You remember the clock. That massive, yellow alarm clock smashed against a bald head while red and black paint smeared into a grimace. Then came the worms. Handfuls of live, wriggling earthworms shoved into a mouth that was missing most of its front teeth. For a generation of WWE fans, The Boogeyman wasn’t just a character; he was a legitimate nightmare that made you want to change the channel and check under your bed at the same time.
But who is the guy under the paint? Meanwhile, you can find related events here: The Gilded Guillotine at Burbank and Olive.
Honestly, the real story of WWE The Boogeyman without makeup is way more interesting than the horror movie vignettes ever suggested. Behind the "Bottomless Pit" billing and the smoke machines is a man named Marty Wright. And if you saw him walking down the street in Denver today, you probably wouldn't run away screaming. You'd probably ask him for fitness tips.
The Man Behind the Mask: Who is Marty Wright?
Marty Wright didn't start out as a monster. In fact, he didn't even start wrestling until he was "too old" by industry standards. Most wrestlers are grizzled veterans by 40. Marty was just trying to get his foot in the door. To explore the bigger picture, check out the detailed article by Vanity Fair.
When he first showed up for Tough Enough in 2004, he didn't have the face paint. He was just a jacked, 6'2" guy with an incredible physique. He actually lied about his age, claiming he was 30 when he was actually 40. Why? Because he knew the window was closing. When the truth came out, WWE cut him from the show, but they didn't cut him from their minds.
There was something about his intensity. Even without the worms, Marty Wright had a "look."
Why WWE The Boogeyman Without Makeup is Hard to Find
In the mid-2000s, WWE was obsessed with "Kayfabe"—the idea of keeping the act alive even when the cameras weren't rolling. Because Marty’s character was so over-the-top, the company went to great lengths to make sure fans didn't see him as a regular guy. He wasn't doing many "normal" interviews. He wasn't posting selfies at Starbucks.
If you look for photos of him during his peak run, you’ll mostly see the red face paint and the black circles around his eyes. But if you dig into the archives of Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), you can find footage of him training as a "normal" human.
The Physical Transformation
- The Teeth: One of the most iconic parts of his look was the missing teeth. People assumed it was a prosthetic. Nope. Marty actually had those teeth removed (or lost them during training/accidents depending on which locker room rumor you believe) to enhance the character.
- The Build: Marty Wright is a specimen. Even at 61 years old in 2026, he maintains a level of fitness that puts 20-year-old athletes to shame. Without the paint, his skin is clear, and his features are actually quite friendly.
- The Eyes: In the ring, he used black contact lenses to look possessed. Without them, he has regular, expressive eyes that make the "Boogeyman" persona seem like a total 180-degree turn.
The 3-Hour Makeup Ritual
People think he just slapped some red paint on and walked out. Not even close. Marty has gone on record saying the makeup process took at least three hours every single night.
Think about that.
Every TV taping, every house show in a random town in the Midwest, he sat in a chair for three hours. The red base, the black contouring, the intricate patterns—it was a grueling process. By the time he was done, Marty Wright was gone. The Boogeyman was the only thing left.
It's one of the reasons the character worked so well. He didn't just play the part; he lived in that skin. He’d stay in character backstage, lurking in hallways and scaring coworkers. Imagine being a production assistant just trying to find a bathroom and bumping into a toothless man eating worms in the dark.
Life After the Bottomless Pit
So, what is he doing now?
Marty is currently signed to a WWE Legends contract. This means he still pops up for "Old School" episodes of Raw or special appearances. But most of his time is spent as a fitness instructor.
It’s the ultimate irony. The man who made us gag by eating worms now spends his days helping people eat clean and get in shape. He runs a training center and is incredibly active on social media—often showing himself without makeup, lifting heavy weights and preaching positivity.
He’s active. He’s healthy. He’s the opposite of a decaying monster.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to see more of the man behind the paint, here is where to look:
- Follow his social media: Marty Wright is very active on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. He frequently posts workout videos where you can see him completely out of character.
- Watch the Tough Enough Season 4 Auditions: If you want to see the exact moment Marty Wright's career started—and see him before the Boogeyman existed—track down the Venice Beach auditions from 2004.
- Check out the "Legends" appearances: When WWE does "behind the scenes" specials on the WWE Network/Peacock, they occasionally show Marty in the locker room getting his makeup applied. It’s a fascinating look at the transition from man to monster.
Marty Wright proved that you’re never too old to reinvent yourself. He took a gimmick that should have failed and turned it into a Hall of Fame-worthy legacy. Whether he’s covered in red paint or wearing a gym shirt, the intensity remains exactly the same.
Next Steps: You can check out the WWE Network's "Where Are They Now?" series for a deep look into Marty's fitness business in Colorado, or browse YouTube for his recent "Boogeyman" jump-scare compilations which show the character's evolution into the 2020s.
