CHAT WITH JAKKS PACIFIC: TRANSCRIPT!
  • 10/11/2005 (10:23:29 pm)
  • WrestlingFigs.com

Transcript of WF Chat with Jakks Pacific WWE Creative team

JeremyPadawer> Hello Jakks WWE action figure community!!  I've invited Peter Skourtis, lead design, as well as Eddie Hayden, Director of Marketing who came over to Jakks after working on DC Comics action figures.  I'm Jeremy Padawer, VP of Marketing at Jakks.

JeremyPadawer> We're so happy to have the opportunity to address questions today.  I know that it's been too long between our chat sessions.

rko61913: When will we get more divas figures

JeremyPadawer> Lita will be in 3-pack series #3 of Trech Trios with Matt Hardy and Edge.  Unfortunately, unless we tend to underpack individual female superstars, the sell through at retail has been lacking.  On a positive note, we definitely will do at least 1 Classic Superstar female next year.  Hopefully 2.

 

 

TheAssassin: -Are you ever going to stop the seemingly ever-increasing head size on RA? It's getting terrible.  (eg RA1 Cena < CS5 Brutus Beefcake < WCW/ECW Rhyno, Flair & Jericho)

JeremyPadawer> I'm sitting here with Peter, who says "increasing head size?"  You might be looking at the pictures of the sculpts that are done 6% up.  They shrink when they are in production.

 

TWFGraze: How come jakks has been slow sending figures to Canada? Why Did we have to miss PPV7, RA12, RA13, AD10 and AD11?

JeremyPadawer> We've had issues with Canadian distribution.  I've really had an opportunity to delve into this.  It's as simple as the retailer not being informed as to the wave roll out schedule.  They would purchase way too much of one wave and get stuck.  The goal is to educate at Toy Fair and make sure that we don't fall into this trap again.  As you know, if you order 5000 pcs (for instance) and you are selling through 1000 pcs per month, then you miss waves.  It's that simple.

 

Classic: What are the chances of a Classic buddy roger  fig?

JeremyPadawer> Buddy Rogers deserves to be recognized as a Classic Superstar.  I have not conducted any level of negotiations with Mr. Rogers as of this date.

 

TexasDude: Okay first question Is there a plan of a Ken Kennedy figure?

JeremyPadawer> Absolutely - the scan will be done at the end of the month and we're hoping to get him in an assortment as early as mid-06 ship... even RA #19 (don't hold me to it as that's earlier).

 

My_Chemical_Romance: Is there going to be a RA carlito with Ring gear?

JeremyPadawer> Yes. As a matter of fact here is a breaking story on deluxe figures....

 

JeremyPadawer> As you know, deluxe figures series #1 will ship 12/15.  These figures have additional feature accessory items that are playable and authentic (for the most part).  You know who is in series #1.  I will now tell you who is series #2.

JeremyPadawer> Carlito, Eddie G, Undertaker, RVD, Carlito, Booker T.

JeremyPadawer> Each will come with an accessory piece that compliements the figure and allows for additional feature play.

Pfr_Chaos: Will there ever be a Owen Hart figure?

JeremyPadawer> We have yet to be able to come to terms with Owen Hart.  I'd personally be beyond thrilled.  It's the same issue with Mr. Perfect.  At the end of the day, even though these are celebrities and superstars, they are still human beings... with tragic endings.

 

WF_LFTM: Hey Guys, I have a question about a rumored set. Can you give us the scoop on the rumors of an upcoming bWo 3 pack? Is it going to come out, or has it been scrapped?

JeremyPadawer> BWO has been scrapped - unless they come back in programming.  ECW! ECW!  On a positive note, we will be shipping a new ECW PPV on 10/15... in store shortly after.

 

tymonroe: will we ever see a mnm 3 pack

JeremyPadawer> Yes.  In TT.  Also, we're doing an online exclusive Melina which will come out early next year.

 

cena4533: is there any plans for a refreree figure comeing soon

JeremyPadawer> Absolutely.  At the end of the day, it's up to WWE's approval.  Will you post a poll online that has all the refs.  We'll try to push through the #1 ref.  The Hebners would be a tough sell as they don't work for the company.

 

Pfr_Chaos: Will you fix the TTL arms in RA 13?

