The world of professional wrestling is larger than life, and for decades, fans of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) have wanted more than just to watch their favorite superstars battle it out in the ring—they’ve wanted to bring the action home. Enter WWE action figures, one of the longest-running and most successful toy lines in history. From the muscle-bound heroes of the 1980s to the athletic superstars of today, WWE figures have captured the drama, excitement, and high-flying moves of pro wrestling, allowing fans to recreate their favorite matches or dream up their own epic showdowns.
The Early Days: LJN’s Wrestling Superstars
It all started in 1984 when WWE (then WWF, or World Wrestling Federation) partnered with LJN Toys to launch the Wrestling Superstars line. These figures were unlike anything else on the market at the time. Rather than the small, articulated action figures that dominated toy aisles, LJN’s wrestlers were big, solid, and made of rubber. Standing at around 8 inches tall, these figures were designed more for display than for play, with many lacking the articulation found in other popular action figure lines.
The early Wrestling Superstars figures were a hit thanks to the popularity of WWE’s booming 80s roster. Iconic wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Macho Man Randy Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior were immortalized in rubber, capturing the larger-than-life personas that made them household names. Though they couldn’t move much, the sheer presence of these figures made them must-haves for wrestling fans.
LJN’s line included a wide variety of wrestlers, as well as accessories like wrestling rings, allowing fans to stage their own matches. Collectors today still seek out these vintage figures, especially those in good condition, as the original Wrestling Superstars line holds a special place in the hearts of wrestling enthusiasts.
Hasbro Takes Over: The Golden Era of Playability
In 1990, Hasbro took over the WWE license, and with it came a completely new approach to the figures. The WWF Hasbro line was a departure from LJN’s rubber figures, as these new figures were smaller (around 4.5 inches tall), more colorful, and fully articulated. What set these figures apart were the action features—each figure had a signature move that mimicked a real-life wrestling maneuver. For example, Hulk Hogan’s figure could deliver a powerful leg drop, while The Ultimate Warrior could perform his iconic gorilla press slam.
The Hasbro line perfectly captured the cartoony, over-the-top feel of early 90s wrestling. The sculpting wasn’t about hyper-realism but instead emphasized the exaggerated physiques and expressions of the wrestlers, making each figure instantly recognizable. The packaging was also vibrant and featured dynamic images of the wrestlers, adding to their appeal.
Fans loved the figures’ playability. The ring accessories made it possible to recreate iconic WWE matches, and the action features allowed for fast-paced, dynamic wrestling play. The Hasbro line covered most of WWE’s biggest stars at the time, including Bret “Hitman” Hart, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Ric Flair, to name just a few.
Jakks Pacific Enters the Ring: The Attitude Era
The late 90s saw WWE enter its most rebellious and controversial phase—the Attitude Era. As WWE programming became edgier, so did its action figures. In 1996, Jakks Pacific took over the WWE license and introduced the Bone Crunching Action figures, which featured a new level of realism and articulation. These figures were more in line with what collectors wanted, offering a solid balance of playability and displayability.
Jakks figures were also notable for their size. Standing at around 6 inches, they were more detailed than their predecessors, with sculpts that focused on making the wrestlers look as realistic as possible. The Bone Crunching Action feature allowed joints to pop and crack as kids moved the figures, adding a new layer of interaction to the play experience.
As the Attitude Era progressed, stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, and Mankind became household names, and Jakks Pacific was quick to capitalize on their popularity with new figures. Special editions, such as Stone Cold with his iconic “Austin 3:16” shirt or The Rock with his eyebrow-raising charisma, became some of the most popular toys of the time. Jakks also released a wide variety of accessories, from hardcore weapons like chairs and ladders to full-scale rings with steel cage attachments.
The Modern Era: Mattel Takes the Reigns
In 2010, Mattel took over as the producer of WWE action figures, and with it came a new era of detail, articulation, and collectibility. Mattel’s WWE Elite line became the gold standard for wrestling figures, combining highly detailed sculpts with a high level of articulation, allowing fans to pose their favorite superstars in realistic wrestling moves.
The Elite line focused on capturing the individuality of each wrestler, with highly detailed facial scans and intricate costume designs that mirrored their real-life counterparts. Mattel also made sure to include a wide variety of accessories, from championship belts to removable clothing and entrance gear, making each figure feel unique. Wrestlers from different eras of WWE history have been included, from Bruno Sammartino to John Cena to Roman Reigns, giving fans of every generation something to collect.
In addition to the Elite line, Mattel also introduced the WWE Basic series, which offered simpler, more affordable figures with less articulation but still maintained high levels of detail. This allowed younger fans to get their hands on WWE figures without breaking the bank.
Specialty Figures, Limited Editions, and Collectibility
Over the years, WWE action figures have become more than just toys—they’ve become serious collector’s items. Limited edition figures, special event exclusives, and variants have become highly sought after by fans. Mattel’s WWE Ultimate Edition line, for instance, offers premium figures with even more articulation and detailed accessories, aimed at the most dedicated collectors.
Figures of legendary wrestlers like The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, and Ric Flair often receive multiple iterations, allowing collectors to track the evolution of these superstars over the decades. Special releases, such as WrestleMania-themed figures, Hall of Fame collections, and Throwback Series, tap into the nostalgia of long-time fans who grew up watching these icons in their prime.
The Legacy of WWE Action Figures
The WWE action figure line has become one of the longest-running toy lines in history, consistently evolving to match the changing face of professional wrestling. From the oversized rubber figures of LJN to the fully articulated Elite series by Mattel, WWE figures have captured the essence of what makes wrestling so thrilling: the larger-than-life characters, the high-octane drama, and the epic battles in the ring.
For collectors and fans, WWE action figures are more than just toys—they’re a connection to the legends they grew up watching and the new superstars who continue to captivate audiences today. Whether you were smashing Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant together in the 80s or posing Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar for a championship match today, WWE action figures have always been an essential part of the wrestling fan experience.