The Undertaker, one of the most iconic and respected figures in wrestling history, has often been a source of inspiration for younger wrestlers. However, even The Deadman had mentors who helped shape his legendary career. On a recent episode of his Six Feet Under podcast, The Undertaker welcomed fellow WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts, whom he credits as one of the greatest wrestling minds of all time.
Undertaker’s Praise for Jake Roberts
During the podcast, The Undertaker expressed his deep admiration for Roberts, highlighting the invaluable lessons he learned from the wrestling legend.
“I’ve always felt like [Roberts] had one of the greatest wrestling minds that I’ve ever been around,” Undertaker said. “Like the way he thinks about things, and the mannerisms, and the way he makes things make sense, and of course just the darkness around how it all happens was just like, man, he is brilliant.”
The Undertaker acknowledged that Roberts played a pivotal role in helping him