Big Boss Man thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Big Boss Man

Figure
1991 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Wrestling became very popular TV entertainment in the 1980s. It was brought to TV by the WWF, World Wrestling Federation, now known as the WWE , World Wrestling Entertainment. This new kind of wrestling came with a circus-like gimmick. It was big and brash with bright colours, noise and hyped up energy. The wrestlers took on names like Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Jake the Snake. Matches were promoted by Vincent McMahon and his company Titan Sports Inc. His company had great success in generating income through advertising, TV deals and from the merchandise. They sold the rights to companies like Hasbro to make WWF action figures and other accessories that proved to be very popular. Children could buy their favourite wrestling stars. The figures were popular with adult collectors too. WWE is still popular today with shows like Raw and Smackdown but no longer has the public intensity it had in the 1980s.


Object details

Category
Object type
TitleBig Boss Man (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Moulded plastic
Brief description
Plastic articulated WWF figure, Hard Time Slam Big Boss Man, made in China by Titan Sports Inc (Hasbro Inc) in 1991
Physical description
An articulated WWF figure, wearing a USA Police uniform, which consists of black shoes and trousers and a blue shirt with pocket detail, a black strap and sherifs badge. The figure has short brown hair and a goatie beard and is wearing sunglasses.
Dimensions
  • Height: 12cm
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Halina Pasierbska
Production
Made for Titan Sports Inc
Summary
Wrestling became very popular TV entertainment in the 1980s. It was brought to TV by the WWF, World Wrestling Federation, now known as the WWE , World Wrestling Entertainment. This new kind of wrestling came with a circus-like gimmick. It was big and brash with bright colours, noise and hyped up energy. The wrestlers took on names like Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Jake the Snake. Matches were promoted by Vincent McMahon and his company Titan Sports Inc. His company had great success in generating income through advertising, TV deals and from the merchandise. They sold the rights to companies like Hasbro to make WWF action figures and other accessories that proved to be very popular. Children could buy their favourite wrestling stars. The figures were popular with adult collectors too. WWE is still popular today with shows like Raw and Smackdown but no longer has the public intensity it had in the 1980s.
Collection
Accession number
B.59-2004

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Record createdSeptember 16, 2004
Record URL
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