HISTORY OF LJN WRESTLING FIGURES

A WALK THROUGH THE PLASTIC FOREST

The history of LJN figures through 1984-1989 mirrors the expansion and contraction of the WWF at that period of time. Professional Wrestling was introduced and accepted into homes around the world through extensive marketing and positioning of a product range that provided hours of enjoyment for kids and is now enjoying a healthy collector interest.

The first series of LJN figures was released in 1984 and these dolls commanded significant amounts of shelf space due to their size of 8-10 inches and the large blue blister cards. These Wrestling Superstars were produced by LJN toys and were made of an extremely durable type of plastic, that ensured that they would stand up to the backyard bodyslams and suplexes of young wrestling promoters. Original advertising suggested that you could bend 'em and twist'em but it would have taken the mythical strength of Hulk Hogan himself to accomplish this. Instead they were very, very sturdy figures and a more than adequate foreign object for hitting your opponent on the head. Even the paint used was durable although it wore significantly on high impact areas such as knees, butts, scalps and foreheads.
The original series saw the release of Hulk Hogan with heavyweight belt, Big John Studd, The Iron Shiek, Andre the Giant and Jimmy Snuka. The remainder of the first series consisted of Hillbilly Jim with hat, Junkyard Dog with a collar and chain and Roddy Piper with kilt followed quickly by Nikolai Volkoff with his hat. These latter four illustrate the importance of the snappy fashion accessory to the modern wrestler. Thus the set was complete. Five faces and four heels ready to do your bidding.
Of these pioneers some figures are better crafted than others. The Iron Shiek, Jimmy Snuka and particulary Nikolai Volkoff register the best likeness. Hillbilly Jim is a horrible hunk of plastic, stolid and immovable. Some critics have said that given the man from Mudlick, Kentucky's in the ring performance this was indeed the most accurate figure of the entire series. Andre the Giant sported a poorly crafted, spindly physique with the long hair that was so often a target of Studd and Ken Patera. It stands significantly taller than the other figures although getting it to stand by itself was no easy task. This problem was shared by Snuka whose bare feet provided too little contact to hold up his weight resulting in his leopard skin trunks being prone to losing chips of paint, Studd, whose massive thighs unbalanced him and Hogan himself. Hogan's overly generous head of hair was one of the contact points which probably made this figure the only in history to mirror ravages of male pattern baldness. In addition given boisterous play, Hogan, Studd and Andre's trunks often looked like the trio had had a heavy night at the all you can eat bean and taco restaurant.
The Junkyard Dog's grizzled countenance was well captured and it was a solid chunk of plastic. It and Volkoff stood their ground the best. JYD's chain was easily removed however, although the collar remains intact on most figures today. Rowdy Roddy Piper was a fairly unremarkable figure which suffered from a poor facial likeness. However it has resulted in the most sought after and valuable wrestling figure in existence: The "Panther Piper".
Initial promotional photographs often feature the product in an formative prototype stage. Various changes occur before mass production begins, generally a change of paint mix or a slight reshaping. In early photos Hillbilly was featured in a black shirt, JYD with chain but without collar and Piper in Hotrod shirt with brown boots. Piper was also featured with the famous panther shirt with brown boots. These led to a number of variations existing. The Hillbilly with black shirt seems to have never been produced but JYD featured a silver chain and a much rarer red chain. Studd features a variation on the customary brown-blonde hair which instead has brown-green or "khaki" hair. Roddy Piper was mass produced in the Hotrod shirt with red boots. A very rare variation on this sees Piper in the Hotrod shirt but with earth-brown boots. However the "Piper Panther" is the rarest of all LJN figures. I have had contact with very reputable and knowledgeable collectors who assure me that the figure exists as I had doubted its existence. It is sometimes described as the "Tiger Piper" but I believe the correct description would be that of the panther, a snarling head of which takes up a large portion of his t-shirt. You could name your price if you had one. (See WWF Magazine, Dec/Jan 1985/86 p. 33, p. 64 & p. 65 for photos of above-mentioned figures.)
It should be noted that if a photograph of a prototype was taken, then that figure must have existed. A certain number would have been produced, and are then generally given to employees; hence the "moon" Hasbro Kamala and Rhythm and Blues Hasbro's. So that may be the origin of the "Panther Piper" and a black shirt Hillbilly may be out there too.
