Jake 'The Snake' Roberts, a WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling icon, has recently expressed his disappointment with the state of modern wrestling, particularly in the realms of WWE and AEW. In a candid interview with Bill Apter at the 80s Wrestling Con, Roberts shared his thoughts on the current landscape of professional wrestling, offering a unique perspective that is both insightful and thought-provoking.
A Lack of Characters and Storytelling
One of the most striking points Roberts made was his belief that wrestling has lost its way when it comes to character development and storytelling. He argued that the focus on high-flying moves has become a crutch, overshadowing the importance of simple, effective wrestling. In his words, "They need to go back to simple wrestling, not so much high flying." This sentiment resonates with many fans who long for the days when wrestling was more grounded and character-driven.
The Rise of 'Oba Femi' and the New 'It Guy'
Roberts mentioned WWE's Oba Femi as an example of a wrestler who embodies the powerhouses of the past. However, he admitted that he hasn't watched much wrestling recently, suggesting that he has largely stepped away from the sport. This raises an interesting question: Are there enough characters and stories being told in modern wrestling to capture the imagination of fans like Roberts?
A Fresh Take on WWE
When asked what he would do if he were in charge of WWE, Roberts offered a blunt yet insightful response. He would "fire about half of them" and keep only those who can actually wrestle. This statement highlights his belief in the importance of in-ring skills over other aspects of wrestling, such as charisma or mic skills. It also underscores his frustration with the current state of WWE's roster.
AEW: A Breath of Fresh Air
Roberts' time in AEW, where he worked as a manager for Lance Archer, was a positive experience. He praised Tony Khan's leadership, calling it a "breath of fresh air." This suggests that Roberts values the creative freedom and respect for tradition that AEW offers, which may be part of the reason he felt more fulfilled in this environment.
The Mic Skills of Maxwell Jacob Friedman
While Roberts didn't work a promo segment against Maxwell Jacob Friedman, he did offer a comparison between their mic skills. He praised Friedman's abilities, but found his clothing choices less impressive. This highlights the importance Roberts places on in-ring performance and storytelling, even if it means overlooking other aspects of a wrestler's persona.
A Call for Authenticity and Tradition
In the end, Roberts' comments boil down to a call for authenticity and a return to the roots of wrestling. He believes that the sport has become too reliant on high-flying moves and not enough on the simple, effective storytelling that made it great in the first place. From my perspective, this is a powerful reminder of the importance of tradition and the need for wrestling to stay true to its core values.
In my opinion, Roberts' insights offer a fresh perspective on the state of modern wrestling. His blunt honesty and deep understanding of the sport make his comments both insightful and thought-provoking. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way he balances his criticism with a genuine appreciation for the art form. This raises a deeper question: How can wrestling evolve while staying true to its roots?
A detail that I find especially interesting is Roberts' emphasis on the importance of in-ring skills. This suggests that he believes wrestling is at its best when it focuses on the physicality and storytelling of the match itself, rather than on other aspects of the sport. This raises a provocative idea: What if wrestling could return to its roots and rediscover its passion for in-ring storytelling?
In conclusion, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts' comments offer a compelling perspective on the state of modern wrestling. His insights are a call for authenticity, tradition, and a return to the roots of the sport. From my perspective, this is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to the core values of wrestling while embracing the need for evolution and innovation.
