Former WCW star Buff Bagwell recently opened up about his experiences wrestling alongside WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts, particularly focusing on his aversion to dealing with Roberts’ infamous live python. Bagwell shared these insights during an episode of “The Snake Pit,” shedding light on the genuine fear many wrestlers felt when interacting with Roberts’ serpentine companion.
The Dreaded Python
Jake “The Snake” Roberts is widely known for incorporating a live snake into his wrestling persona, a tactic that not only terrified his opponents but also captivated audiences. The sight of wrestlers recoiling from the python added an element of real fear to Roberts’ matches. Bagwell, who had to confront this fear firsthand, recounted his apprehension during Roberts’ debut match in WCW at a house show in 1992.
“I am petrified of snakes,” Bagwell admitted. “I walked up to Jake and said, ‘Hey, buddy, how you doing? I’m Marcus Bagwell, nice to meet you.’ I was a big fan. Then I asked, ‘Hey man, do we have to do the snake thing?’ He responded, ‘Hey man, it’s my gimmick. I got to do it; it’s what I do.’ I was really upset about it. There’s a 20-foot python gonna lay on me, bro. It might bite me, it might wrap me up, I don’t know.”
Real-Life Terror in the Ring
Bagwell’s fear was not unique. Many wrestlers have shared similar sentiments about the anxiety of working with Roberts due to the unpredictability of the live snake. The physical and mental strain of having to deal with such an intimidating aspect of Roberts’ character was a real challenge for many performers.
“Physically, I was upset,” Bagwell emphasized. “The thought of having a huge python draped over me was terrifying. It wasn’t just a prop; it was a living, breathing creature that could potentially harm me.”
Pranks and Locker Room Antics
Adding to the tension, Roberts was known for playing pranks involving his snake, further unsettling his colleagues. Bagwell recalled how Roberts would exploit the widespread fear among the wrestlers.
“Jake would sometimes turn off the lights in the locker room and throw the snake inside,” Bagwell said. “You can imagine the chaos that ensued. Guys were genuinely scared, and Roberts got a kick out of it.”
These antics, while humorous to some, added a layer of unpredictability and anxiety to working with Roberts. The snake wasn’t just a part of his in-ring persona; it became a tool for backstage mischief, amplifying the fear among the roster.
Stephen’s Insight
Buff Bagwell’s reflections provide a vivid glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of professional wrestling during the early ’90s. His candid account of dealing with Jake Roberts’ snake highlights the real-life fears and challenges faced by wrestlers, adding depth to the often-glamorized world of sports entertainment.
Bagwell’s story also underscores the psychological elements at play in wrestling, where performers must balance their physical prowess with overcoming personal fears. The use of live animals in wrestling, while effective for storytelling, posed genuine risks and discomfort for those involved.
