The eighties may have been the peak for playable action figures for kids. Action Figures like He-Man, G.I. Joe, and Stars Wars led the way in popularity but the hidden gems had to be the LJN Wrestling figures that debuted in 1984. If you grew up as a kid in the eighties and were into wrestling at the time of its golden era then you most defiantly had to get your hands on these rubber lifelike figures.
Every Christmas or Birthday I could always count on getting the latest wrestler or the one I needed to complete a series collection. The LJN figures themselves were as hard as a rock and stiff as a jab but man were they fun to play with. They were so fun to toss around and bash into each other that if you are an adult now you likely regret it. They can be highly collectible nowadays if you have any in mint condition or still in the box but it is rare because of the wear and tear we use to put these bad boys through.
Each LJN wrestling figure came with a poster of the wrestler and a file card on the back almost like how GI Joe figures used to be packaged. To find a figure today still in the box with the poster is very rare but there are a few gems out there that are highly sought after. Here is a complete list of every LJN wrestler figure produced from 1984 to 1989 when the final series of wrestlers were produced.
There were 6 series of LJN wrestling figures released and a total of 61 actual unique wrestlers. Some of the figures were duplicates and came in variations pushing the number to 64 in total all together.
1984 LJN Wrestling Figures – Series One
- Andre The Giant
- Big John Stud
- Hillbilly Jim
- Hulk Hogan
- Iron Sheik
- Junkyard Dog
- “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
- Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka
- Nikolai Volkoff
Andre The Giant
The series 1 version of Andre the Giant is a poor representation of Andre’s likeness in my opinion. They didn’t quite capture the size of the biggest man in wrestling back then and his arms and legs are too spindly.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Big John Stud
Big John Stud has the same shape as Andre but is much better captured in the 1984 series one figure. They nailed the likeness of his hair and beard combo and he is in his classic white paints with blue stars.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Hillbilly Jim
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Hillbilly Jim myself growing up but his 1984 LJN figure is pretty darn accurate in terms of looks. The figure itself was one of the most solidly built and he didn’t have many movement options which made it pretty durable. Most Hillbilly Jim’s today have some paint wear but other than that most have stood the test of time and are in good condition. The rarest ones you can find come with his brown farmer bucket hat that was easily lost back in the day.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Hulk Hogan
The main star of the eighties, the man who told us to say our prayers and take our vitamins. This was likely the most sought-after figurine for so many Hulkamaniacs back in the day that there are certainly a lot of them still in circulation. The main defect is usually tearing in the rubber behind the Hulkster’s knees, of course, due to all those leg drops we tried to re-enact as kids.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: World Championship Belt
Iron Sheik
Quite possibly the best heel of all time, Iron Sheik is a legend in WWE lore. His LJN figure is a great likeness right down to his famous pointed boots. Finding one in mint condition is rare because most kids put a beating on his figure with other wrestlers because he was hated so much.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
JunkYard Dog
The man with all the dance moves in the ring, JYD was a fan favorite alright. His LJN figure came with his trademark dog chain and collar. If you are lucky enough to still have those accessories with Junkyard Dog’s figure in decent condition that could grab you a nice premium on the market. His LJN figure is perfectly positioned to sweet power slams.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Dog collar with a silver dog chain
Roddy Piper
The “Hotrod” Rowdy Piper LJN figurine was one of the most popular to get a hold of as a kid in the eighties. Piper was at the height of his popularity and everyone had to have his figure to play with. The LJN figure came with his trademark Scottish kilt, which if you somehow managed not to lose as a kid more power to you because that can add a ton of value to your collectible.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Removable Scottish kilt
Jimmy “Superfly” Sunka
The high-flying Fijian was one of the most entertaining wrestlers of his time. I would say his LJN figure was not one of the most popular ones to have and therefore they are likely rare to find today. His likeness is one of the best captured out of series one right down to his trademark leopard trunks.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Nikolai Volkoff
The classic heel character Nikolai Volkoff is one of my favorite LJN figures in series one. His likeness is great and the USSR outfit is a rare retro throwback to a moment in time. If you managed to hold onto his Ushanka hat then that will get you a nice premium on the market.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Black Russian hat
1985 LJN Wrestling Figures – Series Two
- Brutus Beefcake
- Greg “The Hammer” Valentine
- Greg “The Animal” Steele
- King Kong Bundy
- Paul Orndorff
- Andre The Giant
Brutus Beefcake
Brutus was not one of my favorites in the ring nor as an LJN figure. You really could not do much with his thumb-point posture except maybe go for an eye poke. He does come decked out in a classic pair of flamboyant Beefcake trunks but he never came with his trademark clippers which was very disappointing.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Greg Valentine
The Hammer is a classic character of 80’s wrestling and his LJN figure captures him in a perfect pose. He looks ready to lay down the “Hammer” with his powerful forearm which he did so often in the ring.
