the more memorable midcarders like Valentine especially considering this is probably the only chance to get them in ultimate form

[jt]

May 7, 2024 12:11:55 GMT -5 The Big Boss Man said:

May 7, 2024 8:04:31 GMT -5 darkprophet said:

I’m in my mid 40’s, grew up on the LJNs, am all in on this line, but would prefer homages to classics from earlier-in-the-line wrestlers, like Studd, Sheik, Beefcake and Valentine, to later-in-the-line wrestlers like Warrior and Honky- who feel more Hasbro era to me. But I think they want to strike that balance of appeasing the older collector and bringing in more mass market appeal, to make more money at the end of the day. The fact that none of these sets have sold out and they have not been able to increase frequency of releases says that the market for these figures is limited. I’m just happy they are still coming out!

I think there are a few reasons why these aren’t selling out.


1) Collectors have to buy two figures, when sometimes they may prefer only one in the set. And considering they are the most expensive line (UE), that may not be justifiable to everyone.

2) There haven’t been any First Time in the Line figures. As appealing as some of these are, if you already have a version you like, then why pony up for the UE version? This was true for me for the Hart Foundation. I love the set but I already love the elites and don’t need to pay that much for an upgrade that would render my elite set obsolete. If I could trade in my elites for half off (or something) I’d consider it. But toy collecting isn’t like that.

that makes sense but seeing as this are only twice a year releases I feel like 80 bucks shipped isn't too unreasonable for some of the best figures Mattel is doing these days. Maybe it's just because I only collect legends, maybe I just like this line more than the average collector but it seems like a solid deal considering everything included.

First time in the line figures or even just figures that haven't been done in forever like Demolition might help, I would be stoked if they did a first timer like Adonis or Dynamite but I worry the line isn't doing well enough to gamble on figures like that. It doesn't help that most of the FTITL guys have beef with the company or might be considered too controversial to do (Dynamite, Adonis, a proper Snuka, etc)

I'd imagine it's easier for me to buy into this line since I've only been collecting for like 3 years and don't have a surplus of Warriors or HTMs built up but I have no issue buying updated versions of figures I have if they're older or different gears if it's one I've wanted

[jt]

May 7, 2024 11:48:55 GMT -5 thep1 said:

May 7, 2024 1:57:21 GMT -5 jt said:

I had a discussion earlier with an older family member that collects other figures and was around when the LJN figures first dropped and it made me wonder what the target audience for this line is exactly.

Obviously it's supposed to cash in on nostalgia for the initial LJN series while also operating in the current collectors market but it seems like there's a disconnect between collectors now and people who were fans in the 80s and collected LJNs.

It seems like if you were to poll people that were around to get the LJNs as kids they would be excited for guys like Tito Santana, or Brutus Beefcake, or Greg Valentine, but now it seems like they won't anchor a set.

Any thoughts as to why that might be? Is there any chance Mattel gambles on names like The Killer Bees or other mid to lower midcard pairings for sets?

What was y'alls discussion about? Please share details! Would love to know y'alls convo and take on LJNs.

I am 44, and as a kid in 84-85 when these dropped, I vividly remember seeing this in TRU and they in turn got me into wrestling It was my favorite toy line growing up and continues to be to this day! I do get those that don't like them because you can't do much with them, but they are just pretty to look at and their face sculpts and overall looks are so well done! And of course the nostalgia-factor.

We were discussing what pairings would make sense and should in theory do well for the coliseum collection. He was baffled people on here and evidently Mattel don't have a lot of faith in more midcarders like the Dream Team or Studd or Duggan to sell since he remembers them more vividly than guys like Terry Funk or Ricky Steamboat. Personally im dying to see some slightly deeper cuts like Muraco and Santana but it would seem that I'm a bit more obsessive than the average collector

As he told it he and his brother didn't have the figures of some of the guys they've done so far and doesn't remember them as well but he did have sheik and studd and Duggan along with the Dream Team. It kinda gave me the impression there's a pretty noticable disconnect between people who were around for the LJNs and the figures Mattel sees as viable to put up for sale

[darkprophet]

May 7, 2024 12:46:23 GMT -5 jt said:

May 7, 2024 8:04:31 GMT -5 darkprophet said:

I’m in my mid 40’s, grew up on the LJNs, am all in on this line, but would prefer homages to classics from earlier-in-the-line wrestlers, like Studd, Sheik, Beefcake and Valentine, to later-in-the-line wrestlers like Warrior and Honky- who feel more Hasbro era to me. But I think they want to strike that balance of appeasing the older collector and bringing in more mass market appeal, to make more money at the end of the day. The fact that none of these sets have sold out and they have not been able to increase frequency of releases says that the market for these figures is limited. I’m just happy they are still coming out!

