One of the most recognizable stars of the 1980s, Jake Roberts captivated audiences with his promos, his cerebral approach to the in-ring game and the use of a real snake named Damien. An engaging performer, Roberts did not need to resort to the yelling and screaming that most other wrestlers used in their promos. Instead, it was a mixture of facial expressions and the words he used that got his point across with fans. He spoke softly and backed his words up with the vicious DDT finisher. In 1986, he was suddenly turned babyface because he had become so popular as an antihero that he began to steal some of Hulk Hogan's heat. One of the most merchandised and marketable stars of his era, Roberts became a household name. Rivalries with Andre the Giant, Ted DiBiase and Rick Rude established him as one of the most popular stars in the industry. Whether it was as a hero or a villain, Roberts maintained his popularity because there was something so cool about the way he carried himself. There was an air of mystery surrounding him that intrigued audiences and made them sit up and take notice whenever he walked through the curtain. He was not necessarily a nice guy, even when playing the babyface, but they gravitated towards him anyway. Like Razor Ramon, however, Roberts had very real demons. No one really knew or could predict what shape Roberts would show up in to compete on a nightly basis. That severely limited what could be done with him and just how far he could be pushed as a top star. The last thing Vince McMahon needed was to have his champion or one of his main event attractions turning up intoxicated and injuring one of the his fellow wrestlers. It would have been bad for everyone. In 2014, Roberts was inducted into the Hall of Fame and delivered one of the most emotional speeches the ceremony had ever seen. He may never have enjoyed a lengthy main event run, nor did he ever win a single championship with WWE, but he is in a good place now and has apparently reunited with his family. Something he will take over a gold belt any day.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
