Updating The Past: Part Six

I wish I had more to bring to Show and Tell today, but the buck stops here on the archiving of old Action Figure Zone News reports.

Yes, the Internet Archive only collects up to a certain point and all reports from August 11, 1998, and beyond are not accessible at this time.

This means only one thing: Uhh...wait...hold on...it's coming to me..just give me a second...aha!

No, no, I've got nothing.

As a consolation prize, I'll review all six posts from the "Updating The Past" series and I will point out the top ten most-newsworthy items. In my opinion, of course.

You can do the same by checking out these previous posts: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five.

Before we get to that, let's take one last look back at a few early August 1998 BCA reports.

Early August 1998 BCA News and Rumors -

8/2 - Apparently there was a STOMP series two Brian Pillman released, he was supposed to be replaced by Owen, but rumor has it, a small number of Pillmans seeped out onto the market.

I cannot say that I've seen this, but I can tell you that I want to as much as anyone. I don't know how Pillman would have leaked into Series 2, so I'm skeptical as is, but I'll take their word for it since stranger things have happened.

8/2 Cont'd - Slammers Series two have apparently been spotted at TRU and KB. The series is comprised of Kane(!), Shawn Michaels, Dude Love, The Patriot, and Taka Michinoku.

Kane's first 6-inch figure was special, despite the Slammers action feature. I believe that I was just as excited for Dude Love and The Patriot then, but as you know there's only so much excitement to go around for the Slammers figures. It's like a law, or something.

8/2 Cont'd Again - This just in: Jakks has apparently released some sort of a Special Edition Diesel figure. This extemporaneous figure has been spotted by one of our sources for just over $3 with tax. We can't verify anything yet, keep checking.

I'm getting my hopes up...

8/3 - The first order of business is to say that the Diesel found yesterday was not a new release, but instead the original re-release of Diesel. Apparently our source was mislead because the KB they went to had about 8 of the figure. So even though there is no new figure, keep a lookout for the first Diesel re-release.

...and now I'm coming back to reality. Dreadful, isn't it? Well, it's still a wonder how so many Series 1 Diesel re-releases could be flooding the market in August 1998.

8/4 - Val Venis might be included in the new Jakks assortment of figures that will not have any particular gimmick. The first asst. will include 5 figures.

Unlike one of Val's adult movies, this report comes up a little bit short. His debut figure would spring into action in the Superstars Series 7 assortment along with Edge and X-Pac.

8/5 - Look for a Michael Cole figure from Jakks as part of the Ringside Collection series #3.

What better way to close out on the reports than by a Michael Cole figure suggestion (and that's about as far as it goes, I'm afraid)?

Oh, you say just bring them to an end already and get back to posting something other than massive walls of text?!?

Well, I never!

Okay, maybe I get the point.

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I hope you didn't break a sweat having to sort through all of that!

I kid but, more importantly, I list, too.

Here are ten observations of mine from archiving the AFZN reports of the late 90s, in no particular order.

1. Rumored lineups are like buttholes...


2. Commemorative figures were all the rage in these reports, except none were ever commemorated.


3. Just how close did we come to having a classic BCA series in the late 90s? My guess is that it was just out of reach.
   
4. Whoever thought delaying the flagship Superstars series in favor of possibly promoting the Slammers figures was a certifiable moron, to put it lightly.


5. The saga that was signing and producing an "Iron" Mike Tyson figure only took about eight years (2006 Rocky Series) to see the light of day, but a part of me wonders what a BCA figure would have looked like.


6. Tom Brandi's chances (supposedly 50%) of having his own BCA figure depending on his emergence as "a star" in the WWF has me rolling to this day.
   
7. Although not BCA related, imagine what McFarlane could have done with the WCW license in 1998 before OSFTM and ToyBiz stepped in for good.


8. Would a deluxe line of WWF figures (articulation & accessories) have been a success in 1998? I guess we'll never know, but the price tag would have been steep (by 1998 collecting standards).


