WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts, renowned for his captivating storytelling and psychological approach in the ring, shared why he preferred working as a heel over a babyface during his illustrious career.
Speaking on his podcast, The Snake Pit, Jake Roberts explained how playing the bad guy gave him greater creative freedom compared to the restrictions of being a fan favourite.
It kind of corrals you into a certain area that you can only do that.
Roberts said about working as a babyface.
You can’t explore different things and different ways of doing things. You got to do what the fans expect of you, and that’s what I didn’t like.
As one of wrestling’s most iconic heels, Roberts was known for his menacing promos, cerebral tactics, and the use of his famous snake, Damien, to terrify opponents and thrill audiences. Reflecting on why he embraced the role of the villain, Roberts stated:
I’m a better heel, yeah, I like being a heel. As the heel, you can explore anything you want to, and you can go any direction you want to. You know, you can try new things, and it’s okay.
Roberts’ preference for being the antagonist allowed him to create some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history, including legendary rivalries with Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior. His ability to command reactions from the audience, whether through fear or loathing, cemented his legacy as one of wrestling’s greatest heels.
Why Was Jake Roberts Happy That He Never Won The WWE Championship?
Jake Roberts said that he is pleased that he didn’t win the coveted WWE Championship in his career because he said that carrying his snake everywhere as well as his clothes and wrestling gear was a challenge enough and he didn’t need the additional weight of a title belt when travelling across the country.
H/t to TJRWrestling.net