The first series was also supplemented by the huge WWF ring. It consisted of a moulded plastic base, removable ring posts, 12 turnbuckles, and a set of 3 ring ropes; jingoistic red, white and blue sure to cause the Shiek and Volkoff to shudder. It was about 19 inches square and could be garnished by the rarer cage attachment. The ring included four rectangular stickers on each side of the base and the WWF logo in the centre of the ring. The ropes were prone to stretching hence the comparative rarity of intact rings today.
Hence the game began.

As the WWF roster expanded, so too did the range of figures. However early 1985 saw the release of a relatively stunted roster. Brutus Beefcake, Greg the Hammer Valentine, Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff, King Kong Bundy and George the Animal Steele with coloured chest hair. Beefcake and Valentine suffered from exaggerated size, reaching ten inches, whilst Orndorff's physique was generously given more cuts than a butcher with Parkinson's; but was inflicted with a face from hell. The Beefcake figure was very colourful, with the trademarked armgloves and a wry smile. Both he and Valentine suffered from mysterious bicep bulges. Valentine was fairly close facially and sported bright blue eyes and golden hair. However there was a much rarer variation of Valentine with stark white hair. George the Animal was captured accurately, poking his green tongue out of the corner of his mouth. I believe this 1985 version with coloured chest hair is the rarer of two Animal figures. King Kong Bundy was a huge hunk of plastic, weighing over a pound (half a kilo.) and captured in a menacing pose that was instilling fear through the WWF in 1985. Just ask S.D. Jones. He wore his black body suit tight and was given a snarling white mouth and even had creases on his forehead. This was the ultimate weapon, a great mass of grinding terror. Steele and Bundy were quite stable figures, but given their considerable weight were prone to the butt-blast that afflicted some of the 1984 figures. Beefcake, Valentine and Orndorff were unstable due to their considerable height often resulting in butt-blast in Valentine; and especially in Orndorff whose red trunks didn't leave much to the imagination. Beefcake tended to fall forward resulting in forehead wear. Many Valentine figures also show forehead wear, probably a result of his favourite move ; the flat face fall. So four heels; and George the Animal who was turning face were added to the collection resulting in 14 distinct figures.

It was the 1986 selection that saw the expansion into new wrestlers as well as the distinctive managers and tag-team sets. I don't know the schedule of release throughout the year but I assume that they were not dumped on the market at the same time.The singles' wrestlers consisted Andre The Giant, Bruno Sammartino, Corporal Kirchner, Magnificent Muraco, George The Animal, Jessie The Body Ventura, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Special Delivery Jones, Terry Funk and Tito Santana.
This series saw marked improvements in the sculpture of the figures, resulting in greater likeness with the wrestlers portrayed. The sheer volume of the 1986 series meant any youngster could now amass a considerable roster of talent; complete with managers. Using packaging information, it would seem the first lot of figures releases were the more popular figures. Andre the Giant was re-sculptured, and now modelled short hair and a more realistic physique; although it still did not stand successfully. Tito Santana was caught with a grimace and in purple trunks and I believe was marketed with a belt as the Intercontinental Champion. This figure differed from some packaging material, which saw Chico captured with a squat physique closer to that of Bruno Sammartino and an even more painful face that denoted a man of about 50 years of age. The more svelte Tito was released and rightfully so. George the Animal was released without the coloured chest hair and instead his chunky body contained moulded plastic hair which appeared as bumpy, painful in-grown lumps. The very popular Ricky the Dragon Steamboat was accorded a close likeness with long black tights that differed from the red tights under black trunks pictured on some packaging material. The relatively recent signing of the extremely charismatic Macho-Man Randy Savage was quickly captured in plastic form, and competes with Hillbilly Jim, the 1984 Andre and Paul Orndorff as the ugliest figure. Savage started a trend in posing with his sunglasses but was given a chunky, barrell-like body that only closely resembled his own. Perhaps Titan and LJN were in a hurry to launch this figure on to the market as he had become Intercontinental champion, and as a heel with The Lovely Miss Elizabeth enjoyed huge fan popularity.