9. So much talk about the Legends and Ripped and Ruthless series that it almost makes me forget how much of a failure both were in their day (notice I didn't say "heyday"). The workhorses were undoubtedly Andre (Legends Series 1) and Kane (Ripped and Ruthless Series 2).
   
10. I've realized through this process that I hate chronicling stuff, which probably doesn't bode well for me considering what I write about is, you know, IN THE PAST. Eh, I'll get over it. ;-)
    

Until next time, thanks for looking and have a nice day!

- Alex

Updating The Past: Part Five

Here we are one week later than usual, but nothing much else has changed.

If you'll excuse the brief vacation I took last weekend, we can return to the "Updating The Past" series of posts. The end is almost near as the Action Figure Zone News reports from April '98 to July '98 are few and far between; the explanation given is a system error on their part. So, I'll try to make the most out of what is available (courtesy of the Internet Archive).

And off we go...

March through July 1998 BCA News and Rumors -

3/1 - Kane from Ripped and Ruthless will not have a removeable mask according to reports we are receiving.

Ripped and Ruthless Series 2 Kane does, in fact, have a removable mask, and I'm almost positive that makes it the first Jakks WWF figure to have the feature.

3/1 Cont'd - KB has begun to put big Jakks Pacific stickers over Playmates logos on WWF figures that playmates has produced (Talking Undertaker etc..). The stickers cover up everything that suggests that Playmates produced the figures, although they really did.

Mr. McMahon's Corporation isn't the only one taking over in late 90s WWF it seems. It won't be the last time a cover-up involving stickers takes place; Chris Benoit's figures didn't stand a chance on store shelves in the wake of his death.

3/2 - A Jakks rumor has been sent to us that states there may be a Wrestlemania stars special edition line. According to the report these will be similar to the Legends figures in that they will have stands and transparent boxes. The line would reportedly include Muhammad Ali, Lawrence Taylor, Aretha Franklin, and a couple of others, keep in mind that this has not been totally verified nor has it been nullified.

I don't know what kind of appeal this line would have had with wrestling fans, but I do know that it would have attracted interest from the furthest of non-wrestling fans. I wouldn't say Jakks missed the boat on this since there probably isn't a whole lot of truth to the rumor, but it is an interesting concept.

3/4 - About the Jakks Wrestlemania Celebrity collection, it is nearing verification, keep a lookout.
Okay, maybe there is some truth in the foliage, but still nothing that is within grasp. I really believe it would've been too much of a frustration for Jakks to make a celebrity line a reality.

3/5 - Steve Blackman is on the way from Jakks!

Superstars Series 6 reporting for duty...

3/8 - There is a lot of speculation going around that the upcoming Kane figure (not Ripped & Ruthless) may include a removeable mask. This is a possibility because the figure will be made after Wrestlemania, Kane may be unmasked at Wrestlemania by the way. One of our Jakks reporters has stated that this has potenetial, so keep an eye out.

Hmm, potential is a word for it, but Kane wouldn't be unmasked until five years later and no regular BCA Kane figure would ever come with a removable mask because...well, there was no point of including it if the WWF didn't have plans to unmask him. The Ripped and Ruthless Series 2 and Maximum Sweat figures are the only exception.

3/11 - Jakks will be making a Luna Vachon figure in some form within the next 4-5 months, this is reportedly confirmed.

Luna would go on to share a Grudge Match 2-pack with Sable that was released toward the end of the year. Luna's only BCA figure is also the only one in the entire line to have rooted hair.

3/16 - Toys "R" Us is running a mail-in sale that will behoove all of us avid wrestling fans. The deal is that if you buy ten dollars worth of Jakks figures, you get $10 off Wrestlemania 14 by sending in a certificate. This will lower the price of the extravaganza to $25!

I just have to laugh at this considering WWE pay-per-views cost MORE THAN twice that amount in the year 2010 and the quality is...not so good. It's sad, really.

