- 06/17/2011 (4:38:53 pm)
- WrestlingFigs.com
The Mattel WWE Design Team, back again!…
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by pj2 on Jun 14, 2011, 8:11am
2. The new PPV9 Summer Slam 2004 Orton scan is fantastic will you be surprising us with more younger scans in the PPV heritage lines in the future?
Thanks
Yes, Look for more of these in upcoming Heritage figure waves
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by dezzydhakidd on Jun 14, 2011, 8:11am
Are you guys planning to do an fcw line so we can have there figures before the come to wwe.
No. We do not have rights to Superstars until they are on the main WWE roster.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by gnaddi97 on Jun 14, 2011, 8:16am
Can we get a Elimination Chamber, a Steel Cage or Hell in a Cell for the Elite Scale Ring that we can expand our Elite Scale Ring? And you said we dont get a stage because its too expensive. Why you dont make differnt sets, and when you have all sets that you can build a titantron? Also will there be a Backstage playset?
Right now all our specialty match play sets will be built around the standard 12” ring.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by mrfavian23 on Jun 14, 2011, 8:22am
Is there any possible way you can incorporate or produce an Umaga figure..into any line and if so which one?
Not at the present time.
Also about how off are any Booker T or Kevin Nash/ Diesel figures?
One is closer than the other. That is all I can say right now.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by jpdeadly on Jun 14, 2011, 8:24am
The belts for the figures have been amazing thus far! However, the United States Championship is pretty big--bigger than it should be... Is there a chance that we will see a scaled down version of this Title? Or is there a reason it is so big?
We are working on re sizing this belt actually.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by marino13 on Jun 14, 2011, 8:28am
When new stars like Kharma & Sin Cara come in with months of hype, do you start the process of making their figure once their signed or do you wait till they make their TV debut before you begin?
Once they are on TV and we get the reference photography from WWE we begin.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by kaneisdaman on Jun 14, 2011, 8:30am
1. Will we be seeing a Paul Bearer figure anytime soon and if so will it be his most recent 2010 run? I recall hearing from Mattel that he was named as a priority in some answer given last year but there has been nothing since.
Due to his absence from TV the priority on Paul Bearer has shifted. We do eventually want to include him in the line however.
5. What is the possibility of a line of larger figures (e.g. 12")
At this time not likely, but plans can change
6. Have you guys considered a 'Past & Present' pack for Superstars (not necessarily 6 figures like the Rey set but something smaller like 2)
We have considered it. It’s on our “Maybe” list
7. Legend Rumblers have been dismissed but what are the chances of throwback rumblers (old versions of current superstars)? i.e. e.g. masked kane, vintage undertaker, etc
Not likely right now. Rumblers is focused mostly at the younger audience who may not even recognize earlier versions of their favorite Superstars
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by twiztidn9ne on Jun 14, 2011, 8:40am
Time and time again you claimed you wanted to have the most extensive WWE action figure line ever. You also said countless times you planned on covering the entire roster. Now in your recent Q&A it was said only people who get a lot of TV time will get figures. Why the sudden change? What sense does it make to cover almost the entire roster and than decide to leave out a few people?
It is not a sudden change as we do eventually want to release a figure of everyone. However we do have to make tough choices and balance lineups to please a wide variety of consumers, including kids, casual fans and the hard core collectors.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by marino13 on Jun 14, 2011, 8:55am
Are any more of the kid sized belt/ DVD packs with two basic figures planned? If so, I'll kill anyone you want if you'd make a classic Intercontinental belt with a basic Steamboat vs Savage set. Just throwing that out there.
Not right now.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by wyleecyotee on Jun 14, 2011, 8:59am
Will there be packs for things such as ringskirts, ring ropes, etc.. for Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Smackdown, Royal Rumble or will they be released as separate Elite Scale Rings?
Not at this time. We would really like to do accessory packs but they are very tough to convince the retailers to buy.
Is there a way in which we can vote for our most wanted Legends or see who has been signed to a contract and could have a figure produced?
I got yelled at for telling you guys about Bret Hart at Toy Fair. Marketing likes to keep high profile figure launches secret until there is a big opportunity like SDCC.
