RINGSIDE COLLECTIBLES - WWF Figure Insider!

NEWS: The Royal Rumble is upon us and there is plenty of news to go around on the weekend of the first Pay Per View of the new Millennium. I hope that Cactus Jack wins the WWF title and I have a feeling that the People's Champion might have what it takes to win the Rumble. I also cannot wait to see the Hardy's vs. Dudley's table match. It should definitely be a classic. Enough with my predictions, let's get to the news...

All three photographs are now up for Grapple Gear Series 4: Die Cast. This brand new concept from Jakks features Die Cast Grapple Gear accessories and in my opinion the Parking Lot Pandemonium set is the best one.

As many people noticed, the lineup for Back Alley Street Fighters was changed from the original assortment Jakks previewed on their website. Sean Stasiak and Stephanie McMahon were replaced by Hardcore Holly and Road Dogg. Stasiak was removed for obvious reasons, since he is no longer a WWF employee. As for Stephanie McMahon, her figure will be released in a later assortment. She just didn't fit in with the street fight theme, and Jakks has decided to move her to a different assortment that has not yet been revealed. With Toy Fair only a month away though, we'll find out soon enough what assortment Stephanie McMahon will be in.

Speaking of Toy Fair, Jakks is expected to have a large showing at the annual industry showcase. They are expected to show many of the products they plan to release between now and the end of the summer. Count on Ringside Collectibles for the best WWF Toy Fare coverage coming up in a few short weeks.

If you haven't done so already, check out Double Slam 3, Grapple Gear Series 4, and Back Alley Street Fighters.

Yet another TTL Grudge Match 2-pack has been released to stores. This time around, Jakks has packaged a Stone Cold Steve Austin in shorts and a t-shirt with a Big Show figure wearing black pants and no shirt. Austin is the same as his Double Slam Series 1 figure and Big Show is the same as his Double Slam Series 2 Figure.

The Edge & Christian limited signed 2-Packs were signed last week and are in stock right now. Surprisingly Christian did not know that this 2-Pack was out yet. He did hint that Jakks will stop producing his figure with the "puffy" white shirt very soon. They will be producing a figure with his current wrestling attire in the near future. Edge's signature is in Gold paint pen and Christian's is in Silver. Included is a full color 8x11 Certificate of Authenticity to make this 2-Pack a must-have addition to your Jakks collection.

Edge points to his figure. Christian wonders why he has a "puffy" white shirt.

Final Results of last week's Poll: I can't say that I'm surprised TTL Series 3, which captured one-third of the vote, won the poll last week as favorite new Jakks set. After all, the set features the first TTL figures of co-Intercontinental Champions Chyna and Chris Jericho, as well as an ultra-cool Steve austin in his trademark camo jacket. Coming in second was the Trash Talkin' Stage, which should inspire hours of trash talking fun. Following closely behind in third place was the Die-Cast Metal Grapple Gear Series 4. Back Alley Street Fighters and Double Slam 3 rounded out the poll, taking 15% each.

Shawn Michaels

Slammers Series 2

After numerous repaints of his original figure, Shawn Michaels got himself an all-new mold in Slammers 2. In his Slammers 2 figure, Jakks captured all the details of the Heartbreak Kid. He had the chest hair, the chaps, and the classic smirk HBK made famous. To this day, his Slammers 2 figure remains a must-own for any Shawn Michaels fan.

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 & Lillian Garcia 2-Pack to complete your collection or if you think that Jakks should come out with Prince Albert's back hair playset with real hair, 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 Grudge Match 2-pack released by Jakks that was actually referred to as a Grudge Match 2-pack?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 27th. 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 28.

The correct answer to last week's question is the Series 3 cards in teh final shipments were changed from being die-cut to a rectangular card. The die-cut cards damaged easily, which is the reasoning behind the switch. 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.