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Jake The Snake Roberts



Last Updated: 12/13/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Single
Age: 54
Sign: Gemini

City: The Snake Pit
State: FLORIDA
Country: US
Signup Date: 11/21/2006

Blog Archive
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Thursday, December 03, 2009 
Something to say and get all of you to re-think how wonderful and exciting the opportunities must be for Jake "the Snake" Roberts, and others, who have gained a status of star notoriety.
As hard as it may seem, its not as glorious as you might think. Yes, I know, one must take the good with the bad. Let me just say, I've always loved the wrestling, the fans, even the "smart" marks (because they are the easiest) the hecklers, not the stalkers, and believe it or not, those who claim not to be fans. Yet in the end, they kill that themselves, by recognizing you, talking to you about your matches, and even saying they don't watch that phoney crap, but hey, their kids sure would like an autograph.

Truth is, that is where the blessings end, because the rest of it has nothing to do with love, art, or respect. The issue that sucks about this business, is having to deal with so-called wanna be promoters. And the rest who I based the poem "Thieves of Dreams" on.  What happens is simple.  Once you become a high profile "product" every con, book company, toy company, sewer company, and even football players will rape and steal from something you've worked your whole life on. Don't get me wrong, I know a promotion puts you on television to help make you that star. But Christ, talent does have something to do with it.
Bottom line, a fair days work should receive a fair days pay.  And it has been my mistake in the past not to value my sel-worth. That is my own fault.

But the ones that really bite my butt are the slick, greasy, gritty, silver tongued bottom feeders that seem to find me wherever I go, and I'm really sure find others as well. They will go to extremes to con you in, rip you off, and use your name to steal from others. Such as investors, or other talent, and most of all,you, the public. No I'm not talking about wrestling promoters that false advertise you, these are much bigger fish.  In the past I've cringed, thrown up, and screamed in disgust, in private. Almost too ashamed to admit that I've bitten and swallowed that hook, again. 

Here's something else I want to do for all those that read what I have to say. Be aware, don't believe anything you hear, and only one-half of what you see. Sad to say, but if it seems like a good deal, RUN. At least, in my experience, here is an example.

I received an offer included is a script for a movie, a contract, many conversations back and forth, and promises of more to come.  I was courted at a very intense level for my participation in this, and future, projects. As the day got closer for the project to begin, they even sought my advice on characters in the film. More than glad to help. I even got confirmation of airline tickets. Not only for myself, but for my business manager.  Was even told the location they had contracted was being difficult (OVW in Louisville, KY) and wanted alternatives for the next project, and even tried to steal my business manager to help with those projects. At this point, kind of wonder if OVW was even involved. Do know for a fact that another talent was left in the same ship sailing to no-where, my friend Al Snow.  As the day approached, one phone number no longer worked, the other one simply not answered. Panic time, I didn't want to admit it, but my damned business manager smelled the rat, chased the rat, and wound up with nothing even close to cheese. Flight had been cancelled, no form of communication answered, so yes, I got bit. And they call me a damned snake? In closing, out of my sincere love for my fellow talent and for the fan and even investors, if you see these phone numbers and addresses and names that I'm about to lay out, please understand, I'm not asking you to call them, that would be rude, and the last thing I'd want to do is make them uncomfortable, or annoyed.....even they deserve peace, and they'll only get it when they're dead. Thanks for all.

Shawn Cain  Rabbit Hole Production phone 360-632-9790 OR 360-632-9290 both listed, but....
350 Burlington Blvd no town offered
also...Shawn Cain Films aka Down the Rabbit Whole Films  887 Illahee Dr. Oak Harbor WA  98277 OR Wa 98233, who the hell knows... email callmecain@hotmail.com
 
Another real prince of the world.
JWhite (real name unknown works in Atlanta as a promoter we think..) email jwhite@hotmail.com
ph number 678-489-2786  and 404-409-5406
 
P.S.  Suggest colon cleansing for the above people because they are full of it. This is not a warning, this is a promise.  Should you choose to advertise my name at an event which I am not involved in, know this.  I will simply call the local authorities and have you prosecuted for fraud.  And the great thing is, it won't cost me a nickel, but it will damned sure cost you, AND stop you. I know I can't be all places at once, but myspacers are, my fans, my friends, so please if you see me advertised for anything, please just ask US.  If you are the first to report, you will be rewarded, should it be a false booking.