Why was my free figure confused with lunch?... Also Thank you.
Well sometimes there is such thing as a free lunch! Not often though ,,,,,,,, your very welcome.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by thehardys4life on Jun 14, 2011, 9:07am
Will Anymore Series Be Announced Before SDCC?
Its Seems So Far Away!
No, we are saving all announcements until then.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by tylortylor on Jun 14, 2011, 9:10am
Is an AJ Lee figure in the works?
Considering she just debuted there are other divas ahead of her in line.
But if she is successful and stays on the roster we will get to her.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by theassassin on Jun 14, 2011, 9:11am
Q1) Will Mattel be persuing permission to produce classic WCW title belts for figures? WCW belts were a big omission from the Jakks CS line and many collectors want them.
At this point unlikely
Q2) Once a superstar is signed/lined-up for a Legends figure, what is the process used to decide exactly which attire/gimmick of that star to produce? And is it possible for the collectors to get more input on some of these decisions?
We decide the attire for the Legends figures on a number of factors:
1) Visually interesting – what is the coolest outfit (in our opinion) that that Superstar ever wore.
2) Significance – For Legends with many different looks we try to capture ones that were worn when they won a title, started a memorable angle , etc.
3) Uniqueness – In earlier waves we did try to focus on attires that had never been done before.
And we do follow the feedback and requests on this board so your input on Legends is used, just not as a direct vote.
Q3) Considering his involvement with Tough Enough, what are the chances of seeing a Legends figure of Hugh Morrus (Bill DeMott) in the near future? In case you aren't aware he has never had a figure before.
We are not sure if he is signed with WWE or the production company that worked with WWE on Tough Enough.
We will check on his status however.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by slinky462 on Jun 14, 2011, 9:22am
2) you said last Q/A that we wouldn't ever see elite divas, so does that mean we will never get the divas title?
Let’s just say never say never to both.
3) this question is for you, what past wrestler would you personally love to put into the legends line but you know it will never happen?
Bill M- Kenta Kobashi and WCW era Psychosis.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by thehardys4life on Jun 14, 2011, 9:23am
When Will We See The ECW Championship?
Not until all of the title belt inventory clears the shelves.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by the123kid on Jun 14, 2011, 9:24am
Will we ever get a limo, which can fit WWE figures inside?
Maybe in the Rumblers line.
Will we ever get a different head scan of Brian Pillman from his WWE run?
Most likely not.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by vettel360 on Jun 14, 2011, 9:33am
Is it reasonable to expect at least 1 championship belt per elite series?
It really depends on who is included in the line. We have noticed how popular figures with the belts have been though.
Is Stone Cold likely to appear in the elite line, with his current appearance?
More than likely
How far off is an Alex Riley elite or Basic figure, is he in plans? and if so is that based off his involvement with Miz prior to his face turn or just based off recent events?
A raised profile such as his does mean he has moved up in both basic and Elite plans. He is coming.
Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by thechamp420 on Jun 14, 2011, 9:47am
Will we get an elite 11 lineup before SDCC?
No, sorry.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by mrsam on Jun 14, 2011, 10:18am
Is there any chance we will get a Blue Blazer
NO… Please no more Owen Hart questions. We have answered this before and the answer will not change.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by weatherfan15 on Jun 14, 2011, 10:19am
Please don't 'soften' these up:
WHAT IS BEING DONE to correct the distribution issues. We want a real answer. Not, 'we're looking into our distribution problem' or an explanation of the problem. WHAT IS BEING DONE?
Distribution is determined based on demand and ultimately orders from the retailer.
As I said earlier we are a WHOLESALER not a retailer. can only make sure our product hits the retailers distribution warehouse. From there it is controlled by Walmart, TRU Kmart and Target. By the way, do not assume that all of the major retailers buy 100 % of the product we produce. If you are not getting certain product in the store you shop at let them know, they can control what ultimately goes on their shelves better than we can.
Is your company considering a figure of The Patriot Del Wilkes? Aside from collectors... seems like a legend kids might buy due to the colorful/patriot costume.
