Speaking on the latest episode of his “The Snake Pit” podcast, Jake Roberts recalled his feud with Rick Rude in the summer of 1988, their chemistry in the ring, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On leading Rick Rude in the ring, their chemistry: “Yeah, I knew that he was following me [in the ring], you know, that he was letting me guide him. Surprised [Dave] Meltzer had that much for me but thank you. He [Rude] was a good worker but, you know, he just had his thing that he did his character, and he did it well. I’m not going to bash Rude and say that he couldn’t hold his own because he could. Jesus Christ, are you kidding? In and out of the ring.”
On working a stiff style with Rick Rude: “They were solid. I like it solid; you know? That way there’s no doubt about what I should sell and what I shouldn’t sell. You know, I like it snug. And Rick didn’t have a problem with that. Sometimes it went a little beyond. But if you gave one, you got one back. It made you keep your act clean, man, because you didn’t want to give him one. [laughs] Because if you gave him one, you knew that you were going to get it back, and damn.”
On Rude allegedly knocking out The Ultimate Warrior in the ring: “I heard that. I also heard that he knocked out [Brutus] Beefcake in the ring. I don’t know anything about that. But that’s just — you know, these rumors get started. You don’t know what is and what isn’t. If it’s an accident or whatever. But he never knocked me out in the ring. Not to say that he couldn’t have because he damn sure could have.”
On Rick Rude having his wife’s face on his tights: “I didn’t like it. Give me a break, I got feelings, too. No, I thought it sucked, you know? And I didn’t think it was anything to play with. That’s why I ripped them [pants] off.”
On why he and Rick Rude did not wrestle at SummerSlam 1988: “Ask Vince. I have no idea, brother. Feels like we got the short end of the stick, don’t it? Yeah. What the f**k? Disappointed to have the match. I didn’t get the money either.”
