RINGSIDE COLLECTIBLES - WWF Figure Insider!

NEWS: Jakks has a lot of new and exciting products in store for their Wrestlemania 2000 campaign. Lineups for TTL Series 3, Back Alley Street Fighters, and Double Slam 3 have already made their way around the 'net.

Titan Tron Live Series 3 is said to contain Stone Cold Steve Austin (with a new costume and new head), The Rock (in a $500 shirt), Chyna, Big Boss Man, Test, and the Big Show (w/new hair).

The Back Alley Street Fighters will be dressed in street clothes. This series is said to be made up of Austin, The Rock, X-Pac, HHH, Stephenie McMahon, and Shawn Stasiak.

Double Slam 3 is slated to consist of Jeff Jarrett & Debra, Undertaker (in Unforgiven costume) & Mankind (in sweats and tennis shoes), Big Show & Test, and Billy Gunn & Hardcore Holly.

Also in the works is the Trash Talkin' Stage. Full details have not been disclosed, but it is expected to be an interactive playset with sounds similar to the Titan Tron Playset

Keep in mind that all of these new products are in the very early stages of development and the details will undoubtabley change before their actual release. For example, it seems obvious that the Jeff Jarrett & Debra 2-Pack will be scrapped given his recent departure from the WWF.

This past Wednesday, Toys R Us issued a press release containing their picks for the hottest toys of 1999. Among the likes of Pokemon cards, Star Wars Monopoly, and Furby Babies, Jakks Titan Tron Live Playset was one of Toys R Us' top picks. It's nice of them to put out this list however, my local Toys R Us never seems to have any of the newest Jakks WWF figures. I was in my local Toys R Us just yesterday and asked for the new Titan Tron figures when the helpful salesperson directed me to a wall of Dr. Death and Jacquelyn figures. Ringside Collectibles has had all of the Titan Tron figures in for almost a month now and these stores don't even know what the word "Titan Tron" means. Anyway, Toys R Us got one thing right, Jakks Titan Tron Live Playset will be one of the hottest toys this Holiday season. It gives an authentic touch of realism to anyone's WWF figure collection, with lights, sounds, and theme music that are executed to perfection.

Also expected to be a hot-seller for the Holiday season is the Steve Austin Internet-Active Figure. This figure is an amazing technological feat for Jakks. For the first time ever, sounds can be downloaded from an exclusive website (wwfwired.com) into the figure. The figure will hold up to 45 seconds of sound, and the best part is that you get to choose what he says. Rant Packs downloaded online can be edited with the Rant Manager to have Stone Cold say pretty much whatever you want him too. Jakks has taken care of all the details, providing everything you'll need for the figure. Included are a CD-Rom, instruction manual, and a cable that connects the figure's microphone to one of your computer's Serial Ports with ease. Without a doubt, Jakks' Steve Austin Internet-Active Figure is the most technologically-advanced figure on the market. With how great they executed this figure, I can't wait for the Rock's interactive figure. Not a day has gone by that I haven't enjoyed this awesome figure standing on my desk. If anyone has any specific questions about the Interactive Austin, please feel free to drop me an e-mail. If you already purchased one, I would love to hear what you think about it as well.

When I first saw the protoype photo on this website, I have to admit I wasn't impressed with Jakks 12-Inch Federation Fighters Steve Austin figure. After receiving the figure though, I'm exptremely impressed. The Rattlesnake's likeness has been done to perfection, and they've spared no detail. The figure has everything from a removable hat, detailed t-shirt, vest, denim shorts, and a Smoking Skull belt.

Jakks has really hit a home run with all their Titan Tron Live figures, as well as the Titan Tron itself. The Titan Tron has been executed to perfection, with amazing sound and cool lights. All you have to do is press both bars on the figure's left foot on the two metal strips on the Titan Tron and the wrestler's music plays while their picture lights up and the entrance lights flash.

The Titan Tron Live figures have been sculpted with an insane amount of detail, not to mention a whopping twelve points of articulation. These ultra-detailed figures look like nothing ever made by Jakks, and resemble figures by such companies as McFarlane Toys and Moore Action Collectibles. Finally, Jakks has given us a great-looking Kane figure that's a dead-on depiction of the Big Red Machine. The Undertaker's Double Slam figure looks so much like him that it's scary. Both Vince and Shane McMahon look fantastic in their perfectly-sculpted suits. Mankind is absolutely amazing. Edge and Christian were sculpted with dead-on likenesses. Speaking of Edge & Christian, pre-order the signed limited edition 2-Pack before it sell's out. Over 300 are already gone.

Unfortunately Titan Tron Live Series 1 and Double Slam Series 1 are now completely sold out here at Ringside Collectibles. Pre-Orders are now being taken for Titan Tron Live Series 2, Double Slam Series 2, and Smackdown Series 2. You can have these brand new sets at your door in literally 2-3 weeks time. I would suggest getting your pre-order in ASAP as these brand new Titan Tron sets will not last through the holiday season.

Final Results of last week's Poll: In a landslide, it appears that the day this column is updated isn't important to the readers. Or as the Rock would say, IT DOESN"T MATTER WHEN IT'S UPDATED!!!! I think we'll stick with the weekend update schedule though.

Titan Tron Live Mankind

This is the best Mankind figure ever made, hands down. It's the perfect piece for any hardcore Mick Foley fan such as myself. Jakks has tapped into the heart of Mankind with the great head sculpt on this figure, which features his trademark grin under his mask. It's just too cool for words. If you like Mankind or not, this figure is a must-buy.

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.

WWF FIGURE TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK: This week's prize is a $30 Ringside Collectibles Gift Certificate. The question is: Other than the larger and more-detailed tatoo, what was different about The Rock's Live Wire Series 2 figure as compared to his Fully Loaded figure?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 complete name, mailing address, and phone number. Only one entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Your answer must be received by 11:59pm eastern time on October 22nd. One winner will be chosen from all correct entries received. You can rest assured that your mailing information will not be used for marketing purposes. It allows us to ensure that multiple entries are disqualified as well as letting us know where to ship the prize if you win!
The winner of this contest will be announced on the Figure Insider page the weekend of October 22.

Last week's question gave many of you a tough time. Superstars Series 6 was originally planned to be Slammers 3. With the poor response and sales of Slammers Series 1, and Slammers Series 2, Jakks brought back Superstars. This week's winner is [email protected].

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.