I’m a self-confessed vintage toy nerd. I collect vintage wrestling action figures from the 80’s & 90’s. I started purchasing some vintage toys out of nostalgia. Well, WWE and Mattel sucked me into their new stuff. I now buy a few figures a month. You can view photos of my collection on my Instagram account.
The lineup for WWE Elite series 63 is a mix of new and old. You have a guy like Shelton Benjamin that was well overdue for an elite, hot sellers like Shinsuke Nakamura and then a couple that may have a hard time selling, even during the holiday season.
The WWE Superstars included in Elite 63 Dusty Rhodes, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, Kane, Dean Ambrose and two Shelton Benjamin elites (yes, there’s a chase version).
Shelton Benjamin – This is Shelton’s first elite and probably to help it sell better, there’s a chase version. The regular release is his present-day attire (the bottom picture) and the chase is the ‘Gold Standard’ Ruthless Aggression-era attire (the top picture). I’m a big fan of the chase version as he really isn’t a huge part of Smackdown Live these days.
Dusty Rhodes – This is my favorite elite in the set. There have been two previous Dusty elites, but neither came with so many accessories. This Dusty elite is from the 80’s Jim Crockett Promotions/NWA Championship Wrestling era. He was the ‘everyman’s champion’ and was beloved. I would have loved for it to come with the ‘Son of a Plumber’ shirt, but I like the one it comes with as well.
Shinsuke Nakamura – Mattel could have easily thrown a plastic shirt on Nakamura, but they didn’t cheap out. It’s an odd shirt, but Nakamura wears odd shirts. Also, it’s hard to give Nakamura a perfect headcan since the dude is so expressive. I think this is about as good as it’s going to get.
Sami Zayn – I enjoyed Sami’s run as Kevin Owens sidekick on Smackdown Live. The ‘Yep! Movement’ mockery of Daniel Bryan was enjoyable television. I’m not sure how well this will sell since he is expected to be out recovering from two rotator cuff surgeries. Usually figures of guys who aren’t on TV just collect dust at retail.
Kane – The Mayor of Knoxville County, Tennessee has a new figure. I think it was too soon for another Kane elite as they do not sell well. He’s another case of someone who isn’t on TV a lot (and won’t be used very much in the near future due to his new political gig). I don’t see too many new features and kids can just use their old Kane figures to lose during play.
Dean Ambrose – This figure is from the short-lived Shield reunion before Ambrose injured his shoulder/elbow and missed the next nine months. I don’t recall him having such a large beard, so the headscan is odd to me. I am going to pass on this one and just pick up the new The Shield elite Epic Moments 3-Pack.
Elite 63 should be found at retail in mid-to-late November.
Elite 64’s lineup has leaked, but I will write up a post once MOC pictures are released, which should be in the next couple weeks.
You can pre-order everything at RingsideCollectibles.com. I’m not getting paid to plug them (although it would be nice to get a nice discount – wink wink). I just recommend them. I’ve been pleased with every purchase. You can also check out WalkOutWear.com for pre-orders with free shipping.
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About the Author…
Bobby Roberts (otherwise known as Sweetbob) is the creator of ‘America’s White Boy’ and contributor at Project Shanks. His writing has been featured on ESPN’s ‘SportsNation’, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks, Guyspeed, and various other sites. You can follow him on Twitter at @Sweetbob.