No
During the last interview, you blew off the potential of selling blank figures for customization. (see Hulk Hogan question from previous interview.) Customizers are a nice niche in the market. Why not make packages of knee/elbow pads and boots of several colors(black,red,purple,yellow, etc.) so that customizers can buy the pack via an online store (RSC, Matty)? Seems like a no brainer.
No. Customizers are simply too small of an audience to release product that will only appeal to them.
By the way, we don’t blow off potential sales, but we will blow off definite non sales. This idea fits the later category.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by mrsam on Jun 14, 2011, 10:21am
Also any Chance of a WWE Internet Championship Belt with a Future Zack Ryder?
Legally I am not sure we can reproduce the logos on the belt.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by stonecold316 on Jun 14, 2011, 10:29am
1) Are you permitted to make celebrities/personalities who've had past involvement with WWE (i.e., Mr. T, Ozzy Osbourne, Donald Trump, etc.?)
We would have to sign them directly. These are unlikely to happen in the immediate future .
2) Would you consider making interview stages liker Piper's Pit, Carlito's Cabana, The Cutting Edge, The Highlight Reel, etc., or backdrops that give off that feeling?
Not in immediate plans but something we have considered in the past and may again.
3) Would you consider making an agreement with companies like NJPW down the road?
Personally I would not mind but I do not see it happening.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by dan88 on Jun 14, 2011, 10:45am
The WWE Championship now has 2 WWE Champ side plates and no MON NITE RAW plate anymore, will we see this updated on it's next release?
Considering all the product we are currently working on this is low on the priority list.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by dan91 on Jun 14, 2011, 11:27am
Will we get a Miz defining moment figure
Is the Kharma figure being delayed or will we be able to actually get it a couple months after her return?
Off the table for now until her return.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by incubus on Jun 14, 2011, 11:34am
Is there a financial reason behind why Chris Jericho would never get a Defining Moments figure? The reason I ask is because the last time this was asked, the reasoning given was that
He left the company and was no longer available to use.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by thepedigree22 on Jun 14, 2011, 12:13pm
1.What was the hardest figure to make??
Ulitimate Warrior Defining Moments was extremely difficult to nail down due to all the design elements involved, but I think we nailed it and I am extremely proud of that figure.
Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by bigbarry on Jun 14, 2011, 12:18pm
Instead of letting RSC decide the exclusives, could you run a poll on here and let us decide?
Who says they decide the exclusives?
Have considered attempting to get the rights needed to complete cm punk's tattoo's?
One is a representation from another toy company’s brand. So sadly No.
What is the reasoning for mot planning a ricardo figure with
Let’s hope he gets back soon after Monday. (and we are reconsidering this)
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by ctln4rko on Jun 14, 2011, 12:28pm
How far off from now is a elite Dashing Cody Rhodes?
Any Elite Cody going forward would be the new ‘disfigured’ Cody
Why are basics more up to date attire wise than elites?
Longer development time needed for the extras included with Elites ( soft goods, new unique accessories)
Can you start to value our wants more? You said that if something won't sell, it won't be made. Thus why you won't make Trent Baretta or Curt Hawkins any time soon. But we as your costumers and as a unit want them, so why can't we have them? Believe me, they would sell. Why don't you incorporate suggestions into this Ask Mattel thread so you directly know what people want, and if something is widely wanted, please make it. Have polls, questions and throw ideas at us. You don't need to listen to our every whim, but having the fans in the process of picking superstars to be made won't hurt you.
If you only knew how much we value your wants.
will we ever get a bald randy orton?
sure
Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by bigbarry on Jun 14, 2011, 12:40pm
Are these gonna be a frequent thing?
3 Weeks in a row,,,, pretty frequent.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by zombieapocalypse on Jun 14, 2011, 1:31pm
How Come Triple H, Kane, Undertaker, HBK, Bret Hart and Andre Have all been Excluded From The Legends line when they have all been on contract or possible to get?
First, As long as you are on the roster, you will not be in the legends line. Second, nobody has been excluded that we have a shot at signing.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by the123kid on Jun 14, 2011, 1:51pm
Why don't we get Elites in Argos(UK)?
They choose not to buy them. I’d complain to them.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by jds on Jun 14, 2011, 1:55pm
Also any word news about a Kharma figure?
