Wrestling is one of the oldest sports, where contestants prove their might by pinning down their opponents. However, the sport soared to new heights of popularity in the 1980s, as the WWF set a new standard for ring matches. The WWF originated in 1953 as Capitol Wrestling Corporation and later took on the name World Wide Wrestling Federation in 1963. The organization took on a new name, the WWF, in 1979, just a few years before Vincent K. McMahon bought Capitol Sports and took it in a new direction.
McMahon was a world where wrestling would become a primetime event on television. He also got rid of the regional structure of the previous organizations. He then set up spectacle-filled events that would air for pay-per-view television, starting with WrestleMania.
Rather than spartan athletes, wrestlers became superstars, with skits, feuds, and promos keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Many of these new stars would make appearances on television and in movies. Moreover, they became the hottest toys, allowing fans to recreate their favorite grudge matches at home.
Presenting the ten most expensive WWF toys that sold on online auction sites
A few different companies have created beloved wrestling toys over the years. The company that capitalized on the rising fame of the WWF was LJN, who created the toys in the 1980s. Their Wrestling Superstars toy line set the standard for WWF action figures. Later, Hasbro took over the license and introduced even more toys of the greatest wrestlers.
Decades later, these toys have become desirable collectibles, with many worth hundreds to thousands of dollars. Thus, we set out to locate the ten most expensive WWF action figures and other toys that sold on online auction sites. To narrow the search, we looked at only listings in the toys category and only included toys released in the 80s and 90s.
Furthermore, we aimed to present an accurate list indicating reasonable sales prices. Thus, we eliminated listings that appeared suspicious or fraudulent. For instance, listings that claimed to be prototypes without certificates of authenticity were not included on our list. Furthermore, we are only highlighting the most expensive listing for each toy.
10. LJN Wrestling Superstars Bret Hart
One of the greatest wrestlers, Bret Hart, came from a long line of wrestlers. As part of the Hart Wrestling Family, he had the benefit of training under his father, Stu. Likewise, many of his siblings either worked behind the scenes or became contestants in the ring.
Bret Hart began his wrestling career in 1976 within his father’s organization, the Canadian Stampede Wrestling. His career continued growing, facing North American and Japanese contestants. He eventually joined the WWF in 1984 as part of a tag team with Dynamite Kid.
He gained his nickname, the Hit Man, in 1985. Thanks to his technical wrestling style, Gorilla Monsoon described him as “The Excellence of Execution”. Meanwhile, he became a staple member of the group known as “The Hart Foundation”, which included Jimmy Hart and Jim Neidhart.
His wrestling career lasted decades, with him eventually moving to other organizations like the WWE. He would basically retire from wrestling in 2000. However, his legacy lived on. In 2006, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Thus, Bret Hart was an excellent choice for LJN to include in their Wrestling Superstars action figure toy line within the line-up for its fourth series. Like most action figures of that series, the Bret Hart toy came with a poster. Moreover, the back of the card featured a short biography of the wrestler’s career.
One of these toys became available on eBay in 2022. While the seller did not highlight that the card back was signed, the pictures prominently displayed the wrestler’s autograph. Moreover, the action figure was MIC and in excellent condition. Thus, it was recorded as sold for $7,000.00 on October 03, 2022.
9. Hasbro WWF King of the Ring Playset (1993) CAS 85+
No wrestling collection would be complete without the main attraction: the wrestling ring. Thus, Hasbro and most other manufacturers of wrestling toys included a ring within their toy lines. Some of these had cage match structures, but they all allowed players to match their favorite wrestlers against each other.
In 1993, Hasbro introduced the WWF King of the Ring Playset to complement their selection of action figures. This playset allowed players to create mat-pounding main events, super-slammin’ grudge matches, and rockin’ royal rumbles. Thus, they could declare the king of the ring with these matches. The set featured a durable mat-pounding flatform, a figure set-up platform, and spring-action rebound ropes.
Beyond these play elements, the WWF King of the Ring Playset was presented as the official World Wrestling Federation ring in toy form. It included a WWF flag that could be inserted in one of the corner posts. Moreover, it included a championship belt that could be displayed on top of an included display stand.
While Mint In Box copies of this playset are rare, it is even rarer to run across one with a grade from the CAS. Thus, collectors took notice when one popped up on eBay in 2021. The CAS had granted this playset an 85+ grade and encased it in one of their protective acrylic cases. Thus, it was documented as sold for $8,000.00 on June 23, 2021.
8. LJN Wrestling Superstars ’89 Ted DiBiase
Ted Dibiase’s wrestling career began in the Amarillo territory, where he refereed matches starting in 1974. By 1975, he was wrestling in the ring as part of the Mid-South territory. By 1979, he joined the WWF and became the first North American Heavyweight Champion.
While he appeared in other organizations, like the NWA and All Japan Pro Wrestling, some of Ted Dibiase’s most extraordinary moments occurred in the WWF. He became a prominent figure during his two additional stints in the Federation, from 1987 to 1993 and 1994 to 1996. He eventually took on the name of “The Million Dollar Man”, playing the part of the villain. Unfortunately, he had to retire in 1993 due to a ring injury.