3/16 Cont'd - We will be getting our Jakks Pacific Steel Cage, just be patient!

The first of which comes as an attachment to the Attitude ring, although it is not necessarily an accurate steel cage.

3/18 - Now it appears as if the Jakks Mike Tyson will be released on a single card. He will be outfitted in whatever he ends up wearing at Wrestlemania, probably a referee shirt.

Tyson in a reversible Austin 3:16/D-Generation X t-shirt - who's buying?

3/20 - One of our colleagues wrote a letter to Jakks today asking what was going on. Nothing is yet confirmed, but it looks like Jakks may be interested in making the Titantron! Wow wouldn't that be great, but don't get your hopes totally up yet, we'll keep you posted.

The 1999 holiday season is intrigued...

3/25 - Jeff Jarrett and Tennesse Lee Manager 2-pack from Jakks? It is quite possible, or so we have heard, stay tuned.

If there is a bigger letdown than having no more Managers 2-packs in the BCA line, I don't know what it is. I needed Tennessee Lee to properly introduce my J E Double-F J A Double-R E Double-TT figure.

4/6 - Well, Kane didn't lose his mask at Wrestlemania, so Jakks may either delay this figure, or can the whole removable mask idea all together. Speaking of wrestlemania, there is a possibility we may see a Michaels/ Austin/Tyson 3 pack.

Canned like SPAM, I would assume. Now, with all of these Tyson rumors, it makes me wonder if Jakks just managed to royally screw up whatever deal they had in place.

4/15 - The next slammers set will consist of Kane, The Patriot, Steve Austin, HHH, Owen Hart, and Dude Love. Also, new tag teams will include The New Age Outlaws, The New Midnight Express, The Rock and Roll Express, and The Qubecers.

Slammers Series 2 official lineup: Brian Pillman, Shawn Michaels, Dude Love, Kane, Patriot, Taka Michinoku

New Tag Teams? How about 2 Tuff Series 2, which just so happens to be the topic of conversation in this week's poll! Cast your vote now!

Skip to 7/6 - We are now hearing that an Al Snow w/head figure has been confirmed by Jakks Pacific. If this is the truth the figure won't be released for at least a couple of months, we'll keep you posted.

Truth. Al Snow's debut Jakks figure was in this assortment. What, no hyperlink for "this"? All right, can YOU tell me which series it was?

7/10 - Apparently Jakks is planning to release the accessories from the Shotgun Saturday Night set individually, there will also be some others, nothing is confirmed yet, but some accessories mentioned were Ring Aprons and a Hell in a Cell.

Grapple Gear and Ring Gear packs were an immediate success, but only with the appropriate ring base (Attitude ring, Hardcore ring). I doubt Jakks ever intended on making the Monster ring a BCA staple. It wasn't long after the release of the Attitude ring (about 4-5 months) that the first wave of Grapple Gear packs hit stores.

7/11 - The KB exclusive Foley three pack will cost $15 according to reports.

As far as I know, the initial MSRP was $21.99, but the typical BCA boxed set (3 or 4 figures) would cost $19.99.

7/20 - The new WWF Ringside collection and 2 Tuff are slated for a September release. The 2 Tuff Series will include The New Age Outlaws, Jackly and Kurrgan, Jerry Lawler and "Too Sexy" Brian Christipher, and The Nation(Mark Henry, D-lo Brown, and "The Godfather"). The Ringside collection will include Jim Ross, Sgt. Slaughter, Ring Announcer, and Jim Cornette. There is also the possibility of an X-pac in a single series like the slammer series. There could also be a Pat Patterson, Gerald Brisco 2 pack.

Patterson and Brisco should've happened, and probably would have if there had been a Ringside Collection Series 3, but nearly all of the rest listed were produced.

7/25 - For WWF Jakks, a new line called "Brawl for All" is being talked about due to its popularity on Raw. This set could include Dan "The Beast" Sevren and "Dr. Death" Steve Williams along with others.

