Add as a preferred source on Google Danhausen continues to draw attention within WWE, not just because of his character, but also because of his strong merchandise performance since arriving in the company.
In a recent interview with WrestleShadow on SportShadow, The Godfather discussed Danhausen’s success as a merch seller and said it shows how much pro wrestling has changed in recent years.
According to the WWE Hall of Famer, the days when only massive wrestlers shaped the public’s perception are gone. In his view, the rise of the independent scene helped open the door for more unique characters and more normal-looking wrestlers in the modern product.
“The days of the big 6’7, 300-pound wrestlers are over. Now, with the independent scene and everything else, wrestling has more normal-looking people instead of the big guys.”
The Godfather says Danhausen’s success as a merchandise seller for WWE shows how wrestling has changed:
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) May 24, 2026
“The day of the big 6’7, 300lbs wrestler is over now. And I think with the indie scene and everything go on, I think now wrestling is more normal looking people instead of the… pic.twitter.com/qi9p6NE576
The Godfather also drew a comparison to his time as Papa Shango. The former wrestler said that when he appears in character at conventions, adults who grew up watching Papa Shango are still intimidated, while children just find it funny.
“That shows how wrestling has changed. Now the biggest merch seller is a voodoo guy. I wish I was around right now.”
The comments come at a time of major momentum for Danhausen. According to previous reports, Fanatics was surprised by the demand for his products during WrestleMania 42, having to restock items several times at WWE World in Las Vegas.
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Danhausen was also among the top three in-person merchandise sellers during WrestleMania 42 weekend, alongside CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.