Two figures from this series were marketed with obvious and clear variations. The great Jesse the Body Ventura and Corporal Kirchner. Jesse was produced in ring attire rather than the outlandish costumes that he wore ringside. He came with bandana, sunglasses, (following his once-off partner Savage's lead), and psychedelic pink tights. On packaging he is pictured with blonde hair and a brown moustache but without the white flecks on his tights. Production saw a blonde hair Jesse and a rarer brown hair Jesse, this brown matching his moustache. The flecks were present on both figures. Kirchner was produced as three figures; one with moulded stubble, one with a full beard and one with a clean-shaven face. Other than that the figures appear identical. This is the only figure to show differing moods; the sleepy a.m Kirchner before shave, outdoors-man with the beard and nightclub Kirchner shaved and ready to go. Whereas the Hogan figure with play could actually go bald, Kirchner could grow hair right before your eyes; well almost. The stubble version is most common, with the bare-faced and bearded version much rarer.
A further four figures were released of slightly less popular wrestlers. As Bruno Sammartino had rejoined the active roster he was celebrated by a thickset, chunky lifelike figure that sported cauliflower ears and broken nose. The Magnificent Don Muraco was captured with a whimsical half-smile on his dial and a raised eyebrow. His black T-shirt struggles to contain those huge shoulders. It's a pity he wasn't sculptured in his Hawaiian singlet so that those veined shoulders could have been exposed to the promoters at home. However, if you look closely, the T-shirt does have stretch marks over the shoulders; a fair compromise. This is one of the better sculptured early figures. One of the more surprising releases is that of the popular jobber Special Delivery Jones. His first incantation saw his smiling visage bound by an Hawaiian headband, but he was garbed in his unspectacular Red shirt. This is quite a large figure when compared with others but I still wonder how many times he was squashed by plastic King Kong Bundy in bedrooms the world over. S.D. was later released with his updated Hawaiian shirt but I believe this was most likely in 1987; although it is still credited as a 1986 figure. The only real jobber to be celebrated in plastic form gets two distinct accurate portrayals. A true testament to his popularity.
The last of the foursome has to be recognised as one of the greatest figures ever released on to the unsuspecting toy market. The snarling, tobacco spitting, middle-aged and mad Terrible Texan, Terry Funk. Funk was the only of the 11 figures of this series to come with personalised accessories and he had two; his trademark cowboy hat, and the double-cross branding iron. The only thing he was missing was the poncho. Plastic Funk sported a malevolent brooding face, green chaps and a fairly nondescript physique. By the time the figure had had a decent run on the market he and his brother Dory Jnr. had departed the WWF. I'm always surprised by the reported value of this figure as I feel that in years to come this will become one of the most sought after of the LJN series. Funk was one of the most evil of the WWF characters and has continued to build his legend over time. Plastic Funk is the figure of this series.
So including the second Andre (who was now becoming heel Andre) and the second Steele (who was well and truly face George) there were now 25 distinct figures and 26 if you count the Hawaiian S.D., who was still just S.D.

7 managers were released in 1986 which meant a total of 18 singles figures. The first issue saw Captain Lou Albano, Bobby The Brain Heenan, Classy Freddie Blassie and Jimmy Mouth Of The South Hart hit the ring aprons. The second lot consisted The Lovely Miss Elizabeth, The Devious One, Mr Fuji and the legendary Mean Gene Okerlund, who was not a manager but the masterful, witty and charismatic interviewer.
The WWF had recognised that it was the quality of the heel that generated the success at the ticket box. Although Hogan was the larger than life face, he was booked as unbeatable which meant that the federation had to rotate credible and dangerous heels through the number one contender spot. Piper, Orndorff and Bundy were the lead heels over the 1985-1986 period but the perceived threat of other heels to Hogan was minimal over this time. However the WWF had a more potent weapon in it's arsenal to build heat. This was the manger roster.
This parallel was reflected in plastic land with the 1986 series giving the promoters at home a chance to adapt a completionist attitude in relation to the mat wars. One Hogan doll could fight Bundy, Studd, Piper, Ventura, Orndorff, Muraco, Funk, Savage, Shiek, Volkoff and co. This increased the potential for sales of heel wrestlers and compensated for the likelihood that kids would buy only their favourite grapplers, ostensibly the popular faces. By having a rotating heel roster through Saturday Night's Main Event potential sales of the heel figures would increase significantly. With the release of the manager figures it meant that the young promoter, or more precisely the young promoter's family, had to indeed follow the example of Vince McMahon and shell out more bucks for a complete talent roster. Plastic mat wars were incomplete without the interfering managers at ringside.
