Keiji Mutoh HAO Figure Review

In 2004, Japanese Toy maker HAO partnered with a number of
Wrestlers to create a series of soft-vinyl figures.

Sold exclusively in Japan, the series was called the "HAO Collection"
(HAO コレクション) and featured Wrestlers from Japan's biggest
promotions such as All Japan, New Japan, RINGS, PRIDE and
ZERO1.

In past posts, we have looked at the various Great Muta HAO
Collection variants. Today, we're going to look at the man
behind the Great Muta character: Keiji Mutoh.

                          
The Keiji Mutoh HAO figure is based on Keiji Mutoh's early 2000's
All Japan Pro-Wrestling debut and is the only HAO figure to be
sculpted in a kneeling pose.

In an alternate universe, Character Product's Great Muta DX Darth
Muta variant is the only Character Product action figure to be
sculpted in a kneeling pose.

Keiji Mutoh's infamous "Muta scale"gig scars are recreated in terrifying

detail across Mutoh's forehead.

Mutoh's right knee pad features the "PROM" logo with Keiji Mutoh's
mid 2000's nickname "Sir Promenade". I think Mutoh's creative team
was going for the word "prominence" instead:

prom·i·nence

ˈprämənəns/

noun

noun: prominence

1. the state of being important or famous.

Mutoh's left kneepad includes a decal of a King of Hearts playing

card with the caption "Pro-W. LOVE".

                           

Unfortunately, the kneepad of my version was scuffed up a bit
as the figure leans most of it's weight on it.

The Keiji Mutoh HAO contains articulation in Mutoh's arms, wrists and
neck which can be posed to perform both version's of Mutoh's signature
"Pro-Wrest. LOVE" pose.


The Keiji Mutoh HAO contains articulation in Mutoh's arms, wrists and
neck.

                                                             HAO's Muta Scale.

HAO would also release a limited edition (and highly sought-after)
Keiji Mutoh "Genius"statue in the late 2000s. The statue uses a
similar head sculpt as the standard HAO figure.



Closing thoughts:
Over the years, there have been many Keiji Mutoh figures released
in a variety of different formats and styles. From Toukon Shop's
New Japan action figures to Playset Product's Mutoh Bear brand
as well as the much coveted INSPIRE 1:16 scale figures.

The HAO Collection Keiji Mutoh figure has to be my favorite
interpretation of Mutoh. From Mutoh's extremely accurate
face sculpt to the designs along Mutoh's ring tights and his
wickedly cool body sculpt, this figure is pretty hard to top.

For fans of Puroresu or Keiji Mutoh in general, the HAO
Collection variant is a must buy. Especially if you can
find the figure for sale under $100.