JeremyPadawer> I think you mean Adrenaline 13... right?  Ok.  You want the story here.  I know.  Here it is.

 

JeremyPadawer> Unfortunately in the world of manufacturing you often have to make hard choices... in this case, we did not have the tooling capacity with the RA arms to satisfy an influx of orders across so many line extensions.  Ultimately, we didn't have the capacity.  So, I made the decision to do a running change.  Meaning, we would start the AD 13 figure in question with the TTL arms and switch over to the RA arms.  We gave this direction to the factory, and by the time I knew that it hadn't been implemented we were already on to the next wave.

JeremyPadawer> As you know, we are on a every month basis for new figures in the basic assortment and every other month on 2 packs.  I should have caught this problem.  I didn't.

JeremyPadawer> I take full accountability for this and apologize.  In the future if we have capacity issues, we will implement running changes.  There is one more figure that will have tron body parts.  Taz in PPV #9 will have a TTL body.  This decision was made because we got Taz agreed upon by WWE too late in the game to create a RA body tool.

JeremyPadawer> Maybe we can do a Tazz with RA as an online exclusive?  I know that Jonathan has a selection to make.

dxman2005: Hi i was wondering if you could tell me we got anything on weather you wil be doing The Macho Man Randy Savage/ Razor Ramon/ Xpac /

JeremyPadawer> Randy Savage is very unlikely in the next few waves.  I wish I could go into details.  As a fan, Randy is one of the most desirable action figures to make for the Classic Superstars line.  On a positive note, we continue to push for Macho Man.  I can't go into details beyond this.  HOWEVER  I DO HAVE A MAJOR ANNOUCEMENT THAT I WILL NOW PROVIDE!!! BRACE YOURSELF.

 

JeremyPadawer> 1,2,3 Kid is signed... therefore X-Pac is signed.

JeremyPadawer> For once, I didn't make you wait.

NEWBIE1: Is there any talk of bringing back LJN style figs, even for a just a special one time release?

JeremyPadawer> I championed LJN figures for 2005. I ultimately made the decision to do the Deluxe Aggression figures (PS - this is the name of the Deluxe assortment and it is breaking news) rather than LJN.  I see LJN as being more of a novelty and Deluxe Aggression as being a long-term opportunity.

 

Litalover1017: Is there any plans for a Mcmahon four pack?

JeremyPadawer> Not at this time.

 

CS_Maniac: When is demolition going to made? And Nasty Boys

JeremyPadawer> We are deep in negotiations with the Nasty Boys.

 

oopacman: will the hell in a cell have it's own ring

JeremyPadawer> BREAKING NEWS... ready?

 

JeremyPadawer> There will be a Hell in the Cell ring released in May 2006.  The ring has a super deluxe, fully authentic cage with collapsing trap door (a la Mankind) and catapult to shoot off the side.  The cage can open so that you can play with one side or two sides off and still have the top of the cage on.  This will be a cool set.  The ring will be 20% approximately larger than SA ring with more detail and much space between ring and cage so that you can play outside the ring.  We're also working to try to get mats on the outside of the floor.

JeremyPadawer> Other features that we are TRYING to cost in - concrete under the mat, trap door, catapult, opening doors, climbing c-clips.  It's going to rock.

Midnight: Will you give the real scale ring a revamp, such as all metal pieces for the problamatic posts and supports? As well as one solid piece as a base instead of 2

JeremyPadawer> Answering this now.

 

JeremyPadawer> We are redeveloping the Real Scale Ring.  The posts will be far stronger.  It will be themed like the cage match from WrestleMania 2 Hogan Vs. Bundy.  This is breaking news.

NEWBIE1: How long can we expect the Classic Line to continue?

JeremyPadawer> At this point, it looks like Classic Superstars will definitely continue through 2007.  I'd like to think that it can go beyond this.  If we can get to Classic Superstars #25, I believe we will have released everyone.  After all, this is what all of us life long wrestling fans want.

 

JeremyPadawer> Yes.  Deluxe Aggression are a line exension of WWE just like Ruthless Aggression.  Here's the way it rolls out.  New RA/PPV/RR figures every month; New Deluxe Aggression every 3 months; New Adrenaline 2 packs every 2 months;  New Classics every 3 months.

crazywwe92: My question is, are we going to see any of the following figs anytime soon? If so will they be exculsives, aderaline, ruthless aggression. Mabel, Lillian Garcia, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler ( in raw ring announcer attrie ), Mr. Kennedy, Mexicools, and last but not least the McMahon Family Box set. Thanks!

