All Japan Pro-Wrestling Rollertron Plush Figures

One trend that never goes out of style is Japan's love of claw vending machines.

Tucked away in many an arcade parlour or shopping mall in the west, claw vending machines
are a whole different animal in Japan - with some of the biggest licensed properties being
converted in crane prizes.

Previously, we already covered the first and second batches of plush figures that were sold
by Rollerton (which you can read HERE). For Blog #223, we'll be looking at Rollertron's All
Japan Pro-Wrestling plush figures.

First up is "The Giant of The East" Giant Baba.

Baba was always known for his smile, but here, AJPW's Giant looks extra cheerful.

Each figure stands about 7 to 9 inches in height.

                      

On the back of each tag is the corresponding Wrestler's profile. The profile reads:

Nickname:

Name:

Height:

Date of birth:

From:

Blood type:

Debut:

Titles:

Signature moves:

"Mr. Triple Crown" Mitsuharu Misawa.

The Misawa plush comes with one of All Japan Pro-Wrestling's Triple Crown Championship
belts. In this case, the included belt is the NWA International Heavyweight Championship.

Mitsuharu Misawa would become All Japan's 10th Triple Crown Champion in 1992.

I wouldn't recommend it, but the attached belt looks like it can be removed.

"Dangerous K" Toshiaki Kawada.

Kawada comes crafted with a raised knee pose and a surly facial expression. Someone
is certainly ready for a brawl!

Not having Akira Taue (the second half of infamous AJPW tag team Holy Demon Army)
makes me wonder if these Rollertron figures were made before 1993 (my personal guess
is around 1992).

"The Demon of The Mic" Rusher Kimura!

Rusher Kimura was repackaged as a comedy relief by this point in his career. Kimura's
face includes blade marks (a nod to Kimura's bloody bouts from the past) as well as a
wise-cracking look on Kimura's face.

With microphone in hand, the Rusher Kimura plush figure is always ready to drop
a verbal evisceration.

And, of course, the included bio on the back of Rusher's tag.

Stan "The Lariat" Hansen.

The Hansen plush figure contains the most detail with entrance vest, cowboy hat,
bullrope and signature Texas Longhorns pose.
                                

There's even a fringe pattern on Hansen's vest!

"The Black Shaman" Abdullah The Butcher's 2nd time as a plushie figure.

Like the attached photo of the real-life Butcher the Abdullah plushy is crafted in the
middle of Abby's karate routine.

Notice the small typo on Abdullah's name?

Each figure (except for Stan Hansen from what I can see) has a black string to hang
the plushies from a hook.

Often regarded as one of the greatest referees in Japan, the last figure in the Rollertron AJPW
set is referee Joe Higuchi.

Joe is crafted in a counting pose.

                                   

What makes this collectible even more special is the fact that this plush is the only
known figure made of Joe to date.

Original photo credits: Toy&JAN
Website: https://profile.ameba.jp/ameba/teppest8/


Stay tuned for more Japanese plush figures reviews to come!

16d Abdullah The Butcher figures review

On February 2nd, 2019, six Japanese Pro-Wrestling promotions (All Japan Pro-Wrestling,
New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Big Japan Pro-Wrestling, Pro-Wrestling NOAH, WRESTLE-1
and Tenryu Project) joined forces for one special event.

In Japanese, the event was called: "ジャイアント馬場 没20年追善興行 王者の魂"
(rough translation: "Giant Baba Memorial Performance 20 Years After His Death -
Soul of a Champion"). A high-profile show that was held at Japan's famous Ryōgoku
Kokugikan arena.

As the name implied, the event marked the 20th anniversary of All Japan Pro-Wrestling's
founder and Pro-Wrestler Giant Baba's passing on January 31st, 1999. Giant Baba's
20th anniversary memorial event also served a dual purpose: the retirement ceremony
of one of Giant Baba's biggest rivals: Abdullah The Butcher.

Abdullah's part of the poster reads: "アブドーラ・ザ・ブッチャー引退記念～さらば
呪術師～" ("Abdullah the Butcher Retirement Commemoration - Farewell, Magician" -
a nod to Abdullah's Japanese nickname "Kuroi Jujutsushi" or "Black Magician/Shaman").

For our next figure review, we'll be looking at two figures that were first introduced at the
Giant Baba 20th anniversary event. Blog #193 goes for blood with the 16d Collection
Abdullah The Butcher soft vinyl figures.

