In the world of show business, the use of exotic animals often captivates audiences. One such example is the iconic act of Jake "The Snake" Roberts, where he famously used a Burmese python named "Damien" during his matches. Fans often wonder, did Jake "The Snake" Roberts actually use a real snake in his acts?
To understand Jake's unique gimmick, it's important to delve into wrestling's Golden Age of the 1980s and early 1990s. The use of animal companions was a common practice among wrestlers to, quite literally, rattle their opponents and captivate crowds. Jake Roberts, known for his manager character, found his calling with Damien, a giant Burmese python.
The Burmese Python, Damien
Damien, weighing around 17 feet and 110 pounds, was indeed a real Burmese python. Raised by Jake Roberts, Damien was hand-raised and thus, comfortable around humans. This unique bond between man and snake made their act possible.
Burmese pythons are known for their docility and willingness to be handled, making them suitable for a partnership on stage. However, it's crucial to note that Damien's size was part of the act's appeal. The massive snake, perched atop Jake's shoulders or raced around the ring, was an intimidating sight for both wrestling opponents and fans.
Damien's Role in the Act
The snake was a formidable weapon in Jake's act. Damien would often be released from his bag, slithering around the ring, or used as a distraction by Jake, who would manipulate his opponents' fear of snakes. This fear was a psychological tool, used to soften up and weaken opponents before the actual match began.
Damien also played a part in some of Jake's signature moves, like the "DDS" (Damien's inh lite the Snake) where Jake would fake biting his opponents with his "bag of snakes," which was actually Damien's resting place.
Was Damien Ever Harmful?
Despite the intimidating nature of their act, there's no evidence to suggest that Damien ever harmed anyone. In fact, snakes like Burmese pythons are constrictors, meaning they kill their prey by suffocation, not venom. They're not inherently aggressive towards humans and prefer to avoid contact with us.
Jake Was trained in handling Damien and ensuring his safety, as well as that of the wrestlers and fans. The bond between them was a rarity in the world of wrestling and made their act truly unique. However, false claims persist in some circles that Damien once injured a performer. After thorough investigations, those claims have been proven unfounded.
The Reality Behind the Act
The misconception that Jake "The Snake" Roberts used a fake snake or that Damien was never real is a pervasive one. However, numerous credible sources, including interviews with Jake himself, confirm that Damien was indeed a real Burmese python.
The use of animal companions in wrestling is a thing of the past now, with WWE and other promotions enforcing stricter animal welfare guidelines. Jake's act with Damien might seem extreme today, but it was a product of its time, a powerful and captivating performance that left an indelible mark on the world of wrestling.
The Impact of Jake's Unique Partnership
Their act paved the way for future performer-animal partnerships in wrestling, for better or worse. Whether it was Jake's snake, or other wrestlers' use of animals like minks or rats, this gimmick added an extra layer of depth to characters and kept fans on the edge of their seats.
More importantly, it brought a level of realism to the squared circle, as audiences saw real danger and unpredictable elements in the ring. This intensity created memorable moments in wrestling history, but also contributed to the stigma that wrestling is a truly violent and dangerous endeavor.
In the world of professional wrestling, Jake "The Snake" Roberts' partnership with Damien stands out as a distinctive and controversial gimmick. Despite the controversy, it's clear that Damien, the real Burmese python, played a pivotal role in Jake's career and left a lasting impact on the wrestling world. Today, the sight of Damien slithering around the ring is a iconic image etched in the minds of fans, a testament to the extraordinary bond between a man and his snake.