Bobby Heenan was probably the most significant manager of the time and was released as an adequate figure. He sported an exaggeratedly pointed nose and was captured in black trousers and a blue jumper. A variation exists that does not include the monogram on the shoulders of his jumper. Heenan plays an essential role as plastic manager as his LJN Heenan Family included Studd, Bundy, Hercules, Race, Andre, Haku, the Colossal Connection but not technically Ken Patera. Heenan was the manager of the heavyweight titlist contenders which was of course illustrated with the transfer of Bundy's contract to Jimmy Hart, and as such was integral in suffering severe beltings at the hands of those cheated babyface mid-carders who paved the way as stepping-stones for his family to reach the top of title contenders.
Jimmy Hart was the yapping, interfering, annoying manager of a stable of varied wrestlers concentrating on the Intercontinental and tag-team belts. The charges in his LJN stable include Greg Valentine, Adrian Adonis, Terry Funk, Hart Foundation, and the HonkyTonk Man. LJN captured all the features of the Mouth of the South including Megaphone, musical notes and sunglasses. Unfortunately the figure does not stand well, but given the number of beatings endured by Hart I'm sure his plastic doppelganger would have spent a lot of time on his back. The two Hart variations see a red megaphone and a pink megaphone. However, a detachable microphone would have been more welcome to aid in outside interference for the likes of the Hart Foundation.
Face manager Lou Albano had lead the British Bulldogs to his umpteenth tag-team title in a rather redundant role, but he had taken George the Animal Steele under his wing. This lead to a variety of hilarious sketches with Mean Gene and named Doctors such as Herman Ziff and Rodney Pfupuffnick(?). These included electroshock therapy that induced George to speak; "How now, brown cow". LJN released a very accurate figure of Albano with a thick body and a detailed face complete with rubber band piercings. Thankfully Lou was clad in a t-shirt under his vest so that youngsters were spared the less flattering aspects of his aging physique.
Two very finely crafted figures were that of Fred Blassie, manager of Shiek & Volkoff and Mr Fuji who controlled plastic Muraco, Orton, Ax and Warlord. Both mangers had very finely sculptured faces with Blassie sporting a neat shock of white hair and Fuji a finely coiffured goatee. Both managers carried detachable canes for ease of interference. Mr. Fuji is one of most beautiful figures with a shining tuxedo, bowtie and smooth Bowler hat whilst the soon to retire Blassie is resplendent in bright red and orange polyester, ready to hit the beaches of Miami. These two are generally found in very good condition which helps the collector of loose figures.
The only female figure released by LJN was that of Elizabeth, manager and wife of Randy Savage. This is the lightest figure made by LJN, (obviously) and does not cast a very good likeness. Skinny legs, too much hair and a revealing body suit are some of the features. Elizabeth came in two variations; a gold skirt and a purple skirt. On Superstars of Wrestling the WWF had a marvellous angle surrounding the signing of Savage, where he went through the heel manager roster, thanking them for imparting various devious tips. However he surprised the assembled throng of heel managers by choosing Elizabeth over the established and credentialed managers and thus instantly planted himself as the federation's number 2 wrestler.
Mean Gene Okerland was the WWF in 1986. One of the main reasons that parents watched along with their kids was due to the comedy stylings of this moustachioed interviewer. It was only logical that Titan sports would commission LJN to produce a Mean Gene doll. He traded his best witticisms with the managers Albano, Fuji, Hart, Blassie and especially "Weasal" Heenan; whilst Muraco, Steele, Shiek & Volkoff, Moolah and Race were his better wrestler interviewees. Mean Gene was hilarious on All American Wrestling, where in between a terrible parade of squash matches he would make prank phone calls and carry out ridiculous sketches with Lord Alfred Hayes and Albano. The Mean Gene doll would probably rank as the most often discounted of all LJN figures; maybe kids didn't take to him or perhaps he was just overproduced. However it was quite a faithful figure in its representation and has Gene looking a picture of style in black tux complete with WWF microphone.
These characters were instrumental in the success of the WWF between 1985-1987 as they delivered the best interviews and suffered beating after beating. Some were more charismatic than others; compare Heenan and Hart to Fuji and Johnny V., however as toys go they leave an impressive legacy.