JeremyPadawer> Mexicools -yes, McMahon - still trying, Mabel - yes, Kennedy - yes, Jim Ross - i'd love to.

 

rko61913: When will we see the mexicools

JeremyPadawer> Adrenaline #17.  Psychosis and Super Crazy.  Sorry for the spelling if I missed it.

 

t2thej: Any Chance of other classic belts like the nwa or ecw titles?

JeremyPadawer> BREAKING NEWS!!

 

JeremyPadawer> We're attempting to release a TON of new belts next year.  Everything currently being used on the show along with many new Classic belts INCLUDING ECW, WCW, NWO and some older WWE Championship belts.  2006 will be the year of the belt IF we can get approvals.

NEWBIE1: What can fans of the Classic Superstars line have to look forward to as far as nostalgia items?

JeremyPadawer> This is breaking news as well....

 

JeremyPadawer> next year we will be including special release WrestleMania tickets in every pack of Classic Superstars figures.  These tickets are SuperBowl'esque in nature and have the most important image from the show on the ticket itself.  These are commemorative tickets in nature.  Think Superbowl.  Each wave of Classics will have 6 tickets.  This starts in CS #9 which ships 1/2006... with WM 1-6... CS #10 will have WM 7-12... etc.

 

NEWBIE1: Is there any talk of bringing back LJN style figs, even for a just a special one time release?

JeremyPadawer> I championed LJN figures for 2005. I ultimately made the decision to do the Deluxe Aggression figures (PS - this is the name of the Deluxe assortment and it is breaking news) rather than LJN.  I see LJN as being more of a novelty and Deluxe Aggression as being a long-term opportunity.

 

Litalover1017: Is there any plans for a Mcmahon four pack?

JeremyPadawer> Not at this time.

 

CS_Maniac: When is demolition going to made? And Nasty Boys

JeremyPadawer> We are deep in negotiations with the Nasty Boys.

 

oopacman: will the hell in a cell have it's own ring

JeremyPadawer> BREAKING NEWS... ready?

 

JeremyPadawer> There will be a Hell in the Cell ring released in May 2006.  The ring has a super deluxe, fully authentic cage with collapsing trap door (a la Mankind) and catapult to shoot off the side.  The cage can open so that you can play with one side or two sides off and still have the top of the cage on.  This will be a cool set.  The ring will be 20% approximately larger than SA ring with more detail and much space between ring and cage so that you can play outside the ring.  We're also working to try to get mats on the outside of the floor.

JeremyPadawer> Other features that we are TRYING to cost in - concrete under the mat, trap door, catapult, opening doors, climbing c-clips.  It's going to rock.

Midnight: Will you give the real scale ring a revamp, such as all metal pieces for the problamatic posts and supports? As well as one solid piece as a base instead of 2

JeremyPadawer> Answering this now.

 

JeremyPadawer> We are redeveloping the Real Scale Ring.  The posts will be far stronger.  It will be themed like the cage match from WrestleMania 2 Hogan Vs. Bundy.  This is breaking news.

NEWBIE1: How long can we expect the Classic Line to continue?

JeremyPadawer> At this point, it looks like Classic Superstars will definitely continue through 2007.  I'd like to think that it can go beyond this.  If we can get to Classic Superstars #25, I believe we will have released everyone.  After all, this is what all of us life long wrestling fans want.

 

JeremyPadawer> Yes.  Deluxe Aggression are a line exension of WWE just like Ruthless Aggression.  Here's the way it rolls out.  New RA/PPV/RR figures every month; New Deluxe Aggression every 3 months; New Adrenaline 2 packs every 2 months;  New Classics every 3 months.

crazywwe92: My question is, are we going to see any of the following figs anytime soon? If so will they be exculsives, aderaline, ruthless aggression. Mabel, Lillian Garcia, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler ( in raw ring announcer attrie ), Mr. Kennedy, Mexicools, and last but not least the McMahon Family Box set. Thanks!

JeremyPadawer> Mexicools -yes, McMahon - still trying, Mabel - yes, Kennedy - yes, Jim Ross - i'd love to.

