Charles Wright on Papa Shango, The Godfather and The BSK Wrestling Brotherhood

CHARLES WRIGHT is the larger-than-life WWE Hall of Famer behind two of the most iconic characters in professional wrestling history. In the early ‘90s, during the first UK wrestling boom, Wright introduced Papa Shango, a voodoo practitioner with a Bond-villain-inspired aesthetic. Best remembered for cursing The Ultimate Warrior and leaving a generation of kids ‘scarred for life’, Papa Shango’s voodoo rituals, skull-painted face, and bone necklace made him one of the most unforgettable characters in WWF. His chilling entrance music only added to the mystique, ensuring that fans still vividly recall his legacy more than 30 years later.

By the late 1990s, Wright had transformed into The Godfather, the fun-loving, cigar-smoking embodiment of WWF’s Attitude era. Captivating that same generation – now teenagers and young adults – he became a fan favourite with his ‘Ho Train’ and the memorable catchphrase, “Pimpin’ ain’t easy!”. With his natural charisma and unique presence, Wright went on to win the Intercontinental Championship in 1999 and later added a World Tag Team Championship to his accolades. But it’s not the titles that define him – Charles Wright’s larger-than-life personas are what left a lasting impact. He stands as one of the most beloved characters in both of the ‘90s UK wrestling boom periods.

In Wrestling Life episode 27, Charles Wright joins Ben Veal to reflect on his incredible career, discussing both the triumphs and the ‘what-ifs’  – and delves deep into his journey through the world of professional wrestling and beyond, including:

• The lasting legacy of Papa Shango and how the character still resonates with fans today

• Why Papa Shango’s run ended so soon and the untold story behind the 1997 return that never was

• Personal struggles away from the ring, including a difficult divorce that changed everything

• How The Godfather gimmick came to life and why it was the perfect fit for Wright

• The inside story on how the ‘Hos’ were recruited and what they think about it now

• The truth about nearly joining WCW and Ron Simmons’ warning about him joining the nWo

• His real thoughts on The Goodfather and his time in Right to Censor

• Lifelong bonds in the wrestling world, including the BSK crew and a 30+ year friendship with The Undertaker

• His secret to staying young in his 60s: trading bars, booze and painkillers for smoke, saunas, and early morning jacuzzis.

Charles Wright on Scaring a Generation as Papa Shango

WWE Hall of Famer Charles Wright terrified kids across the world in the early ‘90s. He reflects on the legacy of Papa Shango, and how the character still resonates with fans over 30 years later.

“People that are now 35 to 43 were kids when I was doing that, right? And I’m telling you, Papa Shango’s got... now that I’m doing these signings, people are requesting Papa Shango. And it’s crazy, the lines that I’m getting, it’s young people, old people. Like I’m saying, people 35 to 43, they’re like, ‘Dude, you have no idea how you scared me when I was a kid.’

“They’ll go to shake my hand and they’ll be like, ‘Dude, it’s still a little weird talking to you, brother. My mom used to say if I didn’t go to bed, Papa Shango was gonna come get me!’”

WWE legend Charles Wright on Why Papa Shango Disappeared

The Papa Shango character left an impression on a generation, but his run in WWF was surprisingly short. Charles Wright opens up about the personal struggles behind the scenes that led to his departure.

“I sat down with Vince and ’Taker, we all sat down, ’cause Papa Shango was getting in a lot of trouble when I was going through this divorce. And so we decided the best thing to do was me to go home and get my head right – and that’s what happened to Papa Shango. To be honest, I was going through a bad [time].”

Charles Wright on the Papa Shango Comeback That Never Happened

In 1997, Papa Shango nearly returned to the WWF – but plans changed at the last minute. Charles Wright tells the story.

“There’s, I think, one photo of me out there with my jacket on and my face paint. And Jerry Lawler did my face paint – it was a lot more menacing, it wasn’t cartoonish. I’m not gonna say Papa Shango was cartoonish, but this was gonna be a little bit more serious.

I got in shape, I was ready to come back, I come to TV, they fit me, they paint me up, they take some pictures, they say, ‘Vince wants to talk to you.’”

Charles Wright on Becoming The Goodfather

The Attitude Era’s most outrageous character suddenly became one of its most censored. Charles Wright reveals his frustration with the Right to Censor transformation.

“When I was put in that group, I was bitter. They took Godfather away, man! When Vince told me what he was doing, when I went into the office, he goes, ‘Charles, this is what we’re doing.’ You know what I said? ‘Finish me up.’

“He goes, ‘Wait, wait, wait—’ I’m like, ‘No, I ain’t doin’ that sh*t, Vince. No.’”

Charles Wright on Almost Joining the nWo

Before Right to Censor, Charles Wright was close to jumping ship to WCW – and joining the legendary nWo stable.

“Ron [Simmons] just warned me, he didn’t warn me, just like, ‘You better watch out, because I know how you are. You gonna be fighting all the time.’

“And I’m like, ‘Well, I’ll be fighting all the time! I don’t care, I’ll fight, you know.’

“I had worked a deal out with them, right? And I was gonna come in and be the enforcer for the nWo on a three-year deal. The first year I was gonna do this, and the next two I was gonna wrestle, making so much a year. And I said, ‘OK, cool.’ It was enough for me to jump ship.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Herbert is the author of the forthcoming book Rampage — a heartfelt tribute to the glory days of the WWF’s first UK boom. Packed with moments, merch, and memories, it explores how a golden era of American wrestling turned a generation of British kids into lifelong fans. Lee’s writing is a celebration of everything that’s great about professional wrestling.

REAL TALK FROM REAL TALENT

Wrestling Life with Ben Veal shines the spotlight brightly and positively on those who shaped wrestling's past, drive its present and influence its future. Widely available, the show features honest, open and inspiring conversations with many of the sport's biggest names, including Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Mick Foley, Lilian Garcia, Candice Michelle, Buff Bagwell, Doug Williams, Eric Bischoff and many more. The show is presented by award-winning journalist and content creator Ben Veal, co-author of Marc Mero's autobiography, Badd To Good: The Inspiring Story of a Wrestling Wildman.

Subscribe : Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music