A strength of the WWF at this time was that of it's extensive tag-team roster. The federation was overloaded with top class teams and the battles for the tag belts shared main event status. One way to drain the pockets of consumers was to issue tag-team packs. These also had the added bonus of securing significant shelf space thereby ensuring that the WWF logo was prominent in retail outlets. In 1986 four tag-team sets were released. The relative scarcity of these sets is due to their smaller production runs and hefty price tags. Therefore they are much sought after collectors items these days.
LJN sets of Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Shiek, Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake, the manufactured tag-team of Hulk Hogan and Hillbilly Jim and the only distinct figures to be issued in tag-team set, The British Bulldogs, were made in 1986.
"Cameraman zoom in..., look at my body..." the Iron Shiek would spit as he poked his distended abdominals into lounge rooms around the world. Ayatollah Blassie would banter with Mean Gene and Volkoff would stand looking menacing. WWF tag-team champions Shiek and Volkoff were produced together with no noticeable change from their singles figures. However by the time their tag-team set was in stores they were no longer contenders to the belts, and their arch foes, The U.S. Express of Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo had split up.
The key heel team of the time was the pairing of the veteran ring-master Greg Valentine with the charismatic rookie, Brutus Beefcake. The Dream-Team under Johnny V. had captured the belts from Windham and Rotundo due to cigar related interference from Johnny V.. LJN captured the Dream-Team in a tag-team, and once again these figures recorded no differences from their 1985 release of singles figures.
The face pairing of Hogan and Hillbilly Jim may be seen as a cynical attempt to milk extra dollars from the consumer. These two were not an established tag-team, although they did share a bond; Hogan having given the Hillbilly his shiny black wrestling boots after the Kentuckian had made a ringside save for Hogan. Perhaps Hogan & JYD may have been a more astute pairing given that the Dog was number 2 face at the time. Regardless they helped balance the roster and this contributes to the abundance of loose Hogan & Hillbilly figures still available now.
The British Bulldogs of Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid are the only LJN figures that were never released in singles form. The Bulldogs, or at least The Dynamite Kid had come from the light-heavyweight division of which Les Thornton was the champion and both had built extensive experience in Japan and Canada. The pairing of the two Britishers hit an instant accord with fans. Quick, skilful moves and dangerous high-flying manoeuvres saw the Bulldogs climb to the top of the rankings. LJN reproduced the Bulldogs in an earlier version of their ring attire rather than the more recognisable Union Jack tights that fans are more familiar with. Dynamite is the better crafted of the two figures although both suffer from fairly poor facial likenesses. This is strange given the improvement of LJN figures during 1986. The Bulldogs were marketed with the tag-team belts and these stocky figures look quite good when paired together. Given that the Bulldogs were successful at Wrestlemania 2 the timing of these figures was perfect. LJN had captured the essence of tag-team wrestling in the Bulldogs, although production numbers of all tag-team sets was limited compared to that of the singles wrestlers.
This makes 1986 the key year in production of WWF figures. The success of 1984 & 1985 was the catalyst of the significantly expanded roster for 1986. LJN also dabbled with bendy wrestlers, a total set of 19, and the 12 thumb wrestlers. However distribution of the 1986 figures was less extensive which led to a subsequent decline in production runs in 1987.
At the end of 1986 the junior promoter now could amass a roster of 26 distinct wrestlers; 2 significant "real" variations in Steele & Andre; and 2 more moody Kirchners. 6 managers were available as well as an interviewee. A true completionist could have another 6 figures as tag-teams, given that the Bulldogs were never released as singles figures.

The roster consisted only 6 active singles' heels; Andre who had turned, Bundy, Orndorff who had turned and turned back, Piper, Muraco & Savage- the Intercontinental Champion. Studd and Funk were gone, Valentine, Beefcake, Shiek and Vokoff were established tag-team wrestlers and Jesse was restricted to colour; Barry O notwithstanding.
The face roster was no more substantial. Hogan as Heavyweight champ, JYD, Hillbilly, Steele, Steamboat, S.D., Kirchner who was going, and the Bulldogs who were tag-team competitors. Bruno had retired again to commentating and Snuka had gone.
That makes only 12 active singles wrestlers (excluding Kirchner) and 8 active tag-team wrestlers. The managers swelled the numbers but it was time for new blood; and LJN delivered. 1987 saw the production of the most varied and colourful series produced, with 17 distinct figures.

