RINGSIDE COLLECTIBLES - WWF Wrestling Figure Insider!

The latest news in the wrestling figure world can be found right here every week!

Welcome to the first installment of my weekly column here at the net's number-one source for WWF figures, Ringside Collectibles. For those who are unfamiliar with who I am, I'll give you a little background info on me. I've been reporting wrestling figure news online for a little over two years. It all started with a site I ran myself known as The Razor's Edge, which was closed by my server for reasons out of my control. Anyone remember that site, anyway? I digress though. After that, I did the newsletter thing for JWLJN's Wrestling Memorabilia Newsletter. Then, since last year, I've been a senior reporter at Action Figure Resource. Now, I'm extremely glad to be bringing the latest news on Jakks' WWF figures to the pages of Ringside Collectibles.

NEWS: Last week, Jakks began shipping a multitude of assortments to stores, including the site you're on right now. Among the assortments on their way to stores right now are Superstars Series 9, Fully Loaded 2, 2 Tuff 5, and Grapple Gear 2. If you pre-ordered these figures from Ringside Collectibles like I did, keep an eye on your mailboxes this week for these figures. Speaking for myself, I cannot wait for these figures.

Also heading into stores very soon is the much-anticipated Road Rage series (pictured above). Included in the series, from left to right, are the Godfather, The Rock, Gangrel, Hardcore Holly, Test, and Al Snow. A lot of people were initially upset when they learned the Godfather/Val Venis 2-pack planned for 2 Tuff 5 was cancelled, but now you can get Jakks' fantastic Godfather figure without having to buy another lame Val Venis figure that you probably already own. Included with this all-new figure are a great wheelbarrow, cane, and removable hat and vest. The accessories included with Road Rage are most impressive indeed. For the first time ever, Jakks delivers a break-away table with folding legs, which goes great with Hardcore Holly. Also appearing for the first time is a section of guard rail, included with Test. The accessories alone make this assortment worth picking up. Ringside Collectibles isn't carrying these great-looking figures, but you should find them in stores any day now.

Razor/Diesel 2-Pack

For the first installment of my weekly column there's only one choice for the Classic Jakks Figure of the Week, and that choice is the Razor Ramon & Diesel 2-pack all the way back from 1996. Ok, ok, so my first choice for Classic Jakks Figure of the Week is actually two figures, but the Razor/Diesel 2-pack is unquestionably the most sought- after piece in the Jakks catalog. For starters, it was the first exclusive ever made by Jakks. When the 2-pack was released in 1996, it received a warm response for the then-small fanbase of Jakks WWF collectors. Adding to its collectibility was that both wrestlers were months removed from the World Wrestling Federation and were changing the face of WCW by forming the New World Order. In the nearly three years since the Razor Ramon/Diesel 2-pack was released, its after-market value has risen exponentially. Two years ago the 2-pack could be found fairly easily and sold for around $20 to $30. Today, consider yourself extremely luck if you can find one at all. If you do, expect to pay $100 to $130 for it.

WWF FIGURE TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK:Each week a Jakks WWF Figure trivia question will be posted here. You will have one week from the date at the top of the page to send in your answer. Our first ever prize for this week is a signed color 8x10 Photo of Stone Cold Steve Austin. This week's question is: What was unique about Owen Hart's left arm in the Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart Family Feud 2-Pack? If you think you know the answer, just send an e-mail to: [email protected] with the subject "INSIDER CONTEST" and your answer by 11:59pm eastern time on July 31st. One winner will be chosen from all correct entries received.

E-Mail me any questions, comments or suggestions you may have at: [email protected]

The opinions of John Barnett are his, and not necessarily those of Ringside Collectibles, ringsidecollectibles.com, or it's staff. We try our best to bring you the most accurate information possible however, neither Ringside Collectibles or John Barnett are responsible for any false or inaccurate information that may appear on this page.