In a recent episode of his podcast, “The Snake Pit”, Jake Roberts engaged in a discussion about whether it is necessary for novice wrestlers to endure harsh treatment to cultivate resilience.
Here are some excerpts from the podcast discussion:
Discussing if fresh wrestlers require severe treatments, Roberts said, “I don’t believe so. I reckon they need to be challenged, absolutely taken to the grind, forced to work relentlessly. However, inflicting unnecessary physical harm is uncalled for.”
When asked about the physical preparation involved, he replied, “Indeed, you can perform push-ups and squats to your heart’s content, but that doesn’t offer you an insight into wrestling techniques. This mindset is sheer old-school thought which doesn’t hold much water. These days, people can hardly strain themselves with push-ups, squats or even minor exertions.”
Roberts shared his views on staying in shape for the ring: “I’ve witnessed many footballers step into the ring considering themselves physically fit. But they lose their steam within two minutes. Ring fights take a toll as you are constantly trying to overpower your opponent with a push and pull technique.”
On being questioned about his first victory in the Louisiana Championship for Bill Watts, he reminisced, “It did play a significant role because it projected me up the rankings. Ideally, I should have had a higher payout, but that’s the way Watts operated. He gave you what he was obliged to, not what he intended to. Do you get my point?.”