5 things you should know about Kofi Kingston 

#4. A BBC article changed his wrestling character

Ghana Native Kofi Kingston, Formerly From Jamaica

In the era of the over-the-top wrestling character, a Damian Marley CD inspired Kofi Kingston to suddenly become Jamaican. Despite having an imperfect Jamaican accent, Kingston was entirely committed to his newfound character and often used phrases synonymous with Jamaica in American pop culture.

WWE CEO Vince McMahon enjoyed the character but told Kofi that he would need to be 100% Jamaican at all times and warned him to never let his guard down. The WWE superstar was so committed to his new role that if he would answer his phone in his normal voice, he would then pretend to get the Jamaican Kofi Kingston, who would then come to the phone in full Jamaican accent.

Things came to a head when a BBC reporter found out that Kingston was actually from Ghana. The reporter first grilled Kingston about his background, but the WWE superstar was wholeheartedly committed to his character and refused to budge.

The savvy reporter then tracked down Kingston's mother, who spilt the beans.

"An hour later my mom called me up. She's like, 'Someone called me to do an interview. He was asking about your heritage and I was like, 'Yeah, he's from Ghana. All the people from Ghana are upset that he's not from Ghana. He's just playing a character.' I was like, 'Mom, kayfabe mom. Kayfabe mom!"

The article falsely portrayed Kingston as being ashamed of his Ghanaian heritage. Vince McMahon didn't think the article was a big deal at first, but several months later, Kingston was told to drop the accent.

All in all, despite the accent and gimmick change, things seem to work out for Kofi as he won the WWE championship.