With a 28" inches high statue you should be able to keep the top shelf. It will fit most 1/6 scale figures if you collect in that scale. Only one that doesn't fit is Vader since he is abit taller.
I'm hoping it will. Would be nice to leave the top shelf. Correct me if I'm wrong but wouldn't I only have a lil over 26" of space for my statue if I keep the top shelf?