The WWF had amassed a considerable roster of talent in 1986 and continued the buying spree into 1987. This meant that new additions to the WWF stable would instantly become mid-carders or main event wrestlers. Therefore it was only natural that LJN would release figures of these new acquisitions as they were immediately recognised by the fans. The WWF had now instituted the four-week lead-in promo of new wrestlers through Superstars of Wrestling e.g. Outback Jack and The HonkyTonk Man and even had up to eight-week promos for the big guns i.e. Ted DiBiase and Mr. Perfect. Wrestling hit it's peak in this year with over 90,000 attending Wrestlemania 3. LJN came to the party with new characters that reflected the changing face of the WWF but LJN 1987 was the beginning of the end.
Hercules Hernandez was a second string member of the Heenan Family and was one of the early 1987 releases. We was garbed in his centurion outfit before he had morphed into the Mighty Hercules. His figure is quite faithful to the old gimmick, however Hercules had ditched the S & M gear, gone for a haircut and beard trim, acquired a chain and shrunk his trunks before his figure really hit the stands. Strike 1.
He was huge and had once claimed the world bench-press record of 705 pounds. Size-o-mania ruled in the WWF so it was only natural that the powerlifter Ted Arcidi came on board; in early 1986. He was gone by the end of 1986. However the Ted Arcidi figure was a part of the 1987 release schedule. This is a very well crafted figure, and like it's model is huge. The sculpt is faithful to his powerlifting physique except that it didn't capture the acne on his back. It did garb Arcidi in a lifting suit but unfortunately didn't come with elasticised shoulder straps to slide down the way Arcidi did after a few minutes in the ring. It must be remembered that there is considerable time lag between pre-production and release so LJN went ahead with plastic Arcidi anyway. Strike 2.
Throw another shrimp on the barbie; not Dave that is! Australian comedian and actor Paul Hogan had been commissioned by the Australian Tourism Commission to do a series of very successful ads to promote Australia as a tourist destination for plaid trousered Americans. He then had the worldwide hit movie Crocodile Dundee. Australia was flavour of the month. What the WWF needed was an Australian character. Apparently Australian Rules Footballer and part-time actor Mark "Jacko" Jackson; "Oi", had a tryout. In Australia, local wrestling was dead so they got some old guy, I don't know who, and brought him in as Outback Jack, 300 pounds and from Humpty Doo, Northern Territory. His sketches trying to work out self-opening doors were hilarious. LJN's Outback Jack was a well made figure complete with slouch hat and drafty smile. But unfortunately Jack never made it above preliminary status and his best moment was when Ted DiBiase stuffed a hundred dollar note in his mouth after applying the million dollar dream. But LJN Outback was released and survives to this day. And somewhere in Australia, as his kids watch The Heartbreak Kid he can pull out a very lifelike 8 inches of plastic and show those disbelieving youngsters that he used to be one of the circus. Strike 3.
The lack of charisma in the 1987 roster continued. Cowboy Bob Orton, King "Handsome" Harley Race, Billy Jack Haynes, Kamala, Johnny V. and even a company president; or is that a company president's husband? Balance this with the quality of the figures; the 1987 series are the best and most colourful of the lot.
Cowboy Bob "Ace" Orton had a prominent role in 1985 as Piper's bodyguard and he featured in the main event of Wrestlemania. However by 1987 he was now pairing with Don Muraco under the eye of Mr. Fuji and on a downward slide. Like Greg Valentine, his skills and style were not fully appreciated in the size dominated WWF of the time. LJN Orton was released with his trademark vest, but was portrayed with a rather inaccurate face and he was missing his real trademark, his arm cast. He did score a cowboy hat though.
Vince McMahon thought he had scored a major coup in 1986 by signing 6-time NWA champion, Handsome Harley Race. However Race had reached the end of his career and like Orton, his physique and ring style did not fit the WWF. That did not stop him from giving some marvellous interviews with Mean Gene and Moolah. Race was made into King Harley Race to lift his profile and the JYD was used to help push Race in the fans' eyes. The Race figure was one of LJN's best. The King was garbed in lustrous regal purple with white trimming. He sported a fine crown, (more headgear); and his face was captured accurately along with trademark sideburns. The Race figure has increased substantially in value recently. Perhaps people have recognised his significance in terms of wrestling history or maybe it's just for the crown? However I doubt that at the time kids would have sought out Race as eagerly as they are now doing as adults.