                    
Before the Giant Baba memorial event, Japanese Distributor Ingram (https://www.ingram.co.
jp/properties/legend.php) released the above promotional photo featuring six Wrestling legends
who were under contract for future merchandising.

The legends are Tiger Mask, Genichiro Tenryu, Akira Maeda, Stan Hansen, Riki Choshu and
Abdullah The Butcher (pictured in a very uncommon shot of Abdullah wearing a full Karate
Gi).

At the time, I didn't know what would come of this licensing agreement.

Then, a few hours after Giant Baba's memorial event, this was one of the very first photos of
the Abdullah The Butcher figure (in prototype form) that made it's way to the web.

Was it a prototype? A really well-done fan custom?

Two promotional ads that were distributed at the Giant Baba memorial show. The second advert
promotes a replica Triple Crown Championship belt set for sale through the legendmaster.jp
website.

An ad promoting three of 16d's legend figures at the time: Andre The Giant, Abdullah The Butcher
and Riki Choshu.


On March 19th, 2019, 16d posted the Abdullah The Butcher figure variants for pre-order with
a planned release date set in August of 2019.

Let's take a look at both variants:

First up is the red variant.

Adullah The Butcher would be the seventh figure added to the 16d Collection line (as numbered
"PVC 007" on the packaging). Next to Andre The Giant, Abdullah would be the second figure in
the 16d line to be based on a Pro-Wrestling legend (third if you want to count the retirement
commemorative Genichiro Tenryu figures sculpted by HAO).

The left side of Abdullah's packaging reads:

"PROFILE
.............................................
D.O.B.: January 11th, 1941.
Birthplace: Canada
Height/Weight: 186cm (6'1)/ 150kg (330lbs)
Debut: 1961
Signature moves: Hell Thrust (chop to throat), Poison Needle Elbow Drop, Weapon Attack"

Besides Larry Shreve (the real name of Abdullah The Butcher) coming from Windsor, Ontario,
Canada, I don't know why 16d decided to stick with "Canada" instead of The Sudan in Butcher's
profile.

In the bottom left corner, the figure contains the text "(C) Abdullah The Butcher" as these
figures were officially licensed by the man himself.

The back of the packaging features two great shots of the Abdullah figure. You can tell 16d
takes great pride in their work.

The right side of the packaging. Another good shot of the Butcher.

The only difference in packaging between both of the Abdullah figure variants is a small
sticker on top of both boxes. The red dot indicates the red attire variant while the black dot
represents the black attire version.

Personally, I find using the same packaging for both variants a bit lazy on 16d's behalf.

The bottom of the packaging contains standard safety precautions along with 16d's parent
company Jyurokuhoui (jyurokuhoui.jp which just redirects to https://16d.jp/).

Abdullah The Butcher is listed under copyright along with the figure's material being
listed as soft vinyl.

The Abdullah The Butcher 16d figures are based on Abdullah's late 70's - early 1980's
appearance.

While under the 16d banner, the Abdullah figures themselves were sculpted by renown
Japanese figure maker HAO.


Photo credit: Pro-Wrestling Illustrated

The 16d figure variants also contain Abdullah's goatee from the era.

Abdullah The Butcher would be the first figure in the 16d line to include a removable
accessory. In this case, Abdullah's Arabian hood entrance attire.

I like how the hoods are sculpted as if they are flowing in the wind. In Japan, Abdullah's
theme "One Of These Days by Pink Floyd" is also called "Call Me Arashi" arashi
meaning storm in Japanese. A theme that starts off with plenty of wind.

           


The last time an Abdullah The Butcher figure came bundled with Abdullah's Arabian hood
accessory was fifteen years prior in the form of 2004's Character Product DX figure variants.

Like the Character Product DX figures, Abdullah comes in two colour variants. Red pants
with black highlights and black pants with red highlights.

If you look closely, you'll notice the red version contains a touch of blue for Abdullah's pants
pockets. I also like the added detail provided to the red variant's boots. It's little things like
these which help 16d stand apart from other figure makers.

The 16d Abdullah The Butcher figures are sculpted in Abdullah's signature "Hell Thrust"
(chop to the throat) attack.

A similar sculpt appeared in Abdullah's Character Product DX figure (black pants ver.).

For years, I often remarked that Character Product contained the most realistic Abby head sculpt.
I think that mantle has since been passed to 16d with their phenomenal work here.

