WWF wrestling figures from ’90s grapple thousands at auction

By Ed Chatterton

A wrestling fan's collection of 1990s WWF figures has sold for thousands of pounds at auction.

The vintage toys, which were still in their original packaging, were purchased by a collector more than 30 years ago.

They included figures of The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan and Bret "The Hitman" Hart when they were at the height of their fame.

The WWF (later rebranded WWE) toys were made by Hasbro, which released about 100 figures of different wrestlers between 1990 and 1994.

They cost about £5 (nearly $7) each at the time but now seven of them have fetched £2,600 (more than $3,500) at Vectis Auctions in Stockton-on-Tees.

The most expensive toy was a series four Bret Hart from 1992 which sold for £1,041 (more than $1,400) after being given an estimate of £70-£90 ($95-$125).

A near mint Undertaker figure, which was also expected to make £70-£90 ($95-$125), sold for £588 ($800) last Wednesday (Aug. 19).

Figures of the tag team Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags, AKA The Nasty Boys, sold for £563 ($765) after being given an estimate of £50-£70 ($70-$95).

Two Hulk Hogans and a Mr. Perfect sold for £300 ($410) each while a Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake figure sold for £392 ($535).

A spokesperson for Vectis Auctioneers said: "The fact they were in their packaging, known in the trade as 'carded', only added to the value.

"These figures were all from one private owner collection and were in near mint to mint condition.

"The quality of the card and bubble was undoubtedly a driving factor in the final value realized.

"It is possible the buyer will take these cards and get them graded to increase their value further.

"The prices achieved are significantly higher than other similar carded figures sold recently.

"It proves the demand for these figures remains incredibly strong."