Starting in Japan in 1983, Bandai's Kinkeshi line was licensed in 1985 to Mattel for marketing in the United States and Canada, where wrestling had become popular. This North American line was renamed "M.U.S.C.L.E."
Bandai's Kinkeshi line launched in Japan in 1983, and Mattel acquired its license for marketing in the United States and Canada in 1985, capitalizing on the popularity of wrestling. This North American version was renamed "M.U.S.C.L.E."