Again, popularity is a word for it, but I wrote about this in a previous post and I think we can all be thankful for no more "Brawl for All" tournaments.

7/30 - There will almost definitely be a Kaientai set made by Jakks Pacific. This would be a four pack including all members of the group. No word yet on whether or not it would be an exclusive.

Indeed? Well, no. We did get Taka, but the other three weren't much of a priority and I shudder at the thought of a 4-pack clogging the shelves.

Every potential figure sounds good to us now, but just think about all of the poor collectors of the late 90s who were stuck with nothing but Dr Death and Jacqueline.

Yeah, it doesn't leave a good aftertaste, that's for sure.

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"Part Six" will be up within the next week, and I hope to see everyone back in their assigned seats.

Until next time, thanks for looking and have a nice day!

- Alex

Updating The Past: Part Four.

Who needs Ahmed Johnson, “Wildman” Marc Mero, and Yokozuna when you can have the Triple Threat 3-pack of VJB “Updating The Past” posts? Here is Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 for all the collectors out there.

You know, sans the box art and yellow block chairs for accessories.

On a positive note, these posts will never decrease in value. Except…they have no redeeming value as is, so it’s only going up from here! [insert exuberant Owen Hart response here]

Now, back to your regularly scheduled “post”gramming…

February 1998 BCA News and Rumors –

(All of the original reports will be printed in their complete text from here on out. I had been paraphrasing them from before, so I think this will make them easier to follow. I hope.)

2/1 - There will be a second Signature Series released from Jakks Pacific sometime in the early summer. Look for it to contain Shawn Michaels, Ken Shamrock, Rocky Maivia, and one or two more.

Ken Shamrock’s signature would have to wait for two more series, and Rocky’s would be rescheduled for Series 3, but the rest of the lineup besides HBK includes Undertaker, Kane, Dude Love, and the New Age Outlaws.

2/1 Cont’d – (Non-BCA) Toy Biz will definately be producing WCW figures this fall. Apparently McFarlane won't be getting the license. Actually Toy Biz should do a very good job on these. They will be 5-6" tall, like the Jakks Pacific WWF figures.

And, so, the comparisons between the two companies begin, but we now know that ToyBiz wasn’t a perfect fit with the Jakks BCA figures.

2/3 - The first (and probably not the only) Kane figure may be included in the upcoming "Ripped and Ruthless" line from Jakks. Also keep in mind that Jakks is supposedly going to try and make their figures more to scale with each other and therefore the Kane may be about 61/2"-7" tall.

“Probably not the only” sounds funny today, and I’m sure that was the case back in early 1998, too. Jakks Pacific and scale is on a whole ‘nother level of sheer hilarity, but the Ripped and Ruthless figures were bigger than the regular BCAs, so I can’t fault them there.

2/4 – (Non-BCA) The first Toy Biz WCW line will inlude Sting, Hogan, Nash, Hall, the Giant, Zbysko, and one or two others. Expect these figures to be superior to the current San Fransisco toys.

Again, just pointing out what the competition to Jakks looked/sounded like during those days.
2/4 Cont’d - Pantera will be included in the Jakks Lightweight line which should be out sometime in May or early June.

I think we’ve learned that anyone whose name doesn’t sound familiar probably didn’t have much of a chance of getting their own figure in the BCA line. Pantera certainly qualifies in that department.

2/5 - It is really starting to look like we will be seeing a Ripped and Ruthless Kane figure. This is being reported by quite a few people now, it is not set in stone but count on it!

Oh, it’s set in stone all right. I would consider the R&R2 Kane to be the most popular non-BCA Jakks figure of the late 1990s (or, before TTL).

2/6 - Jakks Pacific has already reportedly begun production on a One Man Gang figure, we'll keep you posted.

Let the speculation begin, but I believe this was for the soon-to-be cancelled Legends series.