Jake
Saturday, November 21, 2009 
NEWS!!/BREAKING NEWS!! A MUST READ FOR ALL!
NEWS ALERT!!/EVEN MORE EMPHASIS TO READ!!
NEWS FLASH!!/RAISE THE NEED ANOTHER NOTCH!!
 
But here is what we don't see. How about: could be news, might be news, unqualified news, unverified news, lets drop a name news, (that way somebody will read our stuff,) future news (it could happen) and one that really reeks , the DUNG news...

The problem with news is those that write it.  And the lack of honesty, and time exploring the truth. Unfortunately those who do the news, seldom check what they are doing, by comparing it to the truth. After all no, penalties exist for those who are writing.  The penalty is dealt to those that they write about.  The damage is done regardless of the truth and this really stinks. I have a theory, and it's really simple.  If those reporting were held accountable for their mistakes, half-truths and lies, the world would be in dire need of reporters. And possibly start getting bona fied news, that would really be worth reading. Don't take this wrong, but if this offends you, chances are it should.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a site that runs the truth.  Not afraid to stand by their work.  I would read that daily.  By the way, have you ever seen a good news site?  In this day and time, we all seem only to enjoy reading the bad news.  There's plenty of that out there, but why not speak the truth?

Case in point. Here's what is really biting me.  I have read several posts on several sites recently the report that I have no-showed (here we go again.....) a show of some kind, where I was invited to promote my DVD, WHICH DVD I am not sure, and here is why. I was not invited, contacted, contracted, and did not receive any subliminal thoughts, pertaining to any requested appearance to the aforementioned promotion. It simply did not happen.  How insane would it be not to sell my own product? Almost as insane as those who are printing that it was reputed that I refused to be involved.

http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/2009/11/12/update-on-2010-hall-of-fame-class/comment-page-1/

http://www.tblwrestling.com/2009/11/15/potential-names-for-wwes-hall-of-fame-class-of-2010/

http://www.wrestling-edge.com/wwe-news/update-on-the-2010-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-new-names-warrior.html

http://www.thescoreboards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106949

http://www.wordofsouth.com/myblock/showthread.php?p=1566263

http://www.pwrshow.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6516:update-on-the-2010-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-new-names-warrior-news&catid=31:headlines&Itemid=22

http://www.yardbarker.com/wwe/articles/Update_on_the_2010_WWE_Hall_of_Fame_Class_New_Names_Warrior_News/1553264

http://www.impactwrestling.com/Content.aspx?ID=30040

http://www.sescoops.com/wwe-news/wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2010-list-of-rumored-names

http://www.wrestlingforum.com/general-wwe/478739-rumoured-names-2010-wwe-hall-fame-3.html

http://www.wordofsouth.com/myblock/showthread.php?p=1566853

P.S.  Why not speak to the horse's head, instead of the horse's ass?
And people wonder why I don't do more interviews. And unfortunately, they might be credible journalists.
 
 Jake


 
Saturday, October 17, 2009 
 
Another real icon, from the golden days, is gone.  These men layed the foundation for the WWE. Captain Lou, or Mr. Albano, as he should be referred as, was hard-core 20 years before they named it.  Over the edge, mischievous beyond believe, an innovator personified, and a talent surpassing wrestling, film, and much more.  Rubber bands, piercing's, crazy hair, outlandish clothes, and most of all, an attitude from hell.  Commanding the spotlight, and once in hand, never dropping the ball.  It was always an experience. Funny, loud, rude, and just way out there, as far as the rope would stretch.

But most of all, a great talent who knew this business inside and out and gave it his all. Yes, another real superstar has left us.
 
Jake
Friday, September 18, 2009 
By Chris Yandek

We’ve been down this road before with the former governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura. The ex professional wrestling bad guy shocked the world in 1998 when he became governor of the gopher state. Now former WWE CEO Linda McMahon has thrown her hat into the U.S. Senate race in Connecticut.

For many years, Jake the Snake Roberts worked for the WWE as one of the biggest stars professional wrestling has ever seen. He also worked behind the scenes helping to create storylines, with the McMahon family.

Linda McMahon’s announcement to run is no shock to Jake.

“I’ve always thought that one of the McMahon’s would [run for political office].” Though he might be somewhat shocked that it’s Linda instead of Vince, Jake agrees that she is probably the better choice with everything she’s done over the years to promote education, voting and support the nation’s troops.

“I’m kind of surprised it’s Linda, but I think that’s probably the wisest choice because Vince being the character that he is, I think that would be harder to get where it needs to be because he has taken a few black eyes from the press and stuff over the years being up front. But behind every great man, there is a greater woman.”

