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In addition to being a popular wrestler and TV star, Hulk Hogan was also credited as being one of the first celebrities to bring action figures to life. The WWE (formerly WWF) icon, who died on July 24 at the age of 71, was featured in the original line of rubber wrestling toys released by toy company LJN in 1984.
That initial wave of figures also included stars like Hillbilly Jim, Junkyard Dog, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Nikolai Volkoff, Big John Studd, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, André the Giant, and The Iron Sheik. But it was Hogan — and his “Hulkamania” rallying cry — that topped sales on store shelves, and became a fixture on bedroom shelves too.
Interest in Hogan action figures quickly shot up Thursday following news of the wrestling star’s death. Searches for “Hulk Hogan action figures” were up more than 376% over the previous day, while collectibles site, Fanatics, confirmed to Rolling Stone that they’ve seen “an increase in sales and searches for Hulk Hogan merch today.”
Hulk Hogan WrestleMania 41 Elite Collection Action Figure
$29.99
Buy Now on fanatics
According to Pro Wrestling Stories, the earliest wrestling action figures were actually developed by a Japanese manufacturer in 1969. However, it was the LJN line that introduced wrestling figures to a wider North American audience. These roughly eight-inch-tall miniatures quickly gained popularity, not just among wrestling fans, but across a broad demographic, thanks to the WWF’s theatrical style, cheeky storylines, and breakout stars like Hogan, whose blond moustache, sunglasses, and trademark bandana quickly made him a fan — and figurine — favorite.
“One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped the now-named WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” WWE wrote in a statement posted to its X account.
Following Hogan’s death, sales of his action figures are spiking, with limited-edition collectibles already commanding premium prices. It’s not unusual, though, as Hogan figures have long been hot items among collectors. In fact, TheSportster.com reported a prototype Hulk Hogan figurine from the original LJN line was listed for between $50,000 and $120,000 recently, and the price is likely to go up now that the wrestling star has died.
As of now, more than 200 Hulk Hogan action figures are listed for sale on eBay, with one of the most expensive being the Hulkamania Storm Collectibles Premium 19-inch figure, priced at $1,599.
Hulkamania Storm Collectibles Premium 19-inch figure
$1,599.00
Buy Now on eBay
Brands like Mattel and Funko continue to produce new Hulk Hogan figurines, too, selling on mass retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
In total, more than 450 different Hulk Hogan action figures have been released to date, including everything from classic WWE lines to the collectible Funko Pop! versions. Here’s a look at what Hulk Hogan action figures are still available online.
WWE Wrestling Legends Series 24 Hulk Hogan Action Figure
$18.99
Buy Now on walmart
WWE Mattel Main Event Showdown Hulk Hogan and Mean Gene 2-Pack
$28.98
Buy Now On Amazon
WWE Hulk Hogan Action Figure Set
$29.99
$35.99
17% off
Buy Now On Amazon
Mattel WWE Ultimate Edition Action Figure & Accessories Set
$51.36
Buy Now On Amazon
Funko Pop! WWE Mr. America – Hulk Hogan Figure
$19.99
$29.99
33% off
Buy Now on target
Mattel WWE Wrestling Legends Series 22 Hulk Hogan
$20.95
Buy Now on walmart
WWE Wrestling Series 3 Hollywood Hulk Hogan Action Figure
$22.99
$25.99
12% off
Buy Now on walmart
Hulk Hogan WWE Main Event 148 Mattel WWE Toy
$25.49
Buy Now on walmart
WWE Elite Action Figure Wrestlemania Hollywood Hulk Hogan
$37.95
Buy Now on walmart
Hulk Hogan died at his home in Clearwater, Florida, reportedly from cardiac arrest. He was 71.
