Mattel Creations promised a collector’s dream with the WWE Ultimate Edition Cody Rhodes & Brandi Rhodes 2-Pack. At $70 and sold out now that it has shipped, expectations were sky-high. What arrived, however, feels more like a nightmare than a celebration of “The American Nightmare.”
The figures themselves carry presence. Cody has the gear fans wanted, and Brandi finally gets the figure treatment collectors have been asking for. Posing them together works, and the set has the potential to shine in any display. But the execution leaves a lot to be desired.
First, the packaging. For an exclusive aimed at the adult collector market, the box damage is unacceptable. Tape tears, frayed edges, and dents immediately lower the appeal of what should be a pristine display piece. Inside, the quality control issues stack up. Cody’s figure shows paint blotches, while Brandi’s drop-down hip joint was assembled incorrectly and does not function. Sloppy glue application on her outfit adds to the frustration.
At this price point, collectors expect more. Adult fans are not just buying toys, they are investing in premium pieces meant to display, photograph, and preserve. When the product misses the mark on both presentation and figure construction, it sours the entire experience.
Am I glad to have Cody and Brandi in the Ultimate Edition line? Yes. Am I satisfied with the quality that Mattel delivered? Absolutely not. For a marquee release, this feels like a swing and a miss, and fans deserve better.
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