Many might wonder why someone running a billion dollar entity would step down from that position to take a shot at a job in public service, opening themselves up to criticism from all sides. Jake believes Linda wants to make a difference.

“I think that Linda has gotten to a point to where she wants to make a difference in this world other than the WWE. Linda McMahon is certainly a very, very strong woman. She’s proven that the whole time. They went from a very small company to a billion dollars and pushing everything and making jobs for a lot of people. They changed the wrestling world. Hopefully she’ll be doing something positive for this country. I think that her platform is going to be I’m not a politician. I’m a business person. She damn sure is. A real great one.”

During his years working with WWE, he recalls Linda as woman who held a company together while her husband Vince McMahon was more radical.

“She was always the steady ore in the water. Or as Vince might go up and down and bounce you around and deal with you, she was the steady one. I have nothing but respect for that woman. Anybody that can put up with all the wrestlers and stuff – anybody that can deal with that and still be steady, solid and positive and not wavier has certainly got their head screwed on right. She may have thought the talent pool is a little thin in the WWE at times but wait till she gets in the Senate because she’s gonna have some people there she’s gonna have to deal with and I feel sorry for them because she’s not a loser. She’s a winner.”

Like everybody else, Jake is waiting to see proof before he makes a decision to endorse a former boss. He’s open minded to anybody taking a shot at political office as long as they keep their word on policies.

“I would have to abstain because I would want to see proof in the pudding. We may talk about wresting being phony or fake, but damn politics brother has got this country in one hell of a mess and they have been for years. And that’s why I welcome anybody that just steps in there and is not afraid to speak their mind and say what they think and do what they want and not be afraid to say hey, this is wrong.”

Based on his past experiences, he says Linda will find a way to win the seat in the U.S. Senate and make a difference in a whole new way. Jake, known as the master of psychology during his WWE days, believes the members of Congress are in for a rude awakening.

“The truth is that Linda’s going to win. Should she follow through with what she’s saying, it’s a damn good thing. I just feel sorry for the rest of the Senate members because she will take no slack. She will stand up and throw a punch just like I would. She won’t back off.”

Might she even have Hillary Clinton aspirations?

“I’m just surprised that she’s going for the senate. She should run for president. I’d vote for her.”

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 
Jake will be appearing at the Spooky Empire Ultimate Horror Weekend, October 9-11 at Wyndham Orlando Resort, Orlando Florida. Below is more info courtesy of Marc Draven.
------------------------------------------

We will be hosting the " Screamin Ink Tattoo festival " during the Spooky Empire Ultimate Horror Weekend Oct. 9th weekend. On Friday Night ( the 9th) we'll be hosting a World record breaking TAG TEAM TATTOOING THE ENIGMA match. Come join us as Tattoo artists from across the Country line up and tattoo The Human Puzzle " The Enigma" . They will have the opportunity to Tattoo a puzzle piece while helping to raise donations for " Simba's Pride " Dog Rescue Charity . Each artist is asked to donate $20 per puzzle piece. We're going to beat lasts years record of 30 artists . You don't have to be an artist working the show, but you do have to be an artist to tattoo the Enigma . So come on down at 5pm and be a part of a World record breaking event . Help " Solve the Puzzle " and " Fill in the pieces " that will help give a dog a happy and healthy home.( We reserve the right to refuse people the ability to tattoo the Enigma if we find it a health code issue )

If you're not able to make it to this event - feel free to stop by the " Zombie Luau " that will be following this event at Pool side starting at 9 pm . We'll be hosting the Luau with help from Entertainers " Damian Black " doing his magical act @ 9 pm , " The Living Daylights " live music @ 10 pm , the Simba's Pride Live Auction @ 11pm ( This auction will have original artwork, Autographed Guitars, Hand Painted surfboard from artist Mark Longnecker , Autographed pictures , movie props, memorabilia, full sized real coffins , and much much more !!.........then , just when your out of breath from yelling out bids...........get ready to Scream for THE ENIGMA LIVE IN CONCERT AT MIDNIGHT .He will be doing his death defying acts live on stage, for ONE NIGHT ONLY !!!

If you'd like to make donations to the cause,. please feel free to contact me for more info . Thanks !

