On a recent edition of his “The Snake Pit” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts explained that it was difficult for him to accept Shawn Michaels as a top champion in WWE.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On facing a young Shawn Michaels in WWE: “Oh, that was so horrible. Oh, that match stunk to high heaven. I had him in the ring. And I have the arm and was twisted his arm. So I gave him the [arm] squeeze for him to reverse it. But instead, he just stayed on his knees and went ‘Oh!’ He wouldn’t get up and reverse it. I tried two or three times, Valiant just jerked him, clothesline and DDT’d him, or whatever I did. Couldn’t get him to do anything, man.”
On what Michaels was lacking at that point: “Everything. He lacked everything. Oh my God, yeah he was pitiful.”
On whether Michaels is an all-time great: “I think he was close to being there. I don’t think he was — I don’t put him at the very top. I’ll just say that, I don’t put him at the very top with everything considered, you know? He certainly didn’t draw great money as a champion. And that’s what it’s about, isn’t it? That’s what I thought it was about. I just felt like he was — I mean, he works very hard in the ring. And he does a lot of great s**t. But as far as believability? Stings a little bit, just quite wasn’t there. The size was a lot of it too, you know? I just have a hard time putting the championship belt on anybody that weighs 200 pounds. I really do. When there are guys who weigh 350 and 275 that are ripped, and the belt is on a guy that weighs 200. Oh, I have a hard time with it.”
Shawn Michaels’ Legacy as a WWE Champion: Jake Roberts’ Perspective
In a recent episode of his podcast, “The Snake Pit,” WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts expressed his difficulty in accepting Shawn Michaels as a top champion in WWE. Roberts, known for his candid opinions, shared his thoughts on facing a young Michaels in the ring and his overall assessment of Michaels’ career. Let’s delve into the highlights of Roberts’ comments and explore the legacy of Shawn Michaels as a WWE champion.
Roberts began by recalling a match he had with Michaels, describing it as “horrible” and claiming that it “stunk to high heaven.” He mentioned an instance where he attempted to execute a move, but Michaels failed to respond appropriately. According to Roberts, Michaels lacked the necessary skills and failed to deliver a convincing performance during their encounter.
When asked about Michaels’ standing as an all-time great, Roberts acknowledged that Michaels was close but didn’t place him at the very top. He pointed out that Michaels didn’t draw significant money as a champion, which, in Roberts’ opinion, is an essential aspect of being a top-tier wrestler. Roberts did acknowledge Michaels’ hard work and praised his in-ring abilities, but he questioned Michaels’ believability as a champion.
One factor that Roberts highlighted was Michaels’ size. He admitted to having a hard time accepting a champion who weighed only 200 pounds when there were wrestlers weighing 350 or 275 pounds who appeared more physically imposing. Roberts suggested that the size difference affected the credibility of Michaels’ championship reigns.
It’s important to note that these are Roberts’ personal opinions and may not reflect the views of the entire wrestling community. While Roberts may have had reservations about Michaels’ abilities and championship reigns, many fans and experts consider Michaels to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Shawn Michaels, also known as “The Heartbreak Kid,” had an illustrious career in WWE. He won numerous championships, including the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship. Michaels’ in-ring performances were often praised for their athleticism, storytelling, and ability to captivate audiences. His matches with the likes of Bret Hart, The Undertaker, and Triple H are regarded as some of the best in wrestling history.
Michaels’ influence extended beyond his in-ring abilities. He played a pivotal role in the evolution of professional wrestling, particularly during the “Attitude Era” in the late 1990s. Michaels was known for pushing boundaries and introducing a more edgy and realistic style of wrestling. His charisma and showmanship made him a fan favorite and helped elevate WWE’s popularity during that era.
While Roberts may have reservations about Michaels’ championship reigns, it’s important to consider the overall impact Michaels had on the industry. His contributions to wrestling, both inside and outside the ring, solidify his place among the all-time greats.
In conclusion, Jake Roberts’ recent comments on his podcast shed light on his personal perspective regarding Shawn Michaels’ tenure as a top champion in WWE. While Roberts expressed doubts about Michaels’ abilities and championship reigns, it’s crucial to recognize Michaels’ significant contributions to professional wrestling. Michaels’ legacy as a WWE champion is defined by his exceptional in-ring performances, his influence on the industry, and his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.