The member of the WWE Hall of Fame, The Godfather, shared a fascinating story behind the creation of his infamous character, Pope Shango, revealing that he was inspired by a James Bond movie.
During an episode of the podcast ” Poddin’ Ain’t Easy “The godfather talked about how he developed the disturbing personality that became one of the most memorable characters in wrestling.
Godfather, whose real name is Charles Wright, explained that the idea of Pope Shango emerged from a conversation with the president of the WWE, Vince McMahon. McMahon saw the intimidating physicist of Wright, but believed that his naturally friendly face did not fit well with the villain roles. To solve this, McMahon suggested a radical transformation.
Vince says: “I want to see you work as a villain, you have the body of a monster, but you have a baby face. I have to find something to do with that face of yours.”
Wright recalled.
I want you to rent the movie Livre and Let Die. There is a voodoo character there, we are from this character and, most importantly, I want you to learn that laugh.
Despite its roots as a motorcyclist of Las Vegas, Wright committed fully to the role of voodoo priest. The WWE even organized a trip to New Orleans to enter the world of voodoo.
They sent me to New Orleans for a while and met a group of voodoo practitioners. All the symbols he carried were real. Everything he said was real.
Godfather says he could have played a better role in WWF
Schedulated for Two Falls spoke Rcon Godfather and Pope Shango character arose during the conversation. Looking back, the fighter wish I had not had so little experience when they gave him that voodoo character.
“I wish, looking back, I wish I had not been so green in the business because it could probably have been better being Pope Shango as Kamala was Kamala. It could probably have been a better Pope Shango, but friend, I had no idea what I was getting into. Going to chew Country tobacco, listening to country music, driving an old truck, motorist to a voodoo man.
The Godfather appears in the WWE events from time to time as a legend. Pope Shango has not really seen too many returns, but you can never rule out the possibility that WWE will need his spooky magic someday.