 

rko61913: When will we see the mexicools

JeremyPadawer> Adrenaline #17.  Psychosis and Super Crazy.  Sorry for the spelling if I missed it.

 

t2thej: Any Chance of other classic belts like the nwa or ecw titles?

JeremyPadawer> BREAKING NEWS!!

 

JeremyPadawer> We're attempting to release a TON of new belts next year.  Everything currently being used on the show along with many new Classic belts INCLUDING ECW, WCW, NWO and some older WWE Championship belts.  2006 will be the year of the belt IF we can get approvals.

NEWBIE1: What can fans of the Classic Superstars line have to look forward to as far as nostalgia items?

JeremyPadawer> This is breaking news as well....

 

JeremyPadawer> next year we will be including special release WrestleMania tickets in every pack of Classic Superstars figures.  These tickets are SuperBowl'esque in nature and have the most important image from the show on the ticket itself.  These are commemorative tickets in nature.  Think Superbowl.  Each wave of Classics will have 6 tickets.  This starts in CS #9 which ships 1/2006... with WM 1-6... CS #10 will have WM 7-12... etc.

jedimastakane: hello. i was wondering-are there any plans to make sets that showcase the evolution of a character, for example, the CS undertaker set?

JeremyPadawer> Peter is sitting here and has noticed the number of questions that are coming up about character evolution.  We will definitely do this a few times next year.

 

My_Chemical_Romance: will rocky that was supposed to be released in CS6 be ever relesed?

JeremyPadawer> Yes.  CS10.  BREAKING NEWS!

 

dxman2005: Thank you for the Bam  Bam figure i wanted this since you started RA Classics

JeremyPadawer> you are welcome.

 

The_Deadman: Are there any plans on releasing a new Undertaker Headscan in the near future?

JeremyPadawer> absolutely.  there is a classic coming out in an upcoming CS 2 packs.  In addition there will be another where he's sticking his tongue out coming soon - literally in the next few months shipping.

 

The_Lone_Wolf: I'd love to see an announcers series, Jerry Lawler, The Coach, Michael Cole, Tazz...maybe even classics like a rerelease of Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan...has Jakks ever considered this?

JeremyPadawer> Noted.  Great idea.  We'll put Monsoon and Heenan in an upcoming 2 pack.  Also, oach, Lawlor, Tazz will happen.

 

JB38: What ha been the most requested figure that hasnt been produced

JeremyPadawer> Savage.  Perfect.  Owen.

 

WF_LFTM: Will we ever see a  Mean Gene figure in the Classic line?

JeremyPadawer> We get Classic Superstars in 2 different ways - either WWE signs to their Legend program or we sign ourselves.  We have yet to sign Mean Gene and Mean Gene is not yet in the Legends program.  This applies to all CS figures.  So, if it's not out, it's not because we don't want to make the figure.

 

reyrey: will the c.s.9 ric flair have a rinstone robe as i already saw the proto pics but no robe?

JeremyPadawer> The robe is an old skool robe from when Flair beat Harley Race for the championship for the 3rd time.... NWA days from the Ric Flair DVD.  WE could put a rhinestone on this.  Do you want one?

 

cena4533: can we get more tables in the future, or maybe a tables pack with tons of weapons

JeremyPadawer> See the Deluxe Aggression series.  You'll love this.

 

rko61913: will guys like the heart throbs, vito and cade and murdoc ever get figs

JeremyPadawer> Heart Throbs, Cade, Murdoc will all be scanned.  Vito scanned as well.

 

hbk007: so when are we going to see One Night Stand pics?

JeremyPadawer> very soon.  hopefully next few weeks.

 

Rob_Fury: Jeremy and the Jakks team thanks for doing this btw. We appreciate it.

JeremyPadawer> no prob.  did you vote me as a Face?  just kidding.

 

chaingang: Will there be an NWO version of the upcoming Kevin Nash CS figure?

JeremyPadawer> The first one that we do will be old skool and the 2nd will be NWO.  What do you think?  We have time to make this decision.  Which do you want first?

 

reyreyrey619: What attire will the real fllocked chest hair Shawn micheals be in?

JeremyPadawer> The flocked chest hair for Michaels will be in RR #17.5... not the CS series... The flocked chest hair is similar to George Steel but the color matches SM hair.

