Who Made WWE Toys Before Mattel?

Did you know that before Mattel became the official toy manufacturer for WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), there were other companies that produced WWE toys? These toys, loved by both kids and adults, allowed fans to bring the excitement of wrestling into their own homes. Let’s take a look at some of the companies that helped shape the history of WWE toys before Mattel took over.

LJN

One of the earliest companies to produce WWE toys was LJN. In the 1980s, LJN released a line of action figures featuring popular wrestlers from that era.

These figures were known for their large size, measuring around 8 inches tall. They had limited articulation but were highly detailed and made of solid rubber.

Fun fact: LJN’s WWE figures were often referred to as “rubber wrestlers” due to their material.

Hasbro

In the early 1990s, Hasbro took over as the official toy manufacturer for WWE. Hasbro introduced a smaller scale for their action figures, measuring around 4 inches tall. These figures had more articulation compared to LJN’s rubber wrestlers and came with accessories such as championship belts and folding chairs.

Did you know: Hasbro’s WWE figures featured a unique feature called “action moves.” By pressing a button or lever on their backs, these figures could perform signature wrestling moves like body slams or suplexes.

Jakks Pacific

Jakks Pacific became another major player in the world of WWE toys in the late 1990s. They introduced various lines catering to different age groups and collector types. One notable line was the “Classic Superstars” series, which focused on recreating iconic moments and legendary wrestlers from WWE’s history.

Fun fact: Jakks Pacific’s WWE figures often had highly detailed sculpts and included accessories like entrance gear, microphones, and championship belts.

Mattel

In 2010, Mattel took over the license to produce WWE toys. Since then, they have become the primary manufacturer of WWE action figures. Mattel has continued to release new lines regularly, including figures based on current superstars, legends, and special editions for events like WrestleMania.

Did you know: Mattel’s WWE figures feature improved articulation and a wider range of accessories compared to previous toy lines. They also introduced the “Elite” series, which includes highly detailed figures with added articulation and more realistic facial expressions.

In conclusion

Before Mattel became the dominant force in WWE toys, companies like LJN, Hasbro, and Jakks Pacific played significant roles in bringing the world of wrestling into our homes. Each company left its mark with unique features and designs that appealed to wrestling fans of all ages. Today, thanks to Mattel’s ongoing partnership with WWE, fans can continue collecting their favorite wrestlers and reliving the excitement of professional wrestling through action figure play.