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Ringsidefest 2010 featured a Q&A with members of the Mattel team working on the WWE action figure line.
How long does Mattel have the WWE license. They will have at least a good, solid five year run and will renegotiate in a few years.
They are looking at ways to include ancillary characters like ring announcers and referees without having them end up as "peg meat. They want to do everyone on the roster over time.
The Nexus is absolutely included in their plans but it takes time to create the figures, so you'll see them down the line.
There are no plans currently for a Jeff Hardy figure as he's with a "rival" organization. Fans booed that.
They were asked how long it takes to create a figure from scratch. The average is a year for a brand new sculpt. If its a new look for an existing character, like John Cena's new gear, its closer to six months. They are always trying to improve facial features and the look. They try to mix things up with new sculpts and scans. You'll see a ton of the more popular talents but they will always try to create updated new version.
An email sound like Raw appeared and they read an email from the "General Manager" who asked if his laptop will be featured. They joked it could be a Flexforce figure.
They were asked how the Defining Moments sets are picked. They try to pick a mix. They wanted some legendary figures and some contemporary. They aren't meant to be THE defining moment but A moment for their careers.
They were asked about Goldberg, Vampiro and Great Muta figures. They don't have any rights yet but they are always looking for new characters. They announced they would be releasing a Magnum TA figure.
They were asked about weapons and accessories. They are doing more but nothing particular they can think of right now. They noted the Rick Martel figure will come packed with a perfume sprayer.
They were asked about a Chyna figure. The crowd booed and they said they don't have the rights and reactions like that will determine what they include. They monitor the message boards as well.
They were asked about Steel Cages. They said something cool would be announced early next year.
They were asked about Paul Bearer being included. They said that with his current involvement he's a priority.
Sheamus will be released right before Christmas.
They asked the audience about playsets based on interview sets, like the MVP VIP Lounge.
They were asked about doing an Undertaker Streak set, similar to a recent Rey Mysterio set. They are going to be doing a lot of Undertaker figures from the past and a larger set would be based on the sales of the Rey set.
They were asked about sets based on great entrances like John Cena in an entrance car. They said it was a great idea and something they could consider.
They were asked about Divas Legends figures. They said they'd like to sign Lita and Trish Stratus down the line but they aren't signed right now.
They were asked about celebrities included in the line. They have talked to some personalities about it but there are a lot of things that have to come together to make it happen.
A fan suggested they make an Entrance Great featuring Chris Jericho with the WCW and WWE title belts from when he was Undisputed champion.
They are looking at using WCW down the line.
They are working on Alberto Del Rio right now, but not necessarily his car or Ricardo Rodriguez right now.
They asked the crowd if there was any interest in NXT talent. Daniel Bryan got the biggest reaction. There will be a NXT two-pack soon.
A McMahons set is tricky since some of them aren't involved with the company right now.
When asked if WWE blocked anyone from being signed, they said there was only one which was completely strange but they didn't name who it was.
They asked fans about including lights and entrance themes with figures, noting it would be a pricy toy.
They were asked about Owen Hart, and said it likely won't happen due to the obvious issues.
They were asked about a Chris Benoit figure and they said, "Never, absolutely not."
There is a possibility of a Papa Shango if fans want them.
The prayer tattoo on Rey Mysterio isn't included on the figure due to legality issues.
They were asked about family themed multipacks. They have been thinking about it.
They are considering an version of the Titantron where you can plug a MP3 player in.
Eddie Guerrero is at the top of their list.
They are considering a build a wrestler feature or line as a possibility.
Wade Barrett will likely be included into the Elite line.
They will try and bring the NXT winners into the line.
They will have a Yoshi Tatsu figure coming out down the line.
A fan asked about Rey Mysterio as the Joker. They have to deal with some licensing issues to make it happen but they are looking into it.
One of the team members discussing working with Randy Savage to film Savage's Comic-Con video, Savage's first appearance on video in years. He talked about how wild it was to get complimented on his work by Savage since he grew up watching him.
They were asked about a "Now and Then" figure set. That's not an idea that's off the table but they are trying to fit older names into current lines.
They were asked about a Bret Hart figure which the crowd went nuts for.
They were asked about Pedro Morales, Bruno Sammartino, Bob Backlund and Don Muraco. They said the current sales of the legends will define how far back they go back in time.
There are no plans for rubber LJN type figures right now.
They are discussing doing 12 inch style figures down the line.
They were asked about the NWO. They said that the problem is the primary talent are in another organization.
They were asked about a Wrestlemania replica ring. They are doing an old school ring next year and they will see where they go from there.
When asked about future plans, they noted that they pretty much announced everything that they can announce.
There is an exclusive Shawn Michaels Wrestlemania 26 figure.
They would like to do a Yokozuna down the line.
There has been discussion of wrestling buddies.
They were asked about a Rey Mysterio as Daredevil. They said that Mattel and Marvel don't currently have a relationship since Hasbro has the rights to the Marvel line.
Head Cheese is out of the question since one of them is on SpikeTV.
In regard to new belts, they have the new WWE Tag Team title out now but no plans for the Million Dollar Man.
In regard to classic announcers, they have discussed it but it depends on the interest and demand for current legends.
They are unlikely to use Madison Square Garden moments, etc. As they would be too region specific for a line sold worldwide.
They were asked about WWE celebrity Hall of Famers and guest stars. Individual names would require a specific contract for that one figure, but nothing is out of the question.
WWE Elite series 6 will feature the final scheduled Batista.
They were asked how both Jakks and Mattel can release an Andre the Giant figure. It was a unique situation where the Andre contract with Jakks was not an exclusive deal.
The New Age Outlaws are high on their list of priorities. Fans pushed for Billy, Chuck and Rico.
They keep changing CM Punk's look all year and its hard because he's always changing it, but they want to do a bald version.
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