When it comes to legends of professional wrestling, there are few names with more lasting legacy than the always chilling Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts. While he was one of the best in-ring workers of the 1980’s, it was his personality that has kept him relevant into the modern era of professional wrestling. Currently under contract to All Elite Wrestling as a coach, Roberts can’t help but be unimpressed with the current crop of talent – feeling many simply lack the character to have a lasting legacy.
Jake Roberts Feels Modern Wrestlers Lack Character
While appearing on Cheap Heat with Peter Rosenberg, Jake Roberts would say that he feels 10 years from now – many modern wrestlers will fade away due to a lack of character.
“10 years from now, half those guys — you won’t even remember their names. I say 85% of ’em — you won’t even remember their names. Because they’re flash in the pans and they don’t have any character.
Jake ‘The Snake’ has not been in the ring since 1997, 2000? That’s 20-something years and I’m so friggin’ busy now, man, I’m barely keeping my head above the water. I don’t see these young kids doing signings, and you know why? Because nobody knows who the f*** they are.”
Roberts Wants To Ensure Young Wrestlers Don’t Fade Away As Their Careers Move On
Previously, Roberts expressed frustration in not having much interaction with talent, citing his desire to help younger wrestlers overcome these issues that could hold them back in their career. It’s easy to look at the above quote and write Roberts off as a grumpy old man, but the wider picture shows a man wanting to ensure that these young and talented wrestlers don’t fade away.
In the modern era, it’s easy to focus on the in-ring aspect of wrestling, as especially in promotions like AEW – character comes second to having a great match. That is the way to get popular in the era of social media, but it has its limits.
Simply put, someone like Orange Cassidy has a lot more lasting appeal in the industry than a Dante Martin, despite being on the same level of in-ring talent. It’s not an issue exclusive to AEW either, with talent in WWE and Impact Wrestling often falling into the same trap.
Do you agree with Jake Roberts on this topic? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