Personally I want every figure they can do, I'll even buy no names like Kirshner if they do them, but clearly im in the minority. It kinda disappoints me that people aren't excited to get ultimates of some of the more memorable midcarders like Valentine especially considering this is probably the only chance to get them in ultimate form

I’m completely with you on this!

[darkprophet]

May 7, 2024 12:58:12 GMT -5 jt said:

May 7, 2024 11:48:55 GMT -5 thep1 said:

What was y'alls discussion about? Please share details! Would love to know y'alls convo and take on LJNs.

I am 44, and as a kid in 84-85 when these dropped, I vividly remember seeing this in TRU and they in turn got me into wrestling It was my favorite toy line growing up and continues to be to this day! I do get those that don't like them because you can't do much with them, but they are just pretty to look at and their face sculpts and overall looks are so well done! And of course the nostalgia-factor.

We were discussing what pairings would make sense and should in theory do well for the coliseum collection. He was baffled people on here and evidently Mattel don't have a lot of faith in more midcarders like the Dream Team or Studd or Duggan to sell since he remembers them more vividly than guys like Terry Funk or Ricky Steamboat. Personally im dying to see some slightly deeper cuts like Muraco and Santana but it would seem that I'm a bit more obsessive than the average collector

As he told it he and his brother didn't have the figures of some of the guys they've done so far and doesn't remember them as well but he did have sheik and studd and Duggan along with the Dream Team. It kinda gave me the impression there's a pretty noticable disconnect between people who were around for the LJNs and the figures Mattel sees as viable to put up for sale

Part of that is on availability limitations, though. I’m almost certain Duggan is no longer an option (getting figures from Major Bendies and PowerTown), nor Santana (also getting PowerTown). Muraco, I’m not sure. It seems odd to me to get a legends deal and only one figure, but that was years ago now, so maybe it expired too?

[thep1]

I'd like to know the threshold for made-to-order for the CCs. What is the "X" amount to sell to see a profit? I am by no means a businessman, but either they scale back the amount that they produce initially or have them as a MTO. That Hogan is still up for sale and not yet even to the "limited stock, act fast" or whatever it is status says that they produced way too many. I remember how they were first announced at SDCC of 2022 how collectors were quite "YES PLEASE" about them. I also want this line to sustain.

[darkprophet]

May 7, 2024 12:11:55 GMT -5 The Big Boss Man said:

May 7, 2024 8:04:31 GMT -5 darkprophet said:

I’m in my mid 40’s, grew up on the LJNs, am all in on this line, but would prefer homages to classics from earlier-in-the-line wrestlers, like Studd, Sheik, Beefcake and Valentine, to later-in-the-line wrestlers like Warrior and Honky- who feel more Hasbro era to me. But I think they want to strike that balance of appeasing the older collector and bringing in more mass market appeal, to make more money at the end of the day. The fact that none of these sets have sold out and they have not been able to increase frequency of releases says that the market for these figures is limited. I’m just happy they are still coming out!

I think there are a few reasons why these aren’t selling out.


1) Collectors have to buy two figures, when sometimes they may prefer only one in the set. And considering they are the most expensive line (UE), that may not be justifiable to everyone.

2) There haven’t been any First Time in the Line figures. As appealing as some of these are, if you already have a version you like, then why pony up for the UE version? This was true for me for the Hart Foundation. I love the set but I already love the elites and don’t need to pay that much for an upgrade that would render my elite set obsolete. If I could trade in my elites for half off (or something) I’d consider it. But toy collecting isn’t like that.