Marc Draven
Marketing director for Havsum Inc.
www.havsum.com
www.ink-fusion.com
www.dravenstattoos.com
www.marcdraven.com
www.myspace.com/marcdraven

Saturday, August 29, 2009 
Jake recommends The Solie Chronicles. Message from Jake and article from The Miami Herald (Aug. 26, 09)...
------------------------------------------

The truth is, wrestling worst enemy has always been wrestlers.  There are so many individuals that step into the ring or have  a part in what the fan sees, that have no business there.  I've checked all of the colleges, universities, and online schooling facilities, and even pre-kindergarten, and have yet to find any program to learn this wonderful love affair with the lady I call the ring.  You see, there are too many pimps in this world that will use anything to make a buck.  I would give you the list, but I won't live long enough to complete it.

You don't have to have a diploma, doctorate, and my day, you had to have tights and boots, but those are gone, too.  I bet you wonder where I'm going with this. Here's where.

Gordon Solie. My God. There is nothing that I can say, that hasn't been said about this man. The accolades should go on forever. Simply a class act.  You see, he was able to do what Vince McMahon has done without all the TV time, glitz and glamor, and the unending money flow that Vince uses to create. Solie could do it with one word, or without a word, just a look. You always listened to him.  You turned on the television, and sure, you wanted to see Dusty, the Briscos, the Grahams, and the rest, but the first damned thing you body yearned for, was to hear Gordon's voice. This man was not an announcer, color guy, aficionado. He was the show. Without Gordon, or should I say, and you're damned right I should, there wasn't a show.  This man, regardless of the situation, gave credibility and believability to whatever was being put on the platter. You see, Vince, Mr. Solie was the first to make chicken soup out of chicken shit. There is NO way in hell anyone will come up with the recipe any better, or even close to what he gave to us weekly.

I myself watched him for many years and then going to Florida, early in my career, when I had no right even to be near the ring. In fact, I was part time referee and job guy. But was hungry. All he ever gave to anyone was respect, support, and a friendly smile.  AT the time, I felt that it had to be an inside joke, a rib, or some cruel mean trick, but that was not the man.  My problem was, at the time, I did not feel worthy of even a glance.  I think what I'm trying to tell you guys, is if you didn't know the man, or have any idea what he was about, or contributed, then you are very fortunate, because there are books and if there was any book to talk about wrestling, this is the one you should read. Why?  Because its not a hyped, pushed down your throat, and million dollar marketed extravaganza of bs, just this man's thoughts. If I were to tell you of my many regrets and mistakes in my life, one of the biggest would have to be not taking advantage of this great man's friendship, love and knowledge.  Next week, I will tell you a story about this man, and no, it's not the giggles and smiles I used to give him during a production meeting at Georgia Championship wrestling, when I'd given Ole Anderson (my boss) with no power, a fake TV show on Friday, just so he would go nuts all night and be frothing at the mouth when he came to the meeting, on Saturday morning, at TBS.  Gordon knew the game I was playing with Ole, without me ever saying a word to him. Ole would rant, spit, and rave and Gordon would play it off like a child had spilt his milk in the high chair.  You see, the class of the man was to enjoy the presentation and the game without spoiling it. Always to enhance whatever had been given. He was cool before cool ever happened.  If you look up cool in the dictionary, there is Gordon Solie's picture looking back at you. Simply put, the best that ever was, or will be. More so than Gorilla and Heenan, cause he never stole the show.

THE man.

Next week we will give you my funniest and I regret to say most painful memory, I've ever done to anyone. And unfortunately, it was Gordon. Buy the book, or get off my friend list..;)

Jake


Solie responsible for wrestling announcing greatness (Miami Herald)


Since the late 1800s, professional wrestling has developed many high-profile stars, but one of the most well-known personalities ever wasn't even a wrestler.

He was a commentator, an announcer, a Florida regular named Gordon Solie.

Bob Allyn, with assistance from co-authors Pamela S. Allyn (Gordon Solie's daughter) and Scott Teal, aims to enrich wrestling fans with the life and times of this legendary broadcaster, who died in 2000 at 71.

Published by Crowbar Press, The Solie Chronicles takes fans on a wild ride behind-the-scenes in the world of professional wrestling.

All sorts of personalities make their way into Allyn's book about Solie, the voice of Championship Wrestling from Florida. Everyone from Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes to Hulk Hogan and more graces the pages of this Solie book.

Famous dead-pan style interviews and colorful play-by-play broadcasts of wrestling led to Solie's induction into the WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1995), the NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2006) and the WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2008).