2/6 Cont’d - Jakks Pacific has begun to ship the Legends Series! These figures look absolutely super, they are not really in action poses but are excellent display pieces for wrestling fans. The line includes the incredible Andre the Giant figure, (if you see Andre, pick him up, he'll be valuable, Jimmy Snuka, Captain Lou Albano, and Classie Freddie Blassie. Also, We have been e-mailed with many reports saying that Jakks has decided to keep the Bone- Crunching action feature on their figures. Jakks is really showing us what they can do with this Legends Series.

It was indeed a great start for Jakks and there was loads of potential in this series, but I’m under the impression that the differing scale from the BCA line is what killed it, along with the relatively-obscure (not from my point of view, but it wouldn’t surprise me) names to bandwagon wrestling fans at the time.

2/8 - We have been receiving a lot of questions pertaining to the Jakks Ripped and Ruthless line and just what they are. Well what we can tell you is that this set should include about 6 figures and Kane will most definatley be one of them by the way. Any way these will have very detailed muscular features and possibly enhanced articulation, possibly at the elbows, shoulders, and knees.

A fair description of the line, but “unplayable with BCAs” must’ve missed the cut.

2/10 - Some reports are stating that Kane may not end up in the Ripped and Ruthless line after all! The initial figures that have been totally confirmed are Steve Austin, Goldust, Undertaker, and Mankind. Keep in mind that the line is supposed to include more than four figures, could the fifth be Kane?

Nope. Kane was in Series 2, though, so collectors only had to wait a few months longer for one of the most-anticipated wrestling figures of 1998.

2/12 - Jakks showed a new line at Toy Fair over the weekend, actually it is just a series of repaints that includes the Godwinns, Savio, Austin, and L.O.D. . It is deemed as the Shotgun Saturday Night set and looks pretty good. Also Jakks will be releasing an Undertaker with tatoos and proper elbow pads, he may even have the leather robe that he wears to the ring.

Interested in seeing pictures from Toy Fair 1998? Look back to this post from last October to relive the event.

2/13 - We are hearing from a source who is attending Toy Fair '98 that Jakks has shown a prototype Kane figure. They however informed us that it was probably not the final mold of Kane, but was going to be the first Kane released, and it wasn't a Ripped and Ruthless! The prototype wasn't complete, but was the right size.

Check the link above ^ for a picture of the Kane prototype, without his mask!

2/15 - The coming Mike Tyson figure will most likely be partnered with a Stone Cold and Shawn Michaels figure as a part of a Wrestlemania 3-pack. The original ideas were to just have Tyson released individually or with Don King as a Manager Pack.

Imagine if the first Grudge Match (originally titled “Attack Pack”) with Stone Cold and HBK had been an exclusive 3-pack with Mike Tyson or 4-pack with Don King! I would’ve bought the Managers 2-pack, too, so Jakks really missed the boat on that one with all of the sports fanatics of the world.

2/15 Cont’d - The Kurrgan figure should definately be released as a Manager Series 2-pack with the Jackyl. The original plan was for the figuure to be released as a part of a Truth Comission four pack. Keep in mind that we are talking about the Kurrgan with black pants and the claw things on his fingers, not the Kurrgan that will be released with Sniper in a couple of weeks.

2 Tuff Series 2 is where Kurrgan and The Jackyl can be found. Had there been a Truth Commission boxed set, you might still be able to find it in stores today. Yes, that was a Truth Commission joke.

2/17 - Definitely be on the lookout for a Quebecer Tag Team set, this has been reported here before, but we would just like to remind everyone.

…And I thought “Where’s Waldo” was difficult! I can’t find The Quebecers anywhere! What, you mean I’ve wasted 12 years of my life looking for this damn 2-pack and IT DOESN’T EXIST?!?!! Oh, okay.

2/19 - There will be a Jakks Legends Series 2. It should contain Bruno Samartino, Demolition, and maybe King Kong Bundy. Also note that the Legends that are currently inhabiting the shelves are doing great and receiving great reviews.

The thought of Legends Demolition figures is like pouring salt into a vicious, open wound. How sad that Jakks couldn’t pull this series together.

