Sgt. Slaughter Recalls Burying The Hatchet With Vince McMahon

In the summer of 1984, Vince McMahon signed a deal with LJN Toys to produce “The Official World Wrestling Federation Wrestling Superstars” action figures. Selling for $8 each ($22.95 in today’s economy), the first wave of 8″ figures was released in time for Christmas, and featured Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, Big John Studd, and The Iron Sheik. A sixth figure of Sgt. Slaughter was scheduled to be part of the set but was never released (Matt Cardona obtained the unpainted resin prototype of the figure from an LJN employee).

Why was Slaughter’s figure shelved? As his LJN figure was being produced, Slaughter was approached by representatives from G.I. Joe, who wanted to do an action figure of Slaughter for their toy line through their toy maker, Hasbro. Slaughter thought it was a great idea and stated on the “Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling” podcast “McMahon thought it was a great idea as well” but couldn’t let him do it, citing a conflict of interest due to LJN having the WWF action figure license.

Slaughter “remained persistent about the G.I. Joe opportunity” and said McMahon told him “he had to make a decision.” Thinking he may never have this opportunity again of being “the first living G.I. Joe in its history,” Slaughter went in the G.I. Joe direction. In 1987, Hasbro offered a mail-away figure of Slaughter done in the style of the 8″ LJN figures.