Billy Jack Haynes was a bodybuilder from Oregon who joined the WWF roster around May '86 and was given a mid-level face push. Unfortunately Billy Jack suffered from a lack of charisma and just about anything else resembling talent and ended up feuding with Hercules in the "battle of the full nelsons" before teaming with Ken Patera. LJN produced a very lifelike and accurate figure of Billy Jack with golden trunks that had Oregon emblazened across the back. Haynes also came with a hat, I believe this is a trilby, making the fourth for the series. Perhaps this was at the time when Jesse was making most comments about McMahon's "rug" and may have prompted the
over-compensation in hats. Regardless, Billy Jack remains to this day one of the finest LJN figures.
The most revealing or rather, risque, figure that was released was that of The Ugandan Headhunter, Kamala. Kamala debuted in September 1986 and was gone less than a year later. McMahon had just started his method of rotating monster heels through the number 1 contender spot and subsequently, Kamala had a run against Hogan. The Kamala figure, along with Bundy, is one of the largest produced and the Ugandan Giant is captured with intimidating face and body paint. However his loin cloith leaves very little to the imagination. Kamala the Ugandan Eunech is revealed in all, or more accurately, none of his glory as the artisans at LJN did not bother to conceal his crotch. Thankfully Kamala the wrestler was not as unabashed as his plastic counterpart.
One of the biggest crowd pops at the time was that of the fans' reaction to preliminary high flyer, "The Birdman", Koko B Ware. Quite short by WWF standards he played the role as successful prelim wrestler but unsuccessful mid-carder. He was, however, given the lead vocal spot on the second wrestling album, "Piledriver" and was always accompanied by his faithful companion, Frankie the Macaw. Koko was colourful but 1987 was before he himself actually started to resemble his pet. The LJN figure was quite well made although he wore an exaggerated and overly-toothed, goofy, Jerry Lewis type smile. Koko is captured in a flying pose and comes complete with detachable faithful Frankie on his arm. Unfortunately, for the loose figure collector, many a detachable Frankie has flown the coop and headed back to the Amazon. Like Race, Koko has experienced a recent rise in value, which must be in part credited to the presence of Frankie. Luckily for LJN and Titan Koko did display longevity even despite his win-loss record starting to resemble that of S.D. Jones', his fellow prelim wrestler.
A watershed figure release was that of "The Adorable One" Adrian Adonis. Long before Goldust existed there was Adrian Adonis. Adonis, managed by Jimmy Hart had a rugged street-tough image but was not respected by fans due to his smallish stature and rotund physique. Adonis was pushed using Uncle Elmer as a stepping stone and went through a metamorphisis into "The Adorable One" as part of the Roddy Piper face turn and retirement, and the Brutus Beefcake face turn. Adonis hosted his "Flower Shop" replacing Piper's Pit and showed very good microphone skills. His persona grew into a cross between Georgeous George and Exotic Adrian Sweet as the happily married Adonis adopted a gay persona. LJN produced a very accurate figure of Adonis, resplendent in pink tights and boots and, bleached golden-blonde hair. Adonis was given eye makeup, a severe pout and posed with a "kink" in his body. This causes severe problems in plastic Adonis as he has difficulty standing by himself. Adonis carried this difficult persona very well and this is reflected by his plastic self being given a whimsical throwaway wave of his right hand. Unfortunately the curse of the 1987 LJN series continued as Adonis left the federation in April soon after Wrestlemania 3. There have been reports of variations in Adonis' eye makeup on his figure but I have not been able to confirm any of these.
The most charismatic release was that of Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Jake had been turned face and pushed into Intercontintental title contention as the federation capitalised on his huge popularity with the fans. Heel jobbers started to quake with fear as they now had to suffer the slithering of the massive Damien after a savage D.D.T.. LJN released Jake "The Snake" Roberts with Damien draped across his shoulders and the figure accurately portrayed the maverick wrestler's face and physique. Jake came in two variations: One had Jake garbed in plain green tights and the variation included purple snakes winding down his tights. Jake's release with Damien saw the number of personalised accessories climb to six as the WWF had started to push the character of the wrestler, more-so than the wrestler itself. Jake demonstrated longevity on the roster which meant that after the inappropriateness of many of the 1987 releases, in hindsight that is, LJN produced one of it's more successful figures.

To be continued

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