As a significant part of the WWF, Ted DiBiase made an excellent addition to the Wrestling Superstars ’89 toy line. His action figure was one of the few released on the black cardbacks from that year. This was the last series of LJN’s WWF action figures, so they have become rare collectibles. This is why a copy that appeared on eBay sold for thousands of dollars.
This copy of the LJN Wrestling Superstars Ted DiBiase action figure was MIC with only a few defects. The seller noted that the card had minor wear and tear. Moreover, there were a few minor dents on the blister. Therefore, this toy was reported to be sold for $8,000.00 on October 05, 2020.
7. Hasbro WWF Dusty Rhodes Series 2 (1991) AFA 75
Dusty Rhodes was one of the critical components of the WWF, taking on the nickname “The American Dream” in the ring. His career began in the AWA, where he was part of the Texas Outlaws, a tag-team duo with Dick Murdoch. His career grew as he joined the WCW, which was run by Jim Crockett Promotions, in 1985. However, he would temporarily leave the WCW to become a member of the WWF from 1989 until 1991.
One of Rhodes’s most significant victories in the WWF occurred during WrestleMania VI, where he and Sapphire triumphed over Randy Savage and Sensational Queen Sherri. However, his career was filled with many other victories. For instance, he won three heavyweight championships while wrestling in the NWA. His accomplishments led to his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, WCW Hall of Fame, and others.
Hasbro acknowledged the prowess of Dusty Rhodes by including him in their WWF toy line. The action figure was released as part of the Summer Slam line in 1991. While one of these toys could attract collectors in MIC condition, a graded copy is even more valuable.
One of these graded toys made an appearance on eBay in 2022. The AFA had graded this copy of the Hasbro WWF Dusty Rhodes action figure as worthy of a 75. This grade was further broken down with the card receiving an 85, the blister a 70, and the figure an 85. The grace from the CAS led to this action figure reportedly selling for $8,000.00 on December 23, 2022.
6. LJN Wrestling Superstars ’89 Andre the Giant AFA 85 NM+
One of the physically largest wrestlers to ever hit the ring was Andre the Giant, born as André René Roussimoff. Andre’s intimidating size was due to a genetic condition, gigantism, which made him larger than the typical human. He reached a recorded 7 feet 4 inches tall, allowing him to tower over most other wrestlers.
When Andre was 18, he began his wrestling career in France. His size allowed him to move to larger, international circuits. When he made his WWF debut in 1973, he gained the identity he became best known as Andre the Giant. He remained a vital part of the WWF when Vince McMahon took over in 1984 and remained part of the organization until 1991. While he attempted to maintain his wrestling career as his health declined, Andre the Giant passed away in 1993.
LJN included Andre the Giant within their 1989 line-up of WWF Wrestling Superstars action figures. As these toys were some of the final releases from the line, they are some of the rarest. Thus, they command a high price when they appear on the second-hand market. Like other vintage toys, a grade from an organization like the AFA helps to increase the value.
One of these rare toys became available on eBay in 2013. Its owner had sent it to the AFA, who awarded it a grade of 85 NM+. This grade was further broken down with the card receiving an 85, the blister receiving an 85, and the card also receiving an 85. When the listing closed on August 04, 2013, it was recorded as sold for $9,500.00.
5. LJN Wrestling Superstars ’89 Ultimate Warrior
James Brian Hellwig would become the wrestler heralded as the Ultimate Warrior. Before he began to focus on wrestling, he competed as a bodybuilder. However, he turned his attention to wrestling in 1985 when he became a part of The Freedom Fighters for the Continent Wrestling Association. After appearing in other associations, like the WCCW, he joined the WWF in 1987. Soon after, he became known as the Ultimate Warrior.
The Ultimate Warrior remained an active part of the WWF until 1992. He even returned briefly in 1996. During that time, he had many memorable moments. Most memorably, he pinned and defeated Hulk Hogan in WrestleMania VI. He also triumphed over “Macho Man” Randy Savage during WrestleMania VII. His accomplishments led to his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.
Like a few other toys listed here, LJN included the Ultimate Warrior as one of the wrestlers in their final series of Wrestling Superstars action figures. This toy came out in 1989 on a black card back. As LJN halted production of these toys after their release, fewer were sent to stores. Thus, the 1989 toys are rare and valuable to collectors.
One of these action figures became available on eBay in 2020. As it was MIC with only minor defects, like slight creasing on the corner of the card, collectors were ready to spend thousands of dollars to obtain it. Notably, it also had a small crack in the left-hand area of the blister. This LJN Wrestling Superstars action figure reportedly sold for $9,999.99 on October 20, 2002.
4. Hasbro WWF Moon Belly Kamala AFA 85+
James Arthur Harris, who would gain fame as “The Ugandan Giant”, began his wrestling career in 1978 as the “Sugar Bear”. He participated in NWA matches for years, winning championships and gaining new nicknames. He also participated in the Continental Wrestling Association, Mid-South Wrestling, and World Class Championship Wrestling. However, some of his greatest moments occurred after he joined the WWF in 1984 as Kamala.
