Toy Fair coverage begins offsite this year, not in a showroom, but in…an APPARTMENT?! That’s right, I’m standing in a bedroom of skyrise appartment 4 blocks from the Javitts Center and Playmobil’s new WWE line is on the bed in front of me, while their new Barbie prototypes sit on the dresser behind me. (NOTE: THE BARBIE ITEMS WERE PROTOTYPES AND SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL SO NO PHOTOGRAPHY WAS ALLOWED) So, how did this come about? Well, Playmobil’s PR agency, Carve Communications, created this as part of a new PR Venture they call Carve-X. Carve-X is designed to show the products in the environment they are most likely to be used in. I must admit that I can’t help but think in the back of my head that I might be arrested for home invasion at any moment, I push those thoughts to the back of my head and focus on the product. Because this is the only place at Toy Fair to see Playmobil’s new WWE line, and here it is in front of me.
The line consists of individual figures, a vehicle and a playset. As with most of their pop culture offerings, Playmobil has perfectly translated the look and signature features of the various WWE SuperStars into their signature figure style. SuperStars shown include Hulk Hogan, Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Triple H, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Roman Reigns. Also shown was a Brahma Bull Monster Truck, which comes with a figure of, who else, but the Rock. Finally, the centerpiece of the line is a massive RAW Arena Set, which includes a ring, with RAW ring post and ring skirt graphics, as well an entryway with a huge screen that features a RAW graphic and a small ramp. Also included are a breakable table and a couple of chairs. The ring has white elastic ropes. Figures of Seth “Freakin” Rollins and CM Punk, as well as a cameraman, with a camera accessory, and a referee in the current referee shirt, which is making it’s first appearance in any toy line.
All kidding aside, this was a very unique way to showcase these toys, and they look great. Playmobil has again absolutely nailed the synergy between the property they are adapting and Playmobil’s signature style. It is crazy to think that this is only the second time that WWE has entered the building toy segment, with the first being a line of building sets by the Bridge Direct. I have high hopes for this line, and can’t wait to have them in hand to see for myself. For now, enjoy this gallery of the figures and playset.
