By Michael Moore, Collectibles specialist

In Brief: Collectors waited close to a decade for the first modern era figures of Sting. One 2010 figure may become a prized collectible.

Action Figure Spotlight #6: Sting Jakks-Pacific TNA Impact
Released: 2010
What you can expect to pay: $10-15
Recent sales: $4.29, $10




From 2004 to 2009, wrestling figure websites and message boards often asked collectors which wrestler they would most like to see included in Jakks-Pacific’s Classic WWE Superstars Line. The majority of the time, collectors responded with one name: Sting.

Sting never was included in this particular set, but when Jakks began producing TNA figures in 2010, collectors finally got their wish. The first modern-style figure of Sting was included in the first set of Deluxe Impact figures and several figures have been produced since then.

The one Sting figure that really stands out was sold only at Walgreens stores as a part of the only basic TNA Impact series ever produced, sometimes called “Ruthless Impact” by collectors because of their similarity to Jakks’s popular Ruthless Aggression series of WWE figures. These particular figures are basic figures; while the Deluxe Impact figures have more points of articulation, many collectors prefer the basic figures because they are often more sturdily built, without a flexible stomach and wobbly legs.

The basic Impact figures were sold for $6.99 each, or three for $13.98. Because of their limited distribution, these figures initially sold for pretty high amounts; the Sting figure was the most popular of the bunch, sometimes selling as high as $50. The prices have since dropped, and the Sting figure can now be found for around $10.

Jakks has produced a few other basic Sting figures, but this is the only one sold in a single package that features Sting with his Crow-style look. It’s unlikely that Jakks will produce another basic figure of Sting, so the supply of these figures will probably dry up soon. If you’re looking to pick up a basic Sting figure for your collection, don’t wait too long.

Collectibles news

Mattel has released images of some new WWE figures on the horizon, and there are some pretty cool figures coming in 2012. One two-pack that is bound to be especially popular with collectors features Randy Savage in his early pink tights with stars, with an accompanying C.M. Punk figure dressed exactly like the “Macho Man” from the night on Raw when Punk paid tribute to Savage following his death. Ringsidecollectibles.com is always a great place to check for upcoming releases. … The new Topps WWE Classic trading card set is scheduled to be released Dec. 14. … Walmart is selling a special WWE ring and steel cage that comes with figures of John Cena and the Miz for only $25. If you’re looking to pick up a gift for a young wrestling fan, this is a pretty good deal.

Reader Response: What wrestling item is sitting on your desk at home or work?

Zac Heath: “Pretty much the entire ECW roster: Taz, Balls Mahoney, Raven, Justin Credible, Sabu, and, for some strange reason, people I thought would have been good in the original ECW: the Headbangers and Kanyon. And also the worst wrestling figure ever released: Dr. Death Steve Williams wearing a white tank top and red gym shorts.”

A.J. Maltese: “I have my autographed (Smackdown vs. Raw) 2009 (John Morrison signed) on my desk at home.”

A new question of the week will be included in Thursday’s collectibles column. You can reach Pro Wrestling Torch Wrestling Collectibles Specialist Michael Moore at michaelmoorewriter@gmail.com.

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