Bob Allyn said in a release: ....The background material for this biography was found in Gordon's personal files and taken from interviews with the people who knew him the best. It's written as a testament to a man who made his mark in many endeavors.''
Solie calling a world championship match was like Al Michaels or Bob Costas calling a Super Bowl or a World Series -- just a perfect fit.

The majority of the book's content is drawn from interviews with 65 people from all walks of life who knew Gordon best: family and friends; stock car drivers; professional wrestlers; referees and promoters; journalists; commentators; broadcasters; and photographers.

Born Jonard Frank Labiak on Jan. 26, 1929, Solie began working as a page and errand boy for a Louisiana radio station when he served in the U.S. Air Force. Known to his fellow servicemen as ..Gordy,' he later legally changed his name to Gordon Solie.
In 1950, he worked for WEBK radio in Ybor City, Fla. By starting his own sports radio interview program, Solie made key contacts in professional wrestling and stock car racing.

Subsequently, he set a course and made a major impact on the development of professional wrestling, along with being closely associated with national auto thrill show tours, stock car racing on Florida's suncoast and ultimately, becoming the host for the highest-rated show on the largest cable network in America.

Excerpt from The Solie Chronicles:
....Gordon left WCW with a record of good performance, but he did leave an off-the-job situation hanging over his head. While still with WCW, the company changed Gordon's flights from Delta to Kiwi. He wasn't happy about the change. Not only did he and Smoky take vacation trips on Gordon's Delta frequent flyer miles, but a lot of the attendants knew him. He was a regular, and they treated him like one. They would make allowances if he occasionally drank too much, and perhaps even chastise him for lighting a cigarette on a plane.''

NWA legend Harley Race said. ....Gordon used to sneak a wet towel into the bathrooms on the airplanes. He used to put the damp towel over the smoke detector and sit in the airplane restroom and smoke cigarettes. Gordon was the reason that the airlines added signs about not tampering with their smoke detectors.''

....When Gordon learned some WCW staff members were still flying Delta, he was doubly ticked off. Chip on his shoulder and all, Gordon got on a Kiwi flight and began belting down some drinks, and then fired up a cigarette. When a flight attendant began to reprimand him, she got a strong dose of verbal abuse from him. When airline personnel complained to WCW about Gordon's behavior, someone at WCW filed that away in their memory for use at a future date.''

For more information about Gordon Solie's biography, visit 1wrestlinglegends.com/crowbarpress/solie/index-sr.htm.

Sept. 4th: addendum to the Gordon Solie blog by Jake.
 
At a time when I had way too much going on in my life, I asked a man to do a favor for me simply because he had the equipment to do the project. Reality was, I wasn't even thinking about the man and how beneath him it was to do it.  And add to that, the same man had had hip replacement the same week. But because I was blind, naive, and inconsiderate, I still laughed.

Hindsight makes me want to shoot myself, or maybe a bullet shouldn't even be wasted. A garrote would be more suitable weapon, that way we wouldn't have to waste the lead of the bullet.

Lets get serious.  I'm getting married to Cheryl, and want the wedding to be filmed. Simply because we did not want any family involved, friends, idiots, the like, involved. As we had both been through the hoopla before. Plus we had no well wishers in our endeavor. Therefore I played big dog and thought it would be cool to pressure and feed my own ego boost. So I approached Gordon. And as I expected, since I was "the booker, superstar, TV writer, and ultimate asshole," he agreed to do it. I'm not sure which one he'd fit into, but in reflection it must have been for none of the above. Gordon had just had hip replacement and having gone through that myself, I now realize why medication and alcohol must have been required.

I remember Gordon hobbling off of the plane, trudging slowly as he dragged the heavy equipment he'd brought with him, across the sand, as my soon to be wife and I had this euphoria, picturesque, wedding in our minds. (drug and alcohol induced, of course..) That's why they call it "dope."  Yes, we had a dream, and as insane and ridiculous as it truly was, here was a man, in his worst health, accommodating me. My God, what an asshole I am. Yet, he did what was needed to accomplish this, although the odds were impossible for him to do this, he did. And Jake Roberts, being the accomplished asshole, didn't even recognize it. My God, I hate hindsight. My God, why am I so blind, deaf, and numb? The only one, more numb than I, is my x-wife, as I have no copy of the labor of love that Gordon Solie provided for me. Too late to ask Gordon, but I will ask the family, forgive me, for not understanding, seeing, and/or, feeling the love and respect, that your Father gave to me.

