I know we do not cover Mattel’s impressive WWE line as much as we should around here. However, we are looking to change that, and JKL-MD Refugee is leading the charge with several reviews in the can and more to come. I want to contribute as well since I am a huge mark for the 1980s and early ’90s stuff, so I plan on getting more reviews up soon too. In the meantime, and since we are getting close to SDCC, I thought it would be good timing to talk about some much-needed Flashback Elite figure variants.

Let’s face it, most WWE superstars of past and present have had more costume changes than Tina Turner and Cher combined, so that can be a tricky thing to tackle when deciding on the best costume for a given character’s action figure. For the most part, I think Mattel has gotten their picks correct, especially for characters that only have one Elite figure. However, some personalities just have more than one well-known costume, or character for that matter, so sometimes it takes more than one iteration to satisfy the needs of that era. Additionally, while I said that Mattel has usually done a good job with the costume selection, some figures just miss the mark completely and REQUIRE new versions so that everything can be right in the world.

So, before I tear in, I want to establish some ground rules. First, I am only picking characters that have already had ELITE figures. So while my preference for figures is always for new characters first and foremost, if there has not been a figure of a character yet, they don’t qualify for this list. Additionally, I am not counting guys that have just had BASIC figures either. So, while I think that the Million Dollar Man needs a new figure more than just about anyone, he does not make this list because be it a regular basic, or an Entrance Great, Ted Dibiase has not been built on the Elite frame yet. Hopefully that will change soon.

Also, please remember that this is an OPINION list, just like any Top 5 on the Fwoosh. So this is what I want to see, and this list might be starkly different from yours. As I said, I am a classic 1980s fan, so if the Attitude age is more your bag, this will probably leave you wanting, Don’t worry though, maybe we can get JKL to cover that era for us.

Ready? Okay, here we go!

First up, is our HONORABLE MENTIONS list. These guys just barely missed the cut because their figures hold up better to me than those on the official list, though I would not thumb my nose at getting some updated versions of them:

Mr. Perfect

He is my favorite wrestler of all time and the Mattel figure is just too tall and could use a better likeness. I don’t hate the current figure, but work on those two areas and maybe give him his orange or yellow or green or black singlet, and we are golden.

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat

Steamboat has had a couple of Elite figures already and while I think his “Dragon” get up makes for a very cool-looking figure, his most memorable moment (to me anyway) was when he fought the Macho Man at Wrestle Mania III in one of the greatest matches of all time. We got that white outfit in a basic figure, but we really need an Elite version too.

Diesel

With my new Razor Ramon figure in hand, it makes it painfully obvious that we need a better Diesel figure. Give him a more appropriate body build and a much better likeness and I will be a happy camper. Oh, and did I mention I don’t even HAVE the current Diesel figure? That is because it was IMPOSSIBLE to find. C’mon Mattel, give us a chance here.

Brian Pillman

I was never into the “loose cannon” persona, myself. I remember him fondly from his WCW days as “Flyin'” Brian with his tiger print shorts. I’ll take that version, please.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage

Look, I have nothing against the classic Savage with the orange star shorts, but man… he NEEDS his elaborate sequined cape/robe thingee, like NOW. Maybe Mattel can put him in a Defining Moments slot and give him the cape and his headband (instead of the do rag). The Mega Powers looks could possibly work as well.

Okay, okay, here we go into the actual list…

5. One Man Gang

Now, don’t mistake me, I find the “African Dream” Akeem persona one of the most ingenious character creations in the history of the WWE. Seriously. That being said, when your second best persona is also as amazing as the One Man Gang, that obviously deserves a figure of its own as well. George Gray did not hang about the WWE in my day very long, but both of his characterizations (OMG eventually embraced his African roots with help of Slick) left a lasting impression on me, so being able to have the Gang for a battle royal would be a lot of fun.

4. “Ravishing” Rick Rude

This is one of those cases where the figure that has been released has absolutely nothing wrong with it. I actually love my Rick Rude figure, and everything from the likeness to the distinct patterning on his tights is done very well. Oh, and he has one of the nicest robes in the line as well, so he has a lot going for him. The only thing about the figure is that it is pretty pointed in terms of being VERY selective to a single match. Rude did not have short hair in the WWE for very long, and he is much more remembered for his glorious mullet. So we need a figure with that hair style and different pair of airbrushed pants. Maybe the getup he was sporing during his Royal Rumble “Pose Down” would work well for this.

3. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka

Okay, this entry, much like the next, is on here because at the risk of sounding harsh, Mattel completely missed the mark in terms of outfit choice for this character. Jimmy Snuka is known much more for his short shorts, headband, and bare feet than the rather out-of-character pants and boots. Plus, I am betting that the figure likeness could be better as well. Look, I know this was one of the first figures in the “Classic” line that eventually folded into the Elite, and Mattel was looking to capitalize on longevity, but come on, we need this iconic Snuka look, like, yesterday.

2. The British Bulldog

Again, this was an awful choice of costume for the one British Bulldog figure that has been released. I get that I was out of wresting long before the whole Hart Foundation Elite thing took shape in the late ’90s, but there is no way you can convince me that look is more iconic than Davy Boy’s single early ’90s look, or even his British Bulldogs tag team costume. For me, the perfect way to reintroduce Davy Boy into the Elite form would be in a Defining Moments release with his look from his iconic match with Bret Hart at Summer Slam ’92. Give him his braids, his sequined cape and his dog Winston and you will have a prefect Davy Boy. He was always one of my favorites, and the current Elite figure is one of my absolute least favorites, so let’s make this right.

1. Sting

Okay, okay, I realize that Sting’s first ever Mattel/WWE figure is not even out yet, but I am already jonesing for a different version. I know that his “Crow” look is his longest running and it definitely deserves the Defining Moments release it is getting, but that is not my Sting. I get that it is a cool look and that old Steve Borden probably enjoyed his highest peak of success while he wore it, but it has never been for me. Since it is pretty much just a carbon copy of the Crow look, I feel it actually lessened Sting’s personal characterization. I much prefer his bleach blonde “surfer” look with the neon pants. I am pretty sure we will get this version sooner than later, but I am asking for it now!

So this is my list of the most needed Elite variants — do you agree? Disagree? Who would you like to see redone in the Elite style? Now, there are still plenty of characters that need their first release in the line, but my collection will not feel complete without these important iterations of figures we have already gotten. Also, I promise I am going to do more WWE stuff, and soon. I have a couple of reviews lined up, and I will probably need to do a Flashback Top 10 sometime closer to SDCC.