The Godfather Reveals the Birth of Papa Shango: The Untold Story Behind WWE’s Voodoo Icon
In a riveting tale that bridges the worlds of expert wrestling and cinematic have an effect on, WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather, also known as Charles Wright, has shed light at the origins of one of his maximum iconic characters, Papa Shango. During a fascinating episode of the podcast “Poddin’ Ain’t Easy,” Wright distinct the captivating creation technique behind the eerie, voodoo-inspired character that left an indelible mark on WWE records.
The origins of Papa Shango can be traced again to a conversation between Wright and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, a man known for his eager eye in growing wrestling superstars. Despite Wright’s staggering, muscle-certain physique, McMahon believed there was something approximately Wright’s evidently friendly face that clashed with the typical photo of a WWE villain. McMahon saw the capacity for something a ways extra sinister—some thing that could not simplest transform Wright’s profession however additionally increase the WWE storyline to a whole new level of terror.
“Vince says, ‘I want to see you work as a heel, you have the body of a monster, but you have a babyface. I have to find out something to do with that face of yours,’” Wright recalled with a nostalgic chuckle. This directive from McMahon set in motion the creation of a character that would come to embody fear and mystique in the wrestling world.
To shape this transformation, McMahon directed Wright to a surprising source of inspiration—a James Bond film. Specifically, McMahon suggested Wright watch “Live and Let Die,” a 1973 Bond movie featuring a voodoo character named Baron Samedi. The movie, with its themes of dark rituals and supernatural elements, provided the perfect template for the kind of menacing figure McMahon envisioned for Wright.
“I want you to rent the movie ‘Live and Let Die.’ There’s a voodoo character in there, we’re gonna take off from this character, and most importantly, I want you to learn that laugh,” McMahon advised, emphasizing the importance of the character’s chilling demeanor.
Embracing the challenge with full enthusiasm, Wright dove headfirst into the character development process. Despite his real-life identity as a biker from Las Vegas, Wright was committed to bringing authenticity to the role of a voodoo priest. To ensure this, WWE arranged for Wright to travel to New Orleans, the heartland of voodoo culture in the United States, to immerse himself in the mystic traditions that would define Papa Shango.
“They sent me to New Orleans for a while, and I met with a bunch of voodoo people. All the symbols I was wearing were real. Everything I was saying was real,” Wright revealed, underscoring the lengths to which he went to embody the character with as much realism as possible. This attention to detail paid off, as Papa Shango’s on-screen presence was not just intimidating—it was downright terrifying, leaving audiences in awe of his dark, mysterious aura.
Papa Shango’s debut in WWE changed into nothing short of groundbreaking. The person’s ominous entrance, whole with eerie chants and smoke, captivated enthusiasts and made him an on the spot sensation. The effect of Papa Shango was felt now not simply inside the wrestling ring however additionally within the cultural material of the Nineties, wherein his character have become synonymous with worry and intrigue.
However, the story doesn’t stop there. In a stunning twist, Wright additionally shared his candid opinion about fellow WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, a wrestling legend known for his large-than-lifestyles persona. According to Wright, Hogan might not be as heroic as his public image suggests.
The Godfather referenced an infamous botch at WrestleMania 8, wherein Papa Shango missed a cue that led to a noticeable disruption in the match. In the aftermath, Wright learned a harsh truth about Hogan. “Hulk Hogan is not the good guy people think he is,” Wright stated, his tone laced with a mix of disappointment and revelation. Although he didn’t delve into specific details, the comment adds a new layer of intrigue to the wrestling world’s understanding of one of its most beloved figures.
As the wrestling community continues to evolve, stories like these from veterans like The Godfather remind fans of the complex, multifaceted nature of the sport. Behind every character lies a rich history, shaped by a combination of creativity, dedication, and sometimes, the darker realities of the industry.
H/t to ITRWrestling.com
