WWE Retro figures are the spiritual successor to the WWF Hasbro figures of the 1990s. Small, chunky and packed with "action moves," Mattel introduced the line in 2018, creating a nostalgia fix for long-time collectors, while also creating something fun for newer figure collectors.
A menu of reviews for each series in the collection can be found at the bottom of this page. For now, let's take a closer look at what Mattel is calling the Retro 4-Pack Wave Five.
For those unaware... at the end of 2019, the Retro figures by Mattel ceased production and many collectors were clamoring for their return. In January 2022, they were brought back via mail order on the Mattel Creations website (and to be purchased as an entire set), as opposed to earlier waves that were available via retail stores.
This particular set is very much WrestleMania 1 themed, and first up is Hulk Hogan. Resplendent in his white "Hulkster" headband, red "Hulkamania" shirt and yellow trunks and boots, this may very well be the best representation of Hogan in Hasbro/Retro form to date. The only knock is that, much like his Hollywood Hogan figure, his "legdrop" action means that he can be difficult to stand up on a display at times.
As someone who proudly owns every Big John Studd figure created to date, I knew that I had to own this Retro figure the minute it became available. This Studd is amazing, as they borrowed the legs and torso from previous "big man" Retro figures such as Braun Strowman and Diesel. One thing I will point out is that Studd's boots have blue stars on them when they should likely be red... but that's such a minor nitpick.
Wendi Richter is the first female Hasbro/Retro figure ever created by WWE, beating out Chyna by literally about a week. For those who were fans of Richter back in the Rock 'n' Wrestling era, this fig is a great tribute to the Hall of Famer, complete with molded-on sunglasses, feathered 80s hair and a blue outfit with black accents.
Rounding out the crew is Muhammad Ali, who has since been shoehorned into virtually every line of WWE figures. It's a great-looking figure capturing his "referee at WrestleMania 1" look, and his action is counting a pin, which works. Oddly, he comes with a WWE microphone, but you certainly don't need to display him with that accessory.
Is this the best set of WWE Retro figures produced to date? It's definitely in the conversation, with four solid figures and a nostalgia-friendly theme. I love these.
Click below for more WWE Retro Figures
