Action Figure Review

Mattel Basic Series SummerSlam 1992 British Bulldog

Everyone's favourite Manc

The 'problem' with The British Bulldog (A.K.A. Davey Boy Smith) is that I could write about him forever. This guy single-handedly got me into professional wrestling. I remember watching him make his way down to the ring with Winston. His Union Jack cape proudly on display. As a young, British fan watching an all American 'sport'...he was a perfect (and instant) role model. Not only did we Brits have a legit awesome superstar represent us in the ring...but he was northern too! He may not have been technically gifted in the ring, but what he brought to the squared circle (& a generation of fans and superstars) is something never to be replicated again. His stand out moment was SummerSlam 1992. It has gone down as one of the best ever. Huge credit has to go to Bret 'The Hitman' Hart (we all know he carried the match, and so did Davey Boy Smith) but that match for the Intercontinental Championship was a milestone moment for UK wrestling fans (and future British based wrestlers). This Basic Series figure by Mattel captures DBS from that glorious night, so let's take a look and see if the toy giants did him justice.

Body Sculpt

Before taking the figure out of the packaging, it struck me just how ripped the torso on this figure is. He looks more like a character from the He-Man universe than the WWE universe (even the modern day Maharajah is not that ripped!) but it's not exactly a bad thing. Saying that his biceps do look like they belong to Big Poppa Pump...

Not to take anything away from my hero...but he was not built like that. He had strong broad shoulders and a proud stance/chest, but he wasn't as 'sculpted' as Mattel have depicted him in this release. Don't get me wrong, it works, but it's just a very odd choice. What is a great choice, however, is the head sculpt. I can understand how this may come across as slightly biased, but that really is one of the best face scans ever. Instantly recognizable, & they've even made sure he's got the slight double chin going on too. That may sound harsh, but he was a big dude, and that's how he looked. So credit for Mattel for that one.

Attire

Mattel continues the excellent work with the perfect translation of his ring tights. The colours are vibrant and nicely display his beloved Union Jack flag/motif. It's exactly how he looked back in 1992. As good as that is, I do have one slight bugbear with regards to design. In order for the top of the Union Jack to match (from inner right thigh to stomach), you have to bend his legs ALL the way back. Standing him upright, completely throws the design off. It's not a massive issue, but it's a bit of a silly design flaw from the toy giants (in my opinion). Especially if you're of OCD (and perfection) in nature.

Conclusion

In some areas, Mattel has absolutely nailed this figure...and in other areas, they completely missed the ball. I would say it's more poor choice and bad design over quality control. It could be worse I suppose, but then again it is a basic release (and not an elite). Regardless, it doesn't take away from the fact that it's an excellent representation of a legit legend from an iconic time in WWF history. He does have an elite version of his regular attire (that comes with Union Jack flag/cape), but if you want to reenact that glorious night in 1992, then this is the figure for you.