I write a wrestling column every Monday and Friday for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
The latest column I reflect on Jake “The Snake” Roberts who is currently hospitalized. The following is an excerpt:
If there were ever a professional wrestler who had nine lives, it was Jake “The Snake” Roberts.
His wrestling fame and name recognition is equal to the stories of his unfortunate battle with demons. Documentaries and stories have told the tales, some hard to believe but proven accurate.
As notable as Roberts’ problems are is his willingness to talk about them. He’s never denied or put blame on anyone else but himself for the mistakes he’s made. He’s never been shy about using his experiences to try to help someone avoid making the same mistakes.
In the past year it’s been a feel good story. Roberts improved his appearance and lifestyle. He was inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame in April. Things seemed to be on the right path.
Thursday it was reported by TMZ and others that Roberts was in critical condition in a hospital due to double pneumonia.
The wrestling world seems to be gathering on social media, remaining positive and hoping the man who has beat so much in life can beat this battle.
As a wrestling analyst, I always get asked who my favorite wrestler of all time is. I answer with Jake “The Snake” Roberts.
He was in the main event of the first WWE show I ever went to as a fan. I was, and still am, terrified of snakes, but somehow that made him that much more appealing to me as a larger-than-life character. As I learned more about the performance of the business, I came to appreciate a guy who wasn’t the high school quarterback but could outperform anyone with his intelligence.
There has never been a better in-ring psychologist than Roberts.
Last fall I finally got the privilege of working on a wrestling show with Roberts. We shared the same locker room, enjoyed catering together and he was even generous enough to watch me perform and give me advice. He lived up to his expectations. His advice was unprecedented but brilliant. His personality and health was great.
I remember the most fascinating thing he told me was when I asked him about what his favorite promo was. He’s so known for his verbal abilities, has done hundreds over the years, but it didn’t take him long to answer.
CLICK HERE for the best promo Roberts reenacted for me.