2/19 Cont’d - Looked for Ripped & Ruthless series 2 to include Ken Shamrock, HHH, Shawn Michaels, Kane, and Ahmed Johnson. The Ken Shamrock is the only figure that we are hearing is totally confirmed, but the others are very likely.

Ditch Ahmed and Shamrock for Sable and you’ve got the official lineup. See, this just goes to show that incoherent promos and being “in the zone” can’t hold a candle to breasts and, well, you get the point.

2/22 - King Kong Bundy may not be a part of Legends Series 2 as we earlier speculated. He will almost definitely be a part of the Legends line, but he may be a part of series two or three.

This would have happened if Jakks had made another series, I’m convinced.

2/22 Cont’d - Ringside Collection Series will include Jim Cornette, Jim Ross, Sergeant Slaughter, and either Earl Hebner, Michael Cole, Kevin Kelly, or Dok Hendrix.

Jakks Pacific Slammers series 2 will contain Dude Love, Patriot, Shawn Michaels, Marc Mero, Brakkus, and some reports are telling us that Brian Pillman will be included as well. Personally we think that if Jakks decided to include Pillman, it would be an awful move, We should be seeing a commemorative Pillman before a Slammers Pillman!

Who do you think would be the bigger shelfwarmer – Michael Cole, Kevin Kelly, Dok Hendrix, or a Slammers Brakkus? Does it really even matter? I digress lol.

2/23 - About those possible Jakks ring aprons and ringside things, we are hearing that there will be a guard rail made, again we can not totally verify this or that any aprons and things will be made.

Good to know.

2/23 Cont’d - We have received word that Dok Hendrix will be the fourth figure in ringside series two from Jakks. The other three figures will be Jim Ross, Jim Cornette, and Sergeant Slaughter.

Not so fast there, Hendrix. The fourth through sixth figures in the assortment would be Honky Tonk Man, and re-releases of Vince McMahon and the Referee.

2/24 - We might see a Wrestlemania multi-pack that will include Pete Rose and a couple of other celebrities that will appear at the extravaganza.

Pete Rose could’ve been made in a Slammers pose where he’s prepared to take any and all Tombstone Piledrivers that your figures have to offer. Then, I’d have him bet on my cards while he nurses his injuries.

2/25 - Kane will undoubtedly be included in R&R series two, we got this report early this morning. The report stated that this was confirmed and would be released in mid-April. Other figures in the line according to the report should be Shawn Michaels, Sable, and Owen Hart.

Ironically, Owen does the job to HHH in this series like he did in real life throughout 1998.

2/27 - The Brakkus figure has been scrapped from the Slammers Series. He will probably be replaced by Taka Michinoku.

He was, but I can’t say that Taka’s sculpt was a huge improvement. Those gimmicky Slammers arms were, and still are, awful.

2/27 Cont’d - The Shawn Michaels included in the DX three pack will probably feature the green suit that he wore at DX (the pay per view). No word yet on when the three pack will be released though.

Nothing much to say other than it’s a shame that a BCA HBK in black tights (or, more specifically, these tights from the DX: In Your House pay-per-view) wasn’t made. Especially for those of you who appreciate the detail of the DTA Tour Series 1 HBK in red or the WMXIV figure in white.

You know who you are. ;-)

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Until it’s time (oh, it’s time…what time is it?) for “Part Five”, I want to thank all of my readers for taking the time to look and I hope y’all have a nice weekend.

- Alex

Updating The Past: Part Three.

Unlike Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, we (okay, me) at VJB refuse to label our (*sigh*...my) readers as outsiders, so don't forget to view Part 1 and Part 2 if you want to be clued in.

Now that that's been said, I would like to welcome you to the year 1998 and Part 3 of the "Updating The Past" series of posts where I will reminisce and hopefully clear the air of past BCA figure news and rumors.

Everything presented here is courtesy of the Action Figure Zone News website from many years ago.

Let's keep this train rolling now...