Of course, Abdullah's famous head scars are also present and more accurate than the Character
Product versions.
              

The 16d Abdullah The Butcher figures stand 13.5 cm (5.3 inches) tall.

Articulation-wise, the Abdullah figures are articulated at the arms, waist and neck.

One of the glaring oversights to the Abdullah figure, in my opinion, is the lack of a fork
accessory. Especially considering Abdullah's left hand is perfect for holding one.


      
                                                        Abdullah's Hell Thrust in action!



Closing thoughts:

One figure that I always wanted in the original HAO Collection line was Abdullah
The Butcher. The writing seemed on the wall with HAO's 2008 "Regards For
Superstars" series that added Stan Hansen, Giant Baba and two versions of Akira
Maeda to HAO's figure lineup.

         
The Abdullah The Butcher 16d figures are officially licensed by the Butcher himself.

While not as big scale-wise as HAO's original Wrestling figures from 2003-2008
(and with Abdullah not having any figures released in Japan beyond 2005), I never
thought we'd actually see another Japanese figure of The Madman From Sudan.




But, if the squared circle has taught us anything it's to never underestimate
the power of Pro-Wrestling.


In Japan, Abdullah's retirement ceremony culminated with the Butcher being greeted
by some of his biggest rivals such as Mil Mascaras, Dos Caras, Stan Hansen, Dory
and Funk Jr., along with special guests Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) and Keiji Mutoh.

The memorial event was also highlighted by a supershow held between the six aforem
-entioned promotions. The standout performance for me personally was seeing All Japan
veteran "The Outlaw" Joel Deaton (also known as "Thunderfoot #1") get back into a
Japanese ring after 13 years and drop a vicious lariat.

If you love old school Wrestling stories and are a fan of AJPW's glory years, I highly
recommend adding Joel on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/joel.jones.1612).

Overall, the Abdullah The Butcher figures are well made, come with plenty of detail
and contain the most realistic depiction of the Butcher to date. My only real complaint
is lack of a fork accessory that should have been included with either variant.

More reviews coming your way!

Martial Arts Pro-Wrestling Collection figure review

Following the success of the popular All Japan Wrestler collection prize series
in 2004 (which was inserted into canisters of Georgia Brand coffee for a limited
time), Japanese toymaker BOFORD decided to release a follow up series, this
time, however, made for retail.

                                                     

For blog #128, we'll be looking at BOFORD's Martial Arts Pro-Wrestling
Figure Collection.

Each figure set came packaged in blind box fashion. You didn't know which
figure set you got until you opened a box!

In total, there are 9 sets to collect plus one "secret" set.

Like other minifigure assortments during the era, there was also a "Closed Box"
(hobby box) assortment available that contained multiple, randomly selected blind
boxes - for stores and completionists in mind.

                               

Collection 1 features Dory Funk Jr. applying his finishing move the "Spinning
Toe Hold" on the villainous Tiger Jeet Singh.

Dory's "never quit" mentality is present as he applies the submission hold on
Tiger.

Tiger doesn't look too happy with his current predicament!

Each of the 10 figure sets are organized by "Collection". Collection 1 reads
"SPINNING TOE HOLD
______________________
Dory Funk Jr.
  VS Tiger Jeet Singh"

                          

Each figure set is removable from the included ring base. Collection 1, in particular,
features a peg on Tiger's back.

BOFORD made good use of their licensing agreements with each Wrestler
by including alternate variants with even more signature attacks!

Now it's Tiger's turn to slash Dory with Tiger's sabre sword (which Tiger would
famously enter the ring with - cutting the air as he walked through the crowd)!

With one eye closed and arms raised, Dory is trying his best to defend himself.

Collection 2 reads:

"SABRE ATTACK
_________________
Tiger Jeet Singh VS Dory Funk Jr.

Collection 3 includes the second half of the legendary Funks tag team Terry
Funk vs fellow hardcore legend "The Phantom of Arabia" The Sheik Ed Farhat!

                              

Complete with era-accurate red headband, Terry is sculpted performing his
signature "Texas Jabs" attack.

                            

The Sheik does a great job of selling Terry's punch!

There's definitely a charm to the Martial Arts Collection and it's assortment
of Chibi-fied legends.

Collection 3 reads:

"TEXAS JAB
_____________________
Terry Funk VS The Sheik"

                                                                     


                                       

The tables have turned with Collection 4 where The Sheik attempts to injure
Terry Funk with The Sheik's patented fireball!

