By Michael Moore, PWTorch Collectibles specialist

In Brief: Mattel's intricately detailed figure of Batista from its sixth series of Elite figures is one of the former WWE star's most popular toys.




- Action Figure Spotlight: Batista Mattel WWE Elite Series 6
- Originally released: 2010
- What you can expect to pay: $40-55 loose; $55-70 packaged
- Recent sales: $37.00, $44.98, $49.99, $55.00 (loose)

By the time Mattel took over WWE's action figure license in 2010, Batista was in the midst of one of his most successful runs as a heel – and also on his way out the door.

Jakks-Pacific produced dozens of Batista toys from 2003 to 2009, but because of the timing, Mattel produced only a handful of toys of “The Animal.” Most of the toys were released in early- to mid-2010, and many collectors aren’t fond of the earliest Mattel figures.

But, a lot of collectors were blown away by Batista’s figure from the sixth series of Elite toys, which was released late in 2010. Even though most Elite figures are packaged with detailed accessories such as t-shirts, title belts, or entrance gear, the Batista toy came with just two accessories: a microphone and the Kanye West-style sunglasses he wore as a heel.

The Batista figure is incredibly detailed, though, with full-color tattoos on his back and arms. It is easily one of the best looking toys of the former World Champion ever made.

The figure was initially pretty easy to find upon its release, and could be purchased at Walmart and Target stores for about $15-17. But the supply has since dried up, and today loose figures are regularly selling for around $50. Packaged figures don’t command much more than that, probably because of the higher shipping that comes with buying a packaged toy.

Much of the interest in this and other Mattel toys is generated by collectors outside of the U.S. Many WWE fans in Europe and Australia haven’t been able to get the Mattel figures in their local stores, so they’re spending big money on the secondary market.

If Batista stays away from WWE and Mattel doesn’t crank out new figures, there is a good chance that this toy will remain one of his most popular and valuable figures.

Collectibles News

If you missed out on the C.M. Punk “Best in the World” shirt that was all the rage in 2011, check your local Hot Topic store. Many stores have marked select WWE shirts down as low as $5-8, including this Punk shirt. Hot Topic is also selling discounted shirts of Rey Mysterio, John Cena, and others.

Collectibles Note

Next Tuesday’s Action Figure Spotlight will be the 50th installment of the series. If there is a particular wrestler or figure you would like to see featured, send your suggestions to michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com . So far, most readers have asked to see a figure of C.M. Punk highlighted.

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