Jake “The Snake” Roberts is currently living with Diamond Dallas Page and training for one more run in the wrestling world. The 57-year-old has become infamous with making the wrong choices by way of alcoholism and drug abuse. Is there still a place for him in the wrestling world?
The Independents
Many of the small independent circuits would love to host The Snake’s final run, but they might not be the best match for the aged superstar. The independents are only followed by a limited number of fans and typically only have access to limited locations in the U.S. If Roberts is going to do everything he can to recondition himself, how much of a rush is he going to get performing before a few hundred to a thousand fans each night?
Impact Wrestling
In the last few years, Impact has proven is has a place for wrestlers from the 1980s and 1990s. Hulk Hogan opened the door for other aged wrestlers to make their mark on Impact, but the shift has been made to focus more on the younger wrestlers in the organization. As of this writing, Kurt Angle, Sting, Jeff Hardy, and Bully Ray are the “oldest” performers wrestling on a regular basis on the show. This is down significantly from recent rosters (as in the last few years) which looked more like a WCW reunion organization than one showcasing younger stars. The Snake does not appear to have a place on the current Impact roster, but might if the shift is made back to older performers.
WWE
Vince McMahon brought many former stars back to the WWE leading up to Wrestlemania this year to compete against Heath Slater. Appearances by Vader, Sycho Sid, and Sgt. Slaughter paved the way for more legends to return to the WWE ring. With ratings continuing to look dismal on WWE TV, it would make sense to inject some of the old magic into the failing product.
The last run Roberts had with the WWE was marred with another turn to alcohol and drugs, but those days are apparently behind the Originator of the DDT. Also, the “Pick Your Poison” DVD stated that the performer upset the WWE because they offered him a position in the back helping younger wrestlers, but Jake wanted to work in the ring instead. Vince has been known for burying the hatchet if the company can make money, so The Snake’s old sins could easily be forgiven if the WWE becomes poised to make money of his last run.
L. Vincent Poupard has been following the wrestling industry, as well as the characters and storylines, for almost 30 years.