Collection 4 reads:

"FIRE ATTACK
______________
The Sheik VS Terry Funk"


                                

This time, Terry's on the receiving end of some heel punishment.

Notice how BOFORD switched up the raised arm and closed eye for
Terry's mold (in comparison to Dory Funk Jr. in Collection 2)?

                               

Along with his fireball, The Sheik also comes holding a weapon in his left hand.
In this case, a pencil - which the Sheik would famously stab into many a foe!

                           

Collection 5 kicks off (no, literally) with "The Mystery of the Orient" The
Great Kabuki vs fellow All Japan veteran "The Demon of the Mic" Rusher
Kimura!

Rusher is on the receiving end of Kabuki's patented "Thrust Kick" (also known as
the "Super Kick").

Before Rusher was made famous for his off-the-wall and hilarious mic skills,
Rusher was considered a hardcore innovator (even being referred to as "the
demon of the steel cage").

The Rusher figure's scarred forehead is a testament to Rusher's hardcore years.

Collection 5 reads:

"THRUST KICK
______________
The Great Kabuki
VS Rusher Kimura".

                          

Collection 6 switches things up once again with Rusher Kimura taking the
house mic for some trash talk!

Collection 6 reads:

"MIC APPEAL
_____________
Rusher Kimura
VS The Great Kabuki"

                           

The Great Kabuki comes dressed in his armored shinobi-inspired Ninja hood
and robe complete with nunchuks!

                           

Both Rusher Kimura and The Great Kabuki are exclusive to the Martial Arts
Collection.

Along with each figure, the included turnbuckles are also removable from the

ring base.

                            

Collection 7 contains another exclusive figure not available in BOFORD's All
Japan coffee prize series: "Mr. Puroresu" Genichiro Tenryu!

                               

For Collection 7 Genichiro Tenryu is applying his Powerbomb finisher to
fellow All Japan rival Jumbo Tsuruta.

Collection 7 reads:

"POWERBOMB
______________________________
Genichiro Tenryu VS Jumbo Tsuruta"
                                  

Collection 8 depicts Jumbo Tsuruta applying his Backdrop finisher to
Genichiro Tenryu.

Since the early 1980's, both Tenryu and Tsuruta would have quite a history in
All Japan Pro-Wrestling. As tag team champions and frequent rivals. The Martial
Arts Collection pays tribute to both legends and their historic feuds.

Thanks to the peg in Tsuruta's boot, both Tsuruta and Tenryu can lean back
into a proper Backdrop pose!

Collection 8 reads:

"BACKDROP
____________
Jumbo Tsuruta VS Genichiro Tenryu"

Quite possibly the most popular collection from the set is Collection 9 which
features yet another hardcore legend - Abdullah The Butcher vs Terry Funk.

                         

Abdullah is sculpted holding Terry in a headlock while being repeatedly
stabbed by Abdullah's fork!

You can even see the blood trail down underneath Terry's headband!

Personally, I would have removed Terry's headband for this figure set;
just because the blood blends in too much colour-wise with it.

Collection 9 reads:

"FORK ATTACK"
_______________
Abdullah The Butcher
VS Terry Funk".

The final and "secret" collection of the set is Collection 10 which features Terry
Funk (who makes his fourth appearance - the most in the set) applying another
Spinning Toe Hold on Abdullah The Butcher!

The secret collection 10 set includes special gold ring ropes and a gold frame
around the ring.

Collection 10 is another reference to a famous (and incredibly successful) feud
which took place in All Japan Pro-Wrestling during the 1970's: The Funks vs
Abdullah The Butcher and The Sheik.

The Funks (who are considered one of Japan's most famous gaijin babyfaces -
and also one of the first gaijins to get over in Japan. in general) would shed
blood at the hands of The Sheik and Abdullah's heel tactics.

While bloody brawls have existed in Japan (Rikidozan vs "Classy" Freddie
Blassie comes to mind) years before hand, it was the Funks vs The Sheik
and Abdullah feud which is considered the prominent hardcore match in
Japan; helping to reshape Terry's image as a Hardcore legend years later.

Collection 10 reads:

"SPINNING TOE HOLD
____________________
Terry Funk
VS Abdullah The Butcher".

You can even stack ring sets from the Martial Arts Collection on top of each other!