The fighting spirit lives on! Japanese toy brand "16 directions" (Japanese: ジュウロクホウイ, meaning "16 directions," usually abbreviated as 16d), which releases numerous soft vinyl toys of professional wrestlers, is scheduled to launch a soft vinyl figure of the well-known Japanese professional wrestler Keiji Muto's alter ego, "GREAT MUTA," also known as "Gureto Muta," in its "ByeBye Retirement Version" in March 2024! The price is 5,500 JPY.
For wrestling fans, Keiji Muto, this genius wrestler, is an all too familiar legend. Debuting in 1984, he has spent over thirty years in the wrestling ring, creating many classic moments and fighting countless memorable matches. The Fighting Spirit Three Musketeers, Great Muta, Kokushi Muso, Moonsault, Shining Wizard – too many terms are associated with him. Muto's titles are also countless: IWGP, Triple Crown, NWA, GHC. Despite his advanced age and long-standing injuries, he always managed to erect an insurmountable wall for younger wrestlers to challenge. Titles like "Genius," "Pro Wrestling Master," and "Magician Beyond Genius" are well-deserved for him.
Muto's most famous character is none other than "Great Muta." He was originally supposed to be called "Great Mutou" (Mutou being the Romanization of Muto), but during matches abroad, due to foreigners' unclear pronunciation, it became "Great Muta." The Japanese writing is "グレート．ムタ," and to represent this pronunciation with Kanji, it was written as "愚零鬪武多."
▼GREAT MUTA's retirement match on January 22, 2023, at Yokohama Arena, was a six-man tag team match:
This Great Muta ByeBye Retirement Version soft vinyl figure released by 16d is a physical representation based on Muto's appearance in his retirement match as GREAT MUTA on January 22, 2023, at Yokohama Arena (this was the final match for the MUTA character; Keiji Muto's own retirement match was in February). The "Bye Bye" text is written on MUTA's mask, and his exposed mouth reveals Muto's graying beard, with green residue from spitting mist still visible. Paired with red long pants, the flame patterns and the "愚零鬪武多" (Great Muta) text on the side evoke nostalgia for his valiant appearance in his prime.
This product comes in two types: a black mask and a red mask, with slightly different patterns.
16d Soft Vinyl Collection 033 Great Muta ByeBye Retirement Ver.
2 types in total (Black & Red)
Reference Price: 5,500 JPY (tax included)
Scheduled Release Date: March 2024
Size: Approximately 130mm in height
Articulation Points: Head, both shoulders, waist
via： GOOD SMILE COMPANY