We are holding on her till we get a better feel for if she is going to return.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by twiztidn9ne on Jun 14, 2011, 2:04pm
It was said your not considering making an Elizabeth figure because females in the Legends line would be hard to sell. Is there any possibility in making Elizabeth or even someone like Lita or Trish as a Matty or RSC exclusive instead of being put into retail?
Yeah, we are struggling with this but hopefully we will find a way.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by nicster1000 on Jun 14, 2011, 2:07pm
Are Mason Ryan and Michael Mgillicuty in the works?
Yes
Will there be rumblers of Alberto Del-Rio, Dolph Zigler, Drew Mcintyre, Cody Rhodes or Wade Barett?
Will there be a Cody Rhodes with the mask/
Yep
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by rated1rko on Jun 14, 2011, 2:20pm
Is there going to be another Maryse figure planned? (you knew it was coming)
Not just yet.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by xzerox on Jun 14, 2011, 2:31pm
With British Bulldog and Brian Pillman already made in their Hart Foundation attires/jackets, is there a good chance we'll see Bret and Anvil to complete the stable (as much as we can without Owen)?
Pretty good chance on one of those.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by againstallodds on Jun 14, 2011, 2:46pm
Has there been any consideration to doing figures that have the legs of an Elite but the upper body of a basic? I'd love for the PPV line to be made like this especially, if there's the chance of Legends being included in future Heritage line-ups. I just find basic style legs so utterly useless for play, and I feel Elite collectors get the short end of the stick when it comes to attire variety.
No
In a Q&A a while back, it was said that Rey Mysterio's rib tattoo were left off his figures because of a legal issue. Care to elaborate further as I thought it was just a prayer a little girl wrote & gave to Rey at an autograph signing?
It wasn’t a specific legal issue but they made the call based on some of the wording in the translation.
Legal does weird things sometimes.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by davidsoper2 on Jun 14, 2011, 2:50pm
Thanks for this opportunity Mattel;
Will we see the Rock 'N' Roll Express and Midnight Express in the Legends line in the future?
Not in future plans
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by gloveoftricks on Jun 14, 2011, 3:08pm
How do you do your research on WWE to plan what figures and what attires and sets to put them in? Are people working on the line expected to watch all WWE Programing?
I watch raw and Smackdown every week. (Bill also has 20 years experience as a fan and serious collector.)
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by warrior82 on Jun 14, 2011, 3:34pm
First off, Thank you Mattel so much for taking time to answer our questions.
It has been a lot of fun, and we have recieved very clear answers and collected some cool info from you.
So Thank you
So heres my Questions.
1) Tou released the Million dollar man as an Entrance great. I assume, since he is such a major legend he will one day get an Elite style Legends figure made of him in either the legends line or DM.
Possibly but not in immediate plans
2) None of us as of yet Know your plans for the future of the Legends Line. But if they continue to be sold at retail, have you considered also having a Matty collector Exclusive Subscription Line, Much like your MOTU and Ghostbusters Exclusives?
It’s an option we are considering
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by chewdeezy on Jun 14, 2011, 3:40pm
Is it safe to say that Legend 2-Packs are done and no more will be released during Mattel's reign?
No it is not.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by hacker on Jun 14, 2011, 3:48pm
ANY chance we'll get a Steel Cage set for the ESR? I dumped all the Jakks rings and accessory sets when I jumped on the Mattel bandwagon, and now I am regretting it. Don't let us down guys!
We have not sold enough ESRs to justify accessories for it yet.
Re: Ask Mattel Your Questions! 6/14
Post by boywonder92488 on Jun 14, 2011, 5:06pm
In the last Q&A, Sandman was shot down due to not being "PG" (even though Stone Cold was hardly PG and commemorating the night that Undertaker tied a man to a noose and hanged him wasn't PG), does this mean that most of the classic ECW guys (like Sabu) are also off the table? The classic ECW guys were some of my favorite old figures and they're my most wanted guys to get a Mattel upgrade.
Let’s forget the term PG. Figures are picked based on: Impact on Wrestling world, availability, collectability and WWE’s approval.
