When the WWE Ultimate Edition line launched in 2019 under Mattel, it immediately positioned itself as the premium tier of WWE action figures. Built as the ultimate way to pose a Superstar, the line introduced enhanced articulation, multiple interchangeable heads and hands, and upgraded accessories that allowed collectors to recreate signature entrances and match moments with far greater realism.

However, the concept of highly articulated premium WWE figures was not entirely new. A few years earlier, Bandai had released its Tamashii Nations S.H. Figuarts WWE Superstar Series, a slightly smaller-scale line with advanced articulation and premium detailing. That line was short-lived under the WWE licence, and Mattel soon stepped in with a similar concept — but at a significantly lower price point and in the established 6–7 inch scale collectors were already invested in.

From that point on, Ultimate Edition became the flagship collector line.

What Makes an Ultimate Edition Figure Different?

All Ultimate Editions share a core DNA:

• Maximum articulation across the torso, arms and legs

• Interchangeable heads and hands

• Entrance gear and removable soft goods or moulded accessories

• Event-specific attires, usually based on major PPV events — now referred to by WWE as Premium Live Events (PLEs), reflecting the company’s shift from traditional pay-per-view to streaming distribution

Over time, the line has seen subtle improvements in articulation engineering, torso cuts, pinless joints and accessory quality. While the base body structure remains consistent, the presentation and release strategy often varies depending on the type of Ultimate release.

Core Line, Greatest Hits and Exclusives

The Ultimate Edition line is primarily built around:

Core Series

Released quarterly and usually consisting of three figures per wave, each series is numbered to maintain consistency for collectors.

Greatest Hits

Inserted between core waves, Greatest Hits releases either:

• Reissue popular sold-out figures

• Introduce subtle improvements

• Or feature refreshed colour deco variations

A notable example is Razor Ramon in his King of the Ring 1993 green attire, giving collectors a fresh take on a previously released character.

Store Exclusives and Specialty Lines

Beyond core and Greatest Hits, Ultimates frequently appear as exclusives. These can vary by region. A U.S. exclusive may be allocated to a UK retailer if the original store does not operate internationally. In these cases, packaging can differ, particularly across European markets where multi-language packaging guidelines often remove certain wording.

Some notable exclusive sub-lines include:

• WWE Legends Ultimate Edition

• WWE Coliseum Collection Ultimate Edition

• WWE Monday Night War Ultimate Edition

Each retains the Ultimate articulation system while offering themed packaging and presentation.

The WWE Fan TakeOver Ultimate Edition Segment

Among all Ultimate Edition releases, one concept stood apart: Fan TakeOver.

This segment allowed fans to vote on specific versions of Superstars that would ultimately be produced. Rather than Mattel selecting the attire internally, the decision was placed directly into the hands of collectors. The winning look would then move into production as an official Ultimate Edition release.

It was a rare moment where fan engagement directly shaped the premium tier of WWE figures.

The Fan TakeOver Concept

The Fan TakeOver segment was one of the most interactive initiatives within the Ultimate Edition line. Instead of Mattel selecting the specific version of a Superstar, the choice was handed directly to the fans.

Voting takes place via polls hosted on WWE.com and promoted across WWE’s official social media platforms. Fans are presented with multiple attire or event options for a specific Superstar. The winning look — determined by public vote — is then produced as an Ultimate Edition figure.

This direct engagement gave collectors real influence over which versions entered the line, turning anticipation into participation. In your article, embedding screenshots of the voting polls and related social posts will help illustrate how the process unfolded in real time.

Fan TakeOver Releases to Date

The Fan TakeOver segment currently consists of ten releases:

2021

• Jeff Hardy (SmackDown – Dec 19, 2008)

• Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania 9)

2022

• Goldberg (WCW – Aug 1998)

• Shawn Michaels (Survivor Series 1995)

• Triple H (Survivor Series 2006)

• The Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania 6)

2024

• Rey Mysterio (WWE Debut – SmackDown 2002)

• Seth Rollins (Clash at the Castle 2022)

2025

• John Cena (WrestleMania XX)

• Randy Orton (WrestleMania XX)

Each figure followed the same retail pattern as other Ultimates but carried the added appeal of being fan-selected versions, often representing specific event gear or highly requested attires.

The Shift in 2026

From 2026 onward, the Fan TakeOver segment appears to have evolved. Releases have moved into a PLE-focused format with black packaging, aligning them more directly with specific event branding rather than the original Fan TakeOver label.

While the release cadence and retail structure remain similar, they no longer appear under the official “Fan TakeOver” banner. Instead, final version decisions now seem to be determined internally at Mattel HQ.

Whether the dedicated Fan TakeOver voting format will return remains unclear. For now, it stands as a distinctive chapter within the Ultimate Edition history — a period where collectors directly influenced what made it from poll to production.

A Unique Chapter in the Ultimate Era

The Ultimate Edition line has grown significantly since its 2019 debut, but the Fan TakeOver segment remains one of its most collector-driven initiatives. It combined:

• Premium articulation

• Event-specific accuracy

• Interactive fan voting

• Limited, highly desirable releases

For collectors tracking the evolution of WWE Ultimates, Fan TakeOver represents a moment where the community shaped the shelf — and that alone secures its place in the history of Mattel’s flagship WWE line.