Every Mattel WWE Figure Line Explained (2010–Present)

Since taking the WWE license from Jakks Pacific in 2010, Mattel has produced over a dozen distinct figure lines under the WWE brand. They share some engineering DNA but occupy completely different positions in terms of quality, price, target audience, and secondary market value. This is the reference guide to all of them.

Elite Collection (2010–Present)

The flagship line. 30+ points of articulation, character-specific sculpted heads, accurate ring attire, and 2-4 accessories per figure. Retails at $22-35 depending on retailer and wave. Distributed at Target, Walmart, Amazon, Ringside, and specialty retailers. This is what most collectors mean when they say "WWE figures" — it is the default.

Secondary market: early series (1-20) command $40-150+ due to age and scarcity. Series 20-80 are generally $15-35 loose depending on character. Current waves trade at or slightly above retail. Full Elite line page.

Ultimate Edition (2019–Present)

Mattel\'s premium collector tier. Same articulation as Elite but with deluxe accessories: entrance gear (robes, jackets, hats), multiple headsculpts, fabric elements, and premium packaging. Retails at $35-55. Not available at mass retail — sold primarily through Ringside, Amazon, and Mattel Creations. Lower production runs than Elite. Almost universally holds or exceeds retail on the secondary market. Full Ultimate Edition line page.

Elite Legends (2016–Present)

Retired and Hall of Fame wrestlers in the Elite format. Same quality as mainline Elite but focused entirely on non-active roster members. Macho Man, Ultimate Warrior, Andre the Giant, British Bulldog. Retails same as Elite ($22-35). Secondary market varies wildly by character — legends with strong nostalgia (Macho Man, Warrior) hold value; lesser-known legends often drop below retail.

Retro Series (2017–2022)

Hasbro WWF homage figures — modern Mattel sculpts on a retro-style card mimicking the 1990-1994 packaging aesthetic. Limited articulation (intentionally matching the Hasbro style), spring-loaded actions, and nostalgic presentation. Produced in smaller quantities than mainline Elite. Has a dedicated collector base that overlaps with vintage Hasbro collectors. Secondary market: $20-50 for most, with exclusives and fan-voted characters hitting $60-100.

Basic / Superstars (2010–Present)

Mass-market, kid-focused line. 5-point articulation (shoulders, hips, neck), simplified sculpts, minimal accessories. Retails at $10-12. Available everywhere — gas stations, grocery stores, drug stores. Almost never holds secondary market value. Occasional exceptions for characters who only appeared in Basic (very rare) or store exclusives with unusual variants. Generally a $3-5 figure on the secondary market regardless of character.

Championship Showdown (2020–Present)

Two-packs featuring historical rivalries or championship matches. Elite-level articulation and accessories. Retails at $40-55 for the pair. Distributed at Target and Walmart. Value proposition depends entirely on whether both characters in the pack are desirable — packs with one popular and one unpopular character often sell below retail because nobody wants half a two-pack on their shelf.

Top Picks (2021–Present)

Budget-friendly singles positioned between Basic and Elite. Better sculpts and accessories than Basic but fewer articulation points than Elite. Retails at $12-15. An entry point for newer collectors who want better-than-Basic without the Elite price. Rarely holds secondary market value — functions as a stepping stone product.

Fan Takeover (2021–Present)

Fan-voted figures in Elite format. The character selection is voted on by the collector community, which creates built-in demand. Limited distribution (typically Walmart or Ringside exclusive). Because the voter base and the buyer base overlap heavily, these often sell out quickly and trade at $35-60 on the secondary market. One of the more reliably appreciating sub-lines.

Knuckle Crunchers (2025–Present)

Mattel\'s newest line — oversized (7-inch) figures with enhanced articulation and a grippier sculpting style. Positioned as a more action-oriented line that bridges the gap between collector display and actual play. Too new to have secondary market data. Retails at $25-30.

Which Line Should You Collect?

For secondary market value retention: Ultimate Edition and Fan Takeover. For the best balance of quality and price: mainline Elite. For nostalgia: Retro (if available) or vintage Hasbro WWF originals. For budget collecting: Jakks Pacific secondhand (not technically Mattel, but the era most budget collectors default to). For investment: avoid Basic entirely.