Again, hindsight, is always 20/20.  If I had my life to re-do it again, I could be President of the U.S. if I only understood, what Gordon had given to me.  Maybe our platform, would have been, a troubled man, for troubled times, and a wise man (not Jake) we would have won, because of Gordon Solie, was, is, and was never anything but, a winner.
Jake
 
P.S.  What an assole.  I can tell you all that I never picked up his airfare, his time, or his equipment, and compensation for his production time, damned sure not for his pain, or basics.  How does that make me feel?  Do you need to ask? You see, that is what is wrong with the world today. If we don't get a bill, or demands, or some irate jerk on the phone, cursing us, we don't give it the time of day, or even let it register.  That's whats wrong, I know for a fact, the squeaky wheel, gets the grease. Vince McMahon, told me that, and he is right.  But I will say it again, that is whats wrong with the world today. A man is a man period.  And I just wished I was Gordon Solie.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 
They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Might be true, but there is a line that no one should cross.  Its one thing to imitate, copy, or even mirror image. That's good. I don't mind being copied, never have. Always felt like those that do it, need to.

Bottom line is, copy what I did today.  Cause I'm talented enough to think of something new for tomorrow. Case in point: Deven Michaels.  He spent a couple of weeks learning how to lock up and grab a head lock. That is the extent of me training him.  No one has the right to claim to be any part of my family that isn't.

And Deven's not. I wish him no ill will and hope that the fans will come to see him and enjoy what he has to offer.  Please, don't anyone claim to be son, nephew, whatever... because that is cheap and it's bullshit.

So stop it, Deven.

Jake
Tuesday, August 04, 2009 
Jake the Snake Roberts autographed photo -- summer sale!

$10 per signed photo (price included 1st class S&H)

(e-mail for international S&H charges.)

Photo #1 (Jake & Sting)



Photo #2 (Jake in ring)



Photo #3 (Jake in leather jacket)



Photo #4 (Jake & Savage)



Photo #5 (Jake & Undertaker)



Paypal: ..farmgirl@atlantic.net

Remember folks, these are show quality pictures, good, very good, but not the HIGH QUALITY glossies you would get from me if purchased at regular price. so don't complain when you get them...most people really love them....and it will be Jake himself signing the pics for you.



Tuesday, July 21, 2009 
Tuesday, July 21, 2009.

It is with our deepest regrets to report the news that Jim Rose of Jim Rose Circus received a brutal beating with a metal chair, wielded by SiNN, at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana this past weekend. 

"His already fragile neck has been injured even further" reported doctors who have advised Jim to take the month off.

The Jim Rose Circus Tour will be postponed until later this year.  The  doctors say he should be healed and hopefully back on tour in September.
Saturday, July 18, 2009 
Variety, Friday July 17, 2009

Jim Rose returns wrestling to its roots

Former WWE stars hope to pin hardcore fans

By MARC GRASER

Just as more people are tuning in to watch men fight it out in a ring -- especially bouts produced by the WWE, TNA or UFC -- Jim Rose wants to return wrestling to its roots.

The colorful showman behind the Jim Rose Circus, an outrageous hour of comedy and stunts not for the faint of heart, has been selling out clubs across the country with a new show incorporating former headliners of Vince McMahon's WWE.

Woven into a loose narrative, Rose's new act has Jake "The Snake" Roberts, whose career inspired Darren Aronofsky's "The Wrestler," and Sinn Bodhi, formerly known as the tattooed circus freak Kizarney, break into fistfights, smash through tables, get hooked through the tongue, sprayed in the face with bear repellent, and encounter live scorpions and a 22-foot albino python. At one point, Bodhi is sealed in a "plastic bag of death," as air is vacuumed out of it.

"It's a soap opera like you'd see in wrestling (during a WWE show), but every night is different," Rose says. "There's a running theme but they're ad libbing. They're doing 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' but one night you might get hurt a little more than the night before."

The over-the-top and very adult nature of the show reflects a time when fights were staged outside circus tents in order to sell tickets to crowds that would gather, Rose says. "The format is where wrestling came from," he says.

Word-of-mouth has drummed up most of the interest for Rose's show, which doesn't involve a traditional ring, just a stage. His show launched from Seattle in the 1990s, and opened for the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson and headlined Lollapalooza. The Troubadour in L.A. hosts the show on July 22.

Rose also hopes to grow his audience beyond its cult following, producing videos for his site on MySpace and YouTube. A TV show is also being mulled.

"This is a very crazy reality show that's happening," Rose says. "If a television show is going to be fun, then let's go do it."

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006140.html