Kingston?s Elite 17 action figure shows his stripes

When the WWE Universe ponders Kofi Kingston?s influences, they might bring up the kinetic in-ring style of Ricky ?The Dragon? Steamboat, the technical proficiency of Eddie Guerrero or the showmanship of ?Macho Man? Randy Savage. All valid, but Kingston also pulls a great deal of inspiration from pop culture and even his childhood toy box.

Kofi?s affinity for playthings of yesteryear is put on full display with Mattel?s upcoming WWE action figure of the Ghanaian Superstar in Series 17 of the toymaker?s highly articulated Elite Collection. The figure is decked out in ring gear worn by Kingston that paid tribute to the iconic Battle Cat from Mattel?s landmark Masters of the Universe franchise, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. (PHOTOS)

Kingston introduced his Battle Cat?themed threads at Night of Champions 2011, when he valiantly defended the WWE Tag Team Championships as one-half of Air Boom inside Buffalo, N.Y.?s First Niagara Center. During that exciting contest, many of our keen-eyed fans ? especially those who grew up in the 1980s ? took immediate notice of the Ghanaian Superstar?s striking green-and-orange-hued Masters of the Universe homage. (NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS 2011 PHOTOS)

?Masters of the Universe definitely has a cult following,? Kingston told WWE.com, referring to a passionate fan base that he has long been part of. ?I think the throwback satiated a lot of the ?80s babies out there.?

As an ? ?80s baby? himself, a beaming Kingston said he?s really excited about his Battle Cat?themed action figure, especially after it debuted at San Diego?s Comic-Con International in July. Although Kofi?s Battle Cat gear wasn?t the first time he has infused his ring gear and logo with an outside influence ? look no further than his Slimer-themed ?Ghostbusters? gear from WrestleMania XXVII or his attire inspired by Batman sidekick Robin during the 2011 Royal Rumble Match ? it carries special significance.

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Source: http://www.wwe.com/inside/mattel/kofis-new-action-figure-shows-his-stripes

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