Kamala entered the WWF thanks to the encouragement of another wrestler, Andre the Giant. While he initially only participated in 1984, he returned from 1986 to 1987. He also returned to the WWF again from 1992 until 1993. He challenged other notable wrestlers like Hulk Hogan, the Undertaker, and Brett Hart. His skits and promos also included “savage” behavior, like acting as if he ate live chickens.
In 1993, Hasbro introduced Moon Belly Kamala as one of the action figures for their WWF toy line. This action figure has become one of the rarest pieces from the line. Thus, even loose versions of the toy command high prices on the second-hand market.
Due to the rarity of the Hasbro WWF Moon Belly Kamala action figure, one reportedly sold on eBay for $11,000.00 on September 05, 2018. Beyond being a rare toy, this loose copy had a grade from the AFA, which awarded it an 85+. It also came with a certificate of authenticity.
3. LJN Wrestling Superstars ’89 Macho Man Randy
Before he became the spokesperson for Slim Jims, Randy Mario Poffo gained fame as the wrestler “Macho Man” Randy Savage. He began wrestling in 1973, leaving behind his minor-league baseball career. While wrestling in the GCW, he took on his infamous ring name, Randy Savage. His track brought him to rings for organizations like the CWA and ICW. However, many of his greatest moments occurred after he joined the WWF in 1985.
From 1985 until 1994, Randy Savage was a mainstay contender of the Federation. He had several feuds and participated in several tournaments. One of his defining moments was his match against Steamboat in WrestleMania III. Soon after, he defeated Ted DiBiase to become the Champion of WrestleMania IV in 1988. He also became “The Macho King” after he triumphed over Jim Duggan in 1989. Even after he left the WWF, his wrestling career continued in organizations like World Championship Wrestling.
LJN included Macho Man Randy as one of the wrestlers within their 1989 line-up of the WWF Wrestling Superstars toy line. Since these action figures were the last series of WWF toys from LJN, they had a short production run. This has made them rare and valuable on the second-hand market.
Their value can be seen in the copy that became available on eBay in 2020. This toy was MIC and in excellent condition. The seller had noted that it had been stored in a protective acrylic case. However, the bubble had previously pulled away from the card and been reglued. Despite the minor defect, this action figure was reported as sold for $12,000.00 on November 05, 2020.
2. Hasbro WWF Tag Team Greg “Hammer” Valentine Rhythm & Blues Prototype
After training under Stu Hart, Johnathan Anthony Wisniski began his wrestling career in 1970. While he started with ring names like Baby Face Nelson and Johnny Fargo, he would be best known as Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. He spent several years in the NWA’s Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, winning several titles and the WWWF before officially joining the WWF in 1981.
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine wrestled in the WWF from 1981 until 1982 and then returned to it once again from 1984 until 1992. While he momentarily left the WWF once more to wrestle in WCW, he returned again from 1993 until 1994.
He participated in several of the WWF’s most notable events, like the original WrestleMania. He also participated in WrestleMania IV, defeating his longtime rival Ricky Steamboat but losing to Randy Savage. Eventually, he became a member of the tag-team Rhythm and Blue along with The Honky Tonk Man in 1990.
Hasbro prepared to include Greg “The Hammer” Valentine in their WWF toy line in 1991. To get it ready for production, they molded several prototypes. One of these prototypes, a color version with black hair, appeared on eBay in 2014. To prove its authenticity, it came with a CIB certificate. Moreover, this AFA graded this action figure and gave the loose toy an 80 grade. When the listing closed on September 16, 2014, it was documented as sold for $15,500.00.
1. LJN Wrestling Superstars Hulk Hogan Prototype
One of the most prominent wrestlers from the 80s was Terry Gene Bollea, better known as Hulk Hogan. The man who would become the face of the WWF began his wrestling career in 1977 as the hooded wrestler named “The Super Destroyer”. He participated in matches for the CWA and NWA. He also gained the nickname “The Hulk” due to his ability to dwarf Lou Ferrigno, the star of The Hulk on TV.
As Terry joined the WWF in 1979, Vince McMahon dubbed him Hulk Hogan as he wanted to portray Terry as an Irishman. While he initially only remained at the WWF until 1981, he returned to the organization in 1983. From there, he would become a headliner and participated in many events until his next departure in 1993. For instance, he left victorious from the first WrestleMania as he and Mr. T defeated Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper. Likewise, he triumphed in 1988’s SummerSlam as he and Randy Savage defeated Ted DiBiase and Andre the Giant.
Hulk Hogan was a consistent part of LJN’s WWF Wrestling Superstars toy line. Thus, the company produced various prototypes of Hulk Hogan action figures, including an 8” color prototype. Fans received the chance to purchase one of these rare, unique prototypes on eBay in 2018. This resin prototype stood 8” tall and was painted. It also included a letter of authenticity from the LJN employee who previously owned it. This led to its reported sale for $25,000.00 on December 12, 2018.
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Chris Ingledue
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Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!