 

makk7291: Could we expect to see a Juvi figure in the near future...since he is Cruzerweight champion

JeremyPadawer> Yes - in RA #19 if we can.

 

rko225: When will we get titles with the colors on it?

JeremyPadawer> Yes.  the first time we will do this is CS 3-pack #4 Hart Foundation.

 

themasterbrendino: will we get a new randy orton figure  (like in a nomercy ppv set?)

JeremyPadawer> new head in RA19.

 

Mark: Will we ever get a Three Pack of the original Degeneration X?

JeremyPadawer> Yes.  HHH, Sean, 1-2-3 Kid = yes.  Chyna = less likely.

 

The_WCD: Any idea what the MSRP for the Deluxe line will be?

JeremyPadawer> $9.99 approximately.

 

wantallfigures: Jeremy, do you consider Toybiz/TNA compettition ?

JeremyPadawer> Yes and no.  I believe that there is a finite number of $'s that are available to spend on action figures.  With that said, I think that if TNA catches on it will expand the # of $'s and the number of people who are collecting wrestling figures in general.  So, yes, they are competition, but no, they won't negatively impact our business.  I wish them nothing but success.  If they copy our business model, they will succeed.  :-)

 

Scotland_A__: Are there any special plans for Ruthless Agression series 20?

JeremyPadawer> We will do something special for this release.

 

Chris: Hello Jeremy,Thanks for doing this for us...My question is Why so many repaints like the Rey Mysterios there has been over 20 of them Why???Why not come out with the newer guys quicker...Like Mr.Kennedy

JeremyPadawer> Rey Mysterio is incredibly popular with kids and with so many of you in the collector community.  Despite the # of Mysterios, we can't keep them on the shelf.  The costumes are ALWAYS changing and therefore at least there is the ability to release a new deco item.

 

newbie1: What nostalgia items can older fans look forward to in upcoming Classic accessories

JeremyPadawer> The accessories will all relate to the character... so for example Kamala in CS #9 will include the removable mask.

 

kshamrock20: will we see anymore ultimate warrioir cs figs, there is a high demand on this board for a warrior 3 pack?

JeremyPadawer> After the Classic Superstars 14'' figure and the Classic Superstars #7 Warrior, there are no additional scheduled Warrior figures.  It doesn't mean that we couldn't revisit this at another time.  We are no longer under contract with Warrior in 2006.

 

Dave_Segan: Will you put out enough Delux figures quick enough to get the whole current WWE roster released?

JeremyPadawer> Yes.  Over time.  We are doing 6 per wave and 1 wave per 3 months - so that's 24 per year... over the course of a few years you'll have one heck of a collection.

 

reyreyrey619: What are the chances on a Classic Disco Inferno please answer!!!!!!!!!!!

JeremyPadawer> at this time, low.  the demand high?

 

hbk007: Are we getting a Razor Ramon figure anytime soon?

JeremyPadawer> Hopefully.   There is no contract with Razor righ tnow.

 

The_Orignal_Animal: Will Batista ever get released in his new attire with the boot thingys in RA form?

JeremyPadawer> yes.  peter is smiling.  :-)

 

GShton: Will there ever be a gobbeldy Gooker figure?

JeremyPadawer> It's not likely.  However, the Gooker has played a bizarre role in the WWE.

 

lodhawkanimal: will the freebirds be a 3 pk with michael hayes, terry gordy, and buddy roberts ?

JeremyPadawer> Yes!  CS 3-Pack #5.

 

CMD: Has there been any negotiations on getting the rights for Jesse "The Body" Ventura?

JeremyPadawer> We failed in negotiations with Jesse, but we'll reapproach him.

 

ecwrulz: Is there going to be more tittles for figures like cruiserweight and U.S and Cena's spinner tittle?

JeremyPadawer> I answered this before.  We're greatly expanding the belts in 2006.

 

andrewghbk99: Are going to be making anymore HBK figures of him,. there are alot of attires you could use like WWF iyh feb 1996

JeremyPadawer> We're doing several HBK - current black pants/red cross; black pants w/ white deco, etc.

 

cakes1515: Do you know if Jakks are going to stop making RA figures?

JeremyPadawer> No way.

 

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