By Michael Moore, PWTorch Collectibles specialist

In Brief: The first Ric Flair toy from 1985 is a popular and affordable collectible.




Action Figure Spotlight #12: Remco AWA Ric Flair
Originally released: 1985
What you can expect to pay: $5-15 (loose); $50-300 (packaged)
Recent sales: $4.99, $15; $17 (loose with Larry Zbyszko); $46 (packaged with Zbyszko); $250 (Mat Mania single figure re-release)

Ric Flair was the NWA World Champion in 1985. So, what the heck is he doing in a set of AWA figures?

Many fans have forgotten the short-lived Pro Wrestling USA joint venture of the AWA and NWA in the mid-1980s. The two promotions attempted to join forces to fight off Vince McMahon’s national expansion.

The first series of AWA figures from Remco, released in 1985, included a two-pack of Ric Flair and Larry Zbyszko that read “NWA Champion vs. AWA Challenger.” It was the first Flair figure ever made, and one that is still popular with many wrestling fans.

The figure features Flair in a pair of purple trunks with an “RF” monogram, white boots and a sparkly white robe. It was made widely available, so a loose figure isn’t too tough to find today. If you’re persistent, you should be able to find a complete loose figure in excellent condition for as low as $5; the most you should expect to pay is $15.

A packaged figure will be considerably more difficult to find. Even though these were easy to find in 1985, most of them were opened by kids and adult wrestling fans. Every now and then, the Flair-Zbyszko two-pack will surface on eBay and usually sells for around $50.

The Flair figure was re-released in 1986 as a part of the Mat Mania set, which was the first time Remco offered single figures. These were released in very short supply, and are incredibly difficult to find today. They almost never surface on the secondary market; one recently sold on eBay for $250.

If you’re looking for a figure of the legendary “Nature Boy,” there are plenty out there. Galoob, Hasbro and Jakks-Pacific have all made various figures of Flair. But this original Flair figure remains one the most popular – and affordable – ever made.

Collectibles News

-- Mattel is producing a special Tribute to the Troops line of WWE figures. Included are such figures as John Cena with patriotic dog tags and hat, Rey Mysterio with a Tribute to the Troops shirt and camoflauge pants, Randy Orton with a flak jacket, and more. They will be sold exclusively at Kmart stores; a Tribute to the Troops ring also will be available. Pictures are available at WWE.com .

-- The first Internet-exclusive WWE Legends figure will go on sale January 30. Andre the Giant will be the first of six figures in 2012 sold exclusively at mattycollector.com. Mattel is also offering a special Undertaker figure that had previously only been sold at San Diego Comic Con in 2010.

-- The rare Mat Mania series of AWA Remco figures continue to increase in value. A packaged figure of referee Dick Woehrle recently sold for $300, while a loose Marty Jannetty in poor condition fetched $80.

Question of the Week: Where do you buy your wrestling collectibles? Do you primarily buy from retail stores, hobby shops, eBay, conventions, or the companies's official websites?

Jerry Saurbeir: “I'd have to say eBay first. I use searches to feel out market price and use 'make an offer' to set mine (if offered). Second, shopTNA.com. The types of items they offer are great, the customer service is fantastic, and if you want to gamble, you can get most items at a steal. Lastly, WWEshop.com. One-of-a-kind items on WWE PPVs. Plaques with pieces of memorabilia (top rope pieces, turnbuckles, mat pieces) from WrestleMania rank very high on my list. Other than that, wherever I can find it, rummage sales, flea markets, outlet stores. You just have to have an eye for what you're purchasing.”

If you have a question or comment about wrestling collectibles, contact Michael Moore at michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com.

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