Yeah, the 2 pack idea may be backfiring. I’m sure the thought was that it would be a way to get people into the line who might not sell on their own. However, I think a lot of collectors would likely be more interested in buying individual figures they want, rather than feeling forced to buy 2 or none. It may even drive overall sales, if they can remain in-stock (as they have) and people can spread out their expenses. Or, release single packs quarterly instead of two packs twice per year? I’d personally still also be okay with shifting the Coliseum Collection to Elite figures, since I’m not opening them and so not ever using the extra parts or additional articulation of Ultimates. Given the relatively simplistic attire/looks of the source material (LJN figures), as long as the packaging remained the same, shifting to Elites could bring down the cost and in doing so, raise interest and sales. Thoughts?

[jt]

May 7, 2024 13:25:15 GMT -5 darkprophet said:

May 7, 2024 12:58:12 GMT -5 jt said:

We were discussing what pairings would make sense and should in theory do well for the coliseum collection. He was baffled people on here and evidently Mattel don't have a lot of faith in more midcarders like the Dream Team or Studd or Duggan to sell since he remembers them more vividly than guys like Terry Funk or Ricky Steamboat. Personally im dying to see some slightly deeper cuts like Muraco and Santana but it would seem that I'm a bit more obsessive than the average collector

As he told it he and his brother didn't have the figures of some of the guys they've done so far and doesn't remember them as well but he did have sheik and studd and Duggan along with the Dream Team. It kinda gave me the impression there's a pretty noticable disconnect between people who were around for the LJNs and the figures Mattel sees as viable to put up for sale

Part of that is on availability limitations, though. I’m almost certain Duggan is no longer an option (getting figures from Major Bendies and PowerTown), nor Santana (also getting PowerTown). Muraco, I’m not sure. It seems odd to me to get a legends deal and only one figure, but that was years ago now, so maybe it expired too?

Unfortunately some of them are off the table I have hope that since they're only done twice a year they might be able to reclaim guys like Duggan and Santana and have them out in like 2026 or 2027. Even if they can't knock off those specific 3, as heart breaking as it would be, Valentine, Beefcake, HTM, and some other notable midcarders are still on the table and exciting to me

[The Big Boss Man]

May 7, 2024 13:58:05 GMT -5 darkprophet said:

May 7, 2024 12:11:55 GMT -5 The Big Boss Man said:

I think there are a few reasons why these aren’t selling out.


1) Collectors have to buy two figures, when sometimes they may prefer only one in the set. And considering they are the most expensive line (UE), that may not be justifiable to everyone.

2) There haven’t been any First Time in the Line figures. As appealing as some of these are, if you already have a version you like, then why pony up for the UE version? This was true for me for the Hart Foundation. I love the set but I already love the elites and don’t need to pay that much for an upgrade that would render my elite set obsolete. If I could trade in my elites for half off (or something) I’d consider it. But toy collecting isn’t like that.

Yeah, the 2 pack idea may be backfiring. I’m sure the thought was that it would be a way to get people into the line who might not sell on their own. However, I think a lot of collectors would likely be more interested in buying individual figures they want, rather than feeling forced to buy 2 or none. It may even drive overall sales, if they can remain in-stock (as they have) and people can spread out their expenses. Or, release single packs quarterly instead of two packs twice per year? I’d personally still also be okay with shifting the Coliseum Collection to Elite figures, since I’m not opening them and so not ever using the extra parts or additional articulation of Ultimates. Given the relatively simplistic attire/looks of the source material (LJN figures), as long as the packaging remained the same, shifting to Elites could bring down the cost and in doing so, raise interest and sales. Thoughts?

It probably wouldn’t go over well with current collectors of the line if they shifted from Ultimate Editions to Elite. I think spacing them out to one per wave instead of a two-pack would be a great idea, though (without seeing any of their internal numbers or data).

EDIT: One upside to two-packs is it should save on shipping. That’s something to consider. Honestly I’ve not bought any of these yet, though I love their look. I just don’t need any thus far. I may have pulled the trigger on Rick Rude had he come alone, and I would definitely get M$M. But the Jake I already have (from the All-Stars two pack if memory serves) is fantastic and the I have no interest in Steamboat in all black.