DVD Review - Jake "The Snake" Roberts - Pick Your Poison

Jake "The Snake" Roberts, one of the most popular wrestlers of all time (yet inexplicably, one who was never given any title of major significance), tells his story in this recent release from World Wrestling Entertainment. This package is fanctastic. On 2 DVDs, Jake tells his story, from his unfortunate beginnings (he is the byproduct of sexual abuse), through his troubled adolescence and how he broke into the wrestling business by taking bouts all across the South.

Years of alcohol and drug abuse have clearly taken their toll on Jake and it took me about ten minutes to be able to understand his speech. That being said, once the man starts telling stories, you can't help but pay attention. Of note are several bits; first, the recounting of his legendary feud with Ricky Steamboat (as a bonus, their August 1986 match from Toronto's CNE Stadium is included); his feelings about the infamous "Beyond the Mat" documentary, which he suggests was a sham; and differing perspectives that he and Hulk Hogan have on their planned feud, which was scheduled to begin in the fall of 1986 but scuttled for various reasons, depending on who you believe.

It is also interesting hearing different tales about how Jake came to involve ex-wife Cheryl Roberts in an angle with Rick Rude (one which really put Rude on the map as a massive "heel", or bad guy), and also what it was like to carry around a snake 24/7/365.

If you like documentaries, you'll enjoy this DVD even if you're not a wrestling fan. However, if, like me, you can't get enough of the interplay of backstage politics, athleticism and showmanship that go into making pro wrestling the strange yet entertaining beast that it is, you'll love it.

Overall, I give it a solid 8/10.