January 1998 BCA News and Rumors -

1/2 - "Iron" Mike Tyson has now signed a deal for WrestleMania; a Tyson BCA figure is sure to be released, although it would have to be a commemorative release since he did not sign a full contract with the WWF.

I wrote about this in an old "What if" blog post, but my belief is that the two sides could not work out an agreement for a Jakks figure. There was never a scheduled release in mind, as far as I know, but I do think Jakks wanted to use his likeness in the WMXIV singles series and/or the WMXIV boxed set.

1/4 - (Non-BCA) WCW gives OSFTM another chance to produce a series with DDP and others, but they will look to McFarlane to obtain the license if sales are not a success.

I find it very interesting to read little tidbits like this, and I still can't fathom why WCW would choose Toymakers over McFarlane.

1/5 - Best of '97 Series 2 is found at TRU and Wal-Mart stores.

I was always under the assumption that this series was exclusive to TRU stores, but maybe there was distribution elsewhere for a select few series. You learn something new every day, amiright?

1/6 - Rumors of Hogan signing with the WWF means that there could always be a Jakks figure in the works - not so much a Legends series figure, but a regular 6" BCA is possible if he signs.

Gosh, I remember the speculation at the time, but it was all fodder and Hogan never did re-sign with the WWF in early 1998.

1/7 - Again, more about Hogan and the WWF, but it's also worth noting that Jakks is interested in doing a George "The Animal" Steele figure since he just signed a two-year deal with the federation. Steele is set to manage Vader which could lead to one of three scenarios - a singles figure, a Special Edition Hall of Fame figure, or a Managers Series 2-pack with Vader.

I know Steele would have been a shoeo-in for Legends Series 2 if it had been made, but none of the other proposed figures were ever brought to life...err, plastic.

1/9 - Do not fret, because the Austin and Undertaker S.T.O.M.P. Series 1 figures are not shortpacked, just very hard to find. The clamoring is being compared to Bret Hart's Best of '97 Series 1 figure at the time. Also, Jakks will consider to make a commemorative Brian Pillman.

Austin is unbelievably common nowadays, but 'Taker and Bret are still somewhat sought-after figures. Unfortunately, Pillman nor Owen were ever granted a commemorative figure in the wake of their untimely deaths.

1/10 - The Legends series is a go, it seems, and Andre The Giant will be included.

The Razor's Edge Wrestling Figure Newspage once had a picture to support this finding, but it can no longer be accessed. Big credit to that site, too, for all of their excellent investigative work and customs.

1/11 - There is a 50% chance Jakks will make a Tom Brandi BCA figure; this is all dependent on if he becomes "a star." On the other hand, a new Yokozuna repaint (in white) is expected to hit KB stores soon.

Well, I can now confirm that there is a 100% chance that Tom Brandi will not be a star, but Yoko is/was and the repaint was just as good as the original.

1/12 - Jakks will "almost definitely" come out with a new Nation of Domination set in May or June; this is the supposed reason for the first boxed set's limited availability, and the new one should have Faarooq, Rocky Maivia, Kama Mustafa, and D'Lo Brown. In other news, Yoko's KB exclusive figure is said to be limited to 18,000 pieces and there is no repaint available as of now.

Yoko's single-carded figures were 1 out of 16,000, whereas the Nation of Domination #2 set is 1 out of, well, zero since it was never made.

1/13 - A Mike Tyson/Don King Managers Series 2-pack is rumored, but it could end up just being a regular 2-pack if it's indeed released.

You don't know what I would do to have a BCA Don King figure, as it just speaks volumes (and, no, I'm not talking about the fro) about his greatness. Sadly, as I mentioned before, Jakks opted not to go forward with either in figure form.

1/16 - More talk of a McFarlane/WCW alliance and, speaking of alliances, an NWA line is possible, if not believed to be inevitable.

Hmm, what's it going to take to get Jarrett in his Aztec gear?!? Okay, yeah, there was a Bendems figure and, yeah, the gear is awful anyway, but we're talking principle here! Jakks did not go through with the NWA line because...uh...the WWF didn't either.

