WWE Elite 94 Bret Hart review
It’s becoming clear to me that I’m gonna be down for the majority of the Elite/Ultimate Edition Bret Hart figures that Mattel puts out.
The likeness has to be real sketchy for me to pass on one. Initially I thought that might be the case with the Elite 94 figure until I saw the figure in hand and came to appreciate this take on his SummerSlam 1992 match against The British Bulldog.
Packaging: I’m still getting used to this new Elite packaging. I like the blue color scheme, but the huge WWE logo along the left side looks weird and ends up obscuring the figure.
There’s a nice portrait of Bret at the front and sides although it’s an interesting choice since it highlights something missing on the figure.
The bio stays match specific as it focuses on Bret’s SummerSlam match.
Likeness: The big thing that held me back on this figure at first was the lack of bangs, a signature element of Bret’s look. This figure is set up in almost a pre-match set up with his hair swept to the back.
Mattel actually got the likeness down so well that this could be the default head sculpt going forward provided they figure out a way to incorporate the bangs.
Bret’s another figure that Mattel got right in terms of the body part choices.
He’s not overly muscular while still looking solid enough to hold his own against stronger powerhouses.
His default hands are the taunt gesturing open versions. Not a bad choice.
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Scale: Bret is 6’, which puts him slightly shorter than most of his peers although he is taller than the 5’11” British Bulldog. Mattel got the height right for Bret compared to the 6’1″ Shawn Michaels, but you can see Bulldog is a bit too tall.
Paint: This is more of the classic color scheme for Bret, with the black top and pink pants. It’s rarer when Mattel figures have major paint issues. The black lining of Bret’s boots and the singlet where the pink and black meet is a little fuzzy. These are more looking for issues not so much glaring problems, however.
Mattel is still painting the flesh portion of Bret’s torso over the black plastic but they’ve improved greatly on the paint apps so the flesh tones match up much better with the head and arms.
Articulation: Bret’s buck has always been good for pulling off his moves. It’s one of the smoothest bodies in terms of fluid articulation in Mattel’s tool box.
Bret can do all of his trademark moves with the exception of a good-looking Russian Leg Sweep, Sleeper or Small Package.
There’s no issue with the diving elbow drop, backbreaker or Sharpshooter.
Bret Hart has:
- neck
- ball-jointed shoulders
- bicep
- elbow (double jointed)
- wrist
- wrist hinge
- torso
- waist
- hip
- thigh
- knee (double jointed)
- ankle
Accessories: Bret comes with a solid amount of accessories despite the lack of his trademark leather jacket.
First up is the Intercontinental title. It feels like it’s been a while since this has been in rotation so this is useful for folks who haven’t been collecting for years. The title has a nice shine to it and the paint details are crisp.
He’s got his pink sunglasses that have a pearlescent pink to capture that sheen of the glasses. It’s a clever approach to them short of using a reflective material.
Finally, he’s got a set of grip hands. I always think fists are better in that case.
Worth it? Bret was $21.99, but I was able to take advantage of a Target buy one get one 50% off sale, which naturally I used to get British Bulldog to complete the SummerSlam set. A $2 increase for this line isn’t terrible considering I can see the enhancements Mattel has made to improve on the figures.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Mattel has the majority of the Bret Hart formula down. Once they get a dead-on likeness they’re going to be rolling. This is a key one for those trying to capture the defining moments of the Hitman’s career.
Where to get it? Elite 94 is long sold out at stores, but you can still get Bret from Amazon.
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