Figure Notes:
Variations: Supposedly different hair colors
Accessories: None
Greg “The Animal” Steele
What can you say about George Steele? Maybe WWF’s most bizarre, odd character of all time. The man famous for eating turnbuckles is perfectly captured in his figure with his trademark green tongue and covered in hair body.
Figure Notes:
Variations: Body hair was colored on some versions, these are considered rare
Accessories: None
King Kong Bundy
Bundy was one of my favorite LJN wrestling figures back in the day. His likeness is great and he is so big and heavy that you could easily smash all the other figures with great pleasure. Unfortunately, most of his figures have lots of paint wear and tear for this reason.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Paul Orndorff
Mr. Wonderful was a very underrated character for the WWE and one of the most charismatic wrestlers of all time. His LJN figurine has muscles on top of muscles and he is in the classic bicep flex pose.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Andre The Giant
Andre makes an appearance once again in the 1985 Series 2 release of WWF LJN figures. I think his likeness was so bad in Series 1 that they had to do him justice and re-make his action figure. This time Andre appears with short hair and this version is a much sought-after collector’s piece.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
1986 LJN Wrestling Figures – Series Three
- Bobby “The Brain” Heenan
- Bruno Sammartino
- British Bulldog
- Corporal Kirchner
- Don Muraco
- Dynamite Kid
- Freddie Blassie
- Jessie Ventura
- Captain Lou Albano
- Jimmy Hart
- Mene Gene Okerlund
- Randy Savage
- Ricky Steamboat
- SD Jones
- Terry Funk
- Tito Santana
Bobby Heenan
Bobby “The Brain” Heenan has got to be the best or at the very least top 3 wrestling managers of all time. His LJN figure is outfitted with a classic Bobby outfit right down to the insignia on the sweater.
Figure Notes:
Variations: Scrolls on the sleeves of his shirt
Accessories: None
Bruno Sammartino
The living legend got his own legendary LJN figure in series 3 and it’s a decent representation of Bruno himself. Nothing fancy just plain blue trunks and an open hand ready to slap his opponents.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
British Bulldog
The British Bulldog figurine is a bit of a miss for me from series 3. I don’t think his image was quite captured here and his pose could have been a lot better for such a popular wrestler of the ’80s. He would also later appear as a part of the tag team collection with Dynamite Kid.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Corporal Kirchner
Corporal Kirchner was one of the least popular LJN Figures in series 3. He just didn’t have a big audience in the WWF and didn’t resonate amongst kids of that generation. His figure is an excellent match to his likeness complete with army fatigue and an army beret hat. If you managed to get the bearded version of Kirchner that turned out to be a very rare and sought-after collector item.
Figure Notes:
Variations: Clean Shaven, Beard, and Stubble versions
Accessories: None
Don Muraco
I use to love using the Don Muraco LJN figure when doing my wrestling matches as a kid. His arms are in the perfect position to perform a body slam on other figures. His t-shirt is a classic look as well with his famous “Magnificient Muraco” caption. I think he is one of the more paint-worn figures nowadays as he was used extensively by kids back in the 80’s.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Freddie Blassie
“Classy” Freddie Blassie is one of the all-time great managers in WWF history so it was only fitting that he was part of the LJN family. He stands out mainly because of his flashy outfit which is a bright yellow and red color. If you still manage to have his cane accessory then you can get more for your collectible item.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Black cane
Jessie Ventura
“The Body” Jesse Ventura is best known for his mic skills but he was one of the more flamboyant wrestlers back in the 80s. His LJN figure attire reflects his character pretty spot on with pink trunks and classic shades. The figure itself is not very rare and is one of the cheaper ones in the collection.
Figure Notes:
Variations: Brown or Blonde Mustache
Accessories: None
Captain Lou Albano
Lou Albano is one of those characters you either loved or hated. I personally wasn’t a fan but his figure is a spot-on representation of him. I love his t-shirt which is a caricature of him in a tuxedo. You can usually find his LJN figure in good condition on eBay as I don’t think he was very popular among kids to actually play around with.
Figure Notes:
Variations: The figure on his t-shirt could come in red or white labels
Accessories: None
Jimmy Hart
The “Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart is a WWF hall of fame manager and an all-time great heel. His figure is one of the best out of all the managers in the collection and a must-own in my opinion. He came with his signature megaphone and is one of the most worn figures I see today because it was so great to smack guys over the head with his megaphone.
Figure Notes:
Variations: His megaphone came with and without hearts on it
Accessories: None
Gene Okerlund
If I had to guess I’d say Mene Gene’s LJN figure is the easiest to find in good condition today. He belonged in the collection for sure as an iconic figure in the WWF but the action figure was not popular to wrestle around with. That being said, it’s an excellent representation of him. He is wearing his famous black suit and red bow tie along with a microphone in his left hand.
Figure Notes:
Variations: The microphone came with the WWF symbol and without
Accessories: None
Randy Savage
Macho Man is not only one of the best wrestlers of all time but his LJN figure is one of the top 5 in the collection, in my opinion. It captures his likeness perfectly and he is dressed in his classic pink trunks with white stars. The best part about his figure is his pose with his elbows in the perfect position to drop his famous finishing move from the top rope.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Ricky Steamboat
Steamboat made his debut in series 3 and I think he is one of the most underrated figures in the LJN universe. I loved his Karate stance and found his figure a little lighter than most which meant he could really fly off the ropes if you had the WWF ring to play with.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
SD Jones
Special Delivery Jones feels like an odd choice to be included in the series 3 collection as I don’t recall him being a very popular wrestler back in the day and was more of a mid-carder. That being said, his figure is pretty cool looking especially if you got the Hawaiian shirt variant.
Figure Notes:
Variations: The figure came in a Hawian shirt and an all-red shirt
Accessories: None
Terry Funk
The coolest thing about Terry Funk’s figure was the accessories he came with. He had his famous cowboy hat and branding iron as accessories which made him rare as most figures only had 1 accessory at most. Other than that he is a bit boring to look at and his pose is rather unremarkable.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Cowboy Hat and Branding Iron
Tito Santana
I found Tito’s figurine to be hard to find back in the day, especially the white trunk version which makes it rarer today on the market. His likeness is pretty off I’d say and his face can have many different distortions from figure to figure.
Figure Notes:
Variations: His trunks came in both purple and white versions
Accessories: None
Dynamite Kid
The other half of the dynamic duo, The British Bulldogs. Dynamite Kid was the high flyer of the two and his figure always felt very lightweight so he would take flight pretty easily off the LJN wrestling ring ropes.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
1986 LJN Wrestling Figures – Series Four
- Adrian Adonis
- Billy Jack Hayes
- Bob Orton
- Bret Hart
- Brian Blair
- Hercules
- Harley Race
- Jake Roberts
- Jim Brunzell
- Jim Neidhart
- Kamala
- Ken Patera
- Koko B. Ware
- Mr. Fuji
- Miss Elizabeth
- Outback Jack
- Ted Arcidi
- Vince McMahon
Adrian Adonis
Adrian Adonis was WWF’s most flamboyant character back in the 80’s and his LJN figure perfectly captures that mood. From the pose to the signature pink tights this figure is one of the better likeness characters in the collection.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: The prototype included a rope accessory
Billy Jack Hayes
Billy Jack was a big name back in the Stampede Wrestling days but by the time he got to the WWF in 1986, his popularity had waned. I think his LJN figure is a pretty rare find nowadays and if you manage to still have his cowboy hat accessory you could be sitting on a high-valued collectible.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Black Cowboy Hat
Bob Orton
Cowboy Bob Orton is a classic WWF character and father to WWE star Randy Orton. His figure comes in his trademark leather vest and brown cowboy hat.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Brown Cowboy Hat
Bret Hitman Hart
Bret Hart’s LJN figure is one of the best of the entire collection. The likeness is on point and he is in his trademark pink tights. You could also get his figure as a part of the Tag Team Collection with Jim Neidhart.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Brian Blair
I loved the Killer Bee’s tag team back in the day, but Brian Blair as a stand-alone figure is pretty boring. He had to be one of the least popular LJN figures and tends to sell for cheaper compared to the others in the collection.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Hercules
Another wrestler who was low on the popularity meter and because of this you can still find a large supply of his figure in great condition today. I do like his pose as you were able to drop some vicious elbows on opponents from the top rope.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Harley Race
Harley Race is one of the crown jewels of Series Four. Not only is it a cool-looking figure but it was definitely not as highly owned as most of the others in this series. I don’t recall ever seeing a Harley Race when I was a kid browsing the toy aisle. If you have one in good condition you might want to check the current prices.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Jake Roberts
My only pet peeve with the LJN Jake Roberts figure is they didn’t position his arms into a DDT position. Other than that he is great and was a must-get for any kid who grew up a wrestling fan in the eighties. If you still have “Damien” his pet snake accessory then congrats because the combo sells for high prices.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Damien the Snake
Jim Brunzell
The other half of the Killer Bees tag team and unlike his predecessor, his LJN figure is a bit more valuable. It is rare to have Jim Brunzell in mint condition so it may fetch a high price on the market. Jumpin Jim has an interesting pose with the ol ‘ thumbs up and I think this adds to its appeal for the over-the-top corniness.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Jim Neidhart
The Jim Neidhart LJN figure is a perfect likeness to the charismatic real-life counterpart. He’s in a great pose to pull off a power slam which I’m sure many kids enjoyed doing back in the day. His figure itself is not that rare so he will sell for average prices on the market.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Kamala
One of the crown jewels of the entire LJN collection. I loved Kamala as a kid and can’t believe I never got one of his figures, I think they were hard to find back then. The figure itself could have been a bit bigger as it truly doesn’t capture the size of Kamala in real life. The prices on an LJN Kamala mint condition are very high so check prices often if you got one to sell.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Ken Patera
Ken Patera is one of the biggest LJN figures as he stands in a double bicep flex pose. He is not exactly a household name for casual wrestling fans but his figure commands high prices on the market as his figure is rather rare to find.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Koko B. Ware
One of the most entertaining wrestlers of all time and his wrestling superstar figure perfectly captures that energy. The classic jacket and red pants combo and of course his trusted sidekick Frankie all look great.
Figure Notes:
Variations: The prototype had him in blue tights
Accessories: Frankie the Parrott
Mr. Fuji
Mr. Fuji is perfectly captured in his LJN superstar figure. There are many out there in mint condition as he was rarely played with being a manager and all. Unless you still have his cane accessory prices are rather cheap for him.
Figure Notes:
Variations:
Accessories: Black Cane
Miss Elizabeth
Maybe the most famous manager of all time and if you had Macho Man’s figure then Miss Elizabeth was a must-have as well. The rare version to find has her dressed in a gold skirt.
Figure Notes:
Variations: Came in both a purple skirt and the more rare gold skirt
Accessories: None
Outback Jack
Outback Jack felt like a “filler” to include in series 4. Not particularly a popular wrestler and his LJN character is no different. It’s cool to own just to complete a collection of course but try and get one that includes his Aussie Hat which completes Outback’s look.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Aussie Bush Hat
Ted Arcidi
Ted Arcidi was an absolute beast of a man during his WWF days and his LJN figure captures that. Not a popular wrestler so his market price is rather low compared to most others.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Vince McMahon
Announcer Vince McMahon is one of the most sought-after LJN figures in the entire collection. They are rare to find and command top dollar on the open market. It’s not a great likeness of him, to be honest, but it’s a throwback to the early times of the CEO.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
1985 LJN Wrestling Figures – Series Five
- Demolition Ax
- Bam Bam Bigelow
- Honkey Tonk Man
- Hulk Hogan
- Jim Duggan
- Johnny V
- One Man Gang
- Rick Martel
- Slick
- Tito Santana
- Ted Dibiase
- Referee
Demolition Ax
Demolition finally got a much-needed LJN figure in series five with Ax. The odd part is they didn’t also release Smash to go along with him which was a poor decision in my opinion. Nonetheless, Ax is a highly sought figure and can sell for hundreds of dollars.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Bam Bam Bigelow
All the figures in series 5 are pretty rare but Bam Bam is one of the hardest to find in mint condition. They really went out of their way to make him look as mean and ugly as possible with the missing tooth and offset eyes.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Honkey Tonk Man
Honkey Tonk’s LJN figure is clearly one of the best-dressed in the entire collection. I do find his face a bit off though. If you have one with no paint wear and his guitar accessory you are looking at a huge score.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Guitar
Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan makes an appearance again in series five. This time he is outfitted in a white Hulkamania tank top and white boots. There is a variant for this Hogan figure in which he wears a red shirt
Figure Notes:
Variations: Red Hulkamania tank top
Accessories: None
Jim Duggan
Jim Duggan is in his classic thumbs-up pose for his LJN wrestling figure. Overall he is a good likeness to his real-life counterpart. A good-condition Jim Duggan figure with 2×4 is one of the higher-priced figures you can own.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Lumber 2×4
Johnny V
Lucious Johnny V was one of the heel managers from the 80s. He managed some pretty big names during his career most notably Brutus Beefcake in the WWE. His figure is very flashy which perfectly captures the way he use to dress during his time in the business.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
One Man Gang
One Man Gang is one of the best WWF ljn figures of Series 5. He just looks like a madman you would not want to tangle with. Finding one in excellent condition is very rare.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Rick Martel
Rick Martel is a pretty plain jane looking figure but it fits his in-ring personality perfectly. I will say though his pose is perfect to perform a textbook bodyslam.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Slick
The best-dressed LJN wrestling figure goes to manager Slick, no question about it. He was always dressed to the nines and his figure represents that perfectly.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: Hat
Tito Santana
Tito Santana gets his 2nd LJN figure in series 5 this time decked out in the white trunks of the Strike Force tag team. He and Rick Martel were also sold together as a tag team.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Ted Dibiase
The Million Dollar Man finally got a WWF figure in Series 5 and it was about time. He is one of the best characters in wrestling history and he is decked out in a classic million-dollar suit for his figure.
Figure Notes:
Variations: None
Accessories: None
Referee
LJN added a referee in its final season to complete the full ring experience. Believe it or not, it’s one of the rare LJN wrestling figures you can own.
Figure Notes:
Variations: Came in both a white or blue shirt
Accessories: None