1/17 - DOA to come with Titan motorcycles? It's merely a suggestion at this point. Meanwhile, WCW is looking to compete with WWF by having new 5 1/2 to 6" scale figures in their OSFTM line.

The DOA rumor is not a bad one either, but the price tag would've been a killer for these figures. Also, the OSFTM WCW line could have only dreamed of being as good as the BCA figures.

1/19 - Here is a straight copy and past of the next bit of info: "The Jakks Pacific ECW line that was once confirmed to be made has just been put on hold. It will be released when ECW comes back to the WWF, which should be sometime within the next six months. The line would include Sabu, Taz, Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, and a few more. Just thought that this needed clarification."

I just want to say...damn. Could you imagine ECW wrestlers in the BCA line? What would this have meant for the OSFTM ECW figure line released just one year later? So many questions and yet so few answers.

1/20 - Snuka and Blassie are added to Legends Series 1.

1/21 - A Jakks Death Match Ring? Barb wire instead of ring ropes? A variety of weapons? It isn't confirmed, but it may soon be, according to AFZN. Not to mention, they hit the nail on the head with a correct prediction of D'Lo and Kama in an upcoming 2-pack; although, the name of series 2 reads "2 Tuff" and not "Tag Team."

The Death Match ring sounds like a Pipe Dream ring to me, but kudos for the D'Lo/Kama prediction.

1/22 - A proposed deluxe line for Jakks figures would include Austin with his truck, DOA with their bikes, and others. However, Jakks is not taking this series idea seriously, but the DOA with bikes could be scheduled for a June or July 1998 release on their own.

More on this later, but there are many hurdles to be overcome with a deluxe line, which is why it was never made.

1/23 - The Signature Series 1 Stone Cold figure is said to be shortpacked, believe it or not.

Eh, I could believe it at first, but I doubt that status lasted for long.

1/24 - Jakks will "most likely" make Tyson, but Don King is uncertain. Jakks is working on a "Three Faces of Foley" boxed set as we speak, and a new Mankind could be introduced.

Mankind would end up being a re-release of his Slammers Series 1 figure, and Tyson/King continue to be a non-release (unless you count the Rocky Balboa Series RA Tyson figure).

1/26 - Kane might be added to Superstars Series 6, along with Dude Love, Shawn Michaels with a chair, a new Stone Cold Steve Austin mold, and possibly The Patriot.

Can you guess which ones weren't in Series 6? Yeah, okay, none of them were. Moving on...

1/27 - Forget the post five days before this, because Jakks is seriously considering a deluxe line of figures. They would include real hair, real clothes, and maybe even entrance gear. The probable lineup includes Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Jeff Jarrett, Ken Shamrock, and Goldust. This is all speculation, though.

And that's all it would turn out to be - speculation. Jakks did not have the resources to commit to such a line, and I don't think the price range would have been desirable for most collectors. Also, in non-BCA news, McFarlane was effectively out of the running for the WCW line once Toymakers retained the license in late January '98, and there's more to the story coming in Part 4!

1/28 - Austin's Signature Series 1 figure is valued at $13 on the secondary market.
You could probably chop off $10 of that for its current value, sad to say.

1/30 - Aguila is set for the Light Heavyweight division series, and Jakks is planning a new Ripped and Ruthless line with Stone Cold (in vest or t-shirt), The Undertaker, Mankind, and Goldust. It's expected to be released prior to June 1998.

R&R essentially took over for the failed Legends series, but neither series could be deemed a success. The Light Heavyweight division series plans were dropped after the WWF abandoned the new division following WrestleMania XIV, but that's just how it was in the fast-paced WWF Attitude days.

It's a miracle Jakks ever got anything done and out on time then.

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Keep an eye out (or both, if it floats your boat) for "Part Four" soon!

Until next time, thanks for looking and have a nice day!

- Alex