101 Shocking Wrestling Plans You Won't Believe Almost Happened
81. Papa Shango Reprised In The ‘Attitude Era’
Papa Shango will always have a special place in the hearts and minds of kids reared on early-1990s WWF fare. He terrified millions tuning into shows like Superstars, and it honestly seemed like the promotion had found a menacing supernatural heel to replace The Undertaker (who was increasingly playing before babyface reactions from live crowds).
By 1993, Shango was ousted from the Royal Rumble after just 28 seconds, then dwindled before the gimmick was scrapped later that year. Charles Wright, the man behind the voodoo witch doctor persona, would go on to enjoy runs as Kama Mustafa and The Godfather throughout his career, but Papa nearly returned with a bang during the 'Attitude Era'.
Several promo pics were snapped for Shango’s reprise in 1998, but he'd launch a comeback as Kama and join Nation Of Domination instead. It would’ve been interesting to find out if Papa Shango with harder edges could’ve flown during ‘Attitude’ - he'd certainly have been able to explore darker, more provocative themes sans sugary sweet early-90s product holding him back.
The world would never find out either way.
Shango in 'Taker's Ministry Of Darkness would've made perfect sense, and so would Papa tangling with Kane once he properly found his feet as a monster on the roster. Wright had the size to work as partners or opponents for both, and just imagine what he could've done with Mick Foley's Mankind character too.
Somewhere, WhatCulture's own Simon Miller is furious that this didn't happen. Furious, but still probably chipper and positive, because that's the kind of guy he is.