RINGSIDE COLLECTIBLES - WWF Figure Insider!

NEWS: It's a new year, and Jakks is already off to an amazing start. According to TRSTS (Toy Retail Sales Tracking Service) sales data from the NPD Group Inc., the company's WWF TitanTron Playset was ranked No. 1 among all action figure accessories and No. 3 among all action figure toys during November 1999. They also announced that their WWF figures ranked first in the action figure toy category for the month of November, taking 13 percent of the entire action figure toy market.

"We continue to be extremely pleased with the popularity of our WWF brand wrestling figures and accessories," said Stephen Berman, president and chief operating officer of JAKKS Pacific Inc. He added, "Sales were tremendous over the holiday season, and we are particularly excited that the WWF line of action figures and accessories was ranked the number one brand in the overall action figure category for the month of November 1999, a category that includes such well-known names as Pokemon, Star Wars and Power Rangers."

Jakks also announced that they have been added to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, which is a market-value weighted index that consists of 600 domestic stocks chosen on the basis of market capitalization, liquidity and industry group representation. In other words, their stock is doing very well.

Following up on the main story from last week, it appears Jakks has caught their Go For the Gold! error. TTL 2 figures with all five belts are showing up in the latest shipments to stores. However, there is absolutely no way to tell what belt you will receive without opening the package.

The Edge & Christian Limited Signed Edition 2-Pack will be in stock next week. Get your order in now to be one of the first to receive this incredible limited edition signed 2-pack of two of the most talented superstars in the WWF.

Don't forget to check out Ringside Collectibles Millennium sale. You can find incredible deals on some of the most popular Jakks figures and accessories.

Final Results of last week's Poll: The People's Champ was the people's choice in last week's poll. The Rock won the poll for favorite WWF Superstar produced by Jakks in 1999 by capturing 39% of the vote. Coming in second was Mankind, whose 20% barely beat out The Undertaker's 19%. Austin and Kane both took 11% of the votes.

The Rock

Signature Series 3

The Rock was voted by you as the favorite WWF superstar made by Jakks in 1999, so he's earned the privilege of being the Classic Jakks Figure of the Week once again. His Signature Series 3 figure looked ready to cut one of his electrifying interviews in the ring with his black dress pants, vest, and sunglasses. He also featured a larger, more detailed Bramma Bull tattoo that put the previous version to shame.

BRING IT TO ME JAKKS!: Is there a certain figure that you would like to see produced or an accessory you would like to see made? Jakks has told us that they would love to hear your ideas and suggestions for future products! If you always wanted that Howard Finkel figure to complete your collection or if you think Jakks should come out with Al Snow's frozen dinner with real Pepper meat, all that you have to do is e-mail Jakks with your suggestion. They just might use it! All product suggestions sent to: [email protected] will be forwarded directly to Jakks Pacific.

FIGURE INSIDER TRIVIA: This week's prize is a $30 Ringside Collectibles Gift Certificate. The question is: What was the first figure Jakks released that was made simply by repainting a figure of another wrestler?If you think you know the answer, just send an e-mail to: [email protected] with the subject "INSIDER CONTEST", in the e-mail you MUST include your answer along with your name and town. Only one entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Your answer must be received by 11:59pm eastern time on January 13th. One winner will be chosen from all correct entries received. You can rest assured that personal information sent in for this contest will not be used for marketing purposes. It allows us to ensure that multiple entries are disqualified!
The winner of this contest will be announced on the Figure Insider page the weekend of January 14.

The correct answer to last week's question is Best of '98, which was a Toys R Us exclusive in late 1998. 8-ball and Chainz of DOA were released several times in assortments including 2 Tuff 1 and DTA Tour Series 1, but Best of '98 was the only assortment to ever include Skull. The winner of
last week's trivia is [email protected]. E-mail your address ASAP to receive your prize.

E-Mail me any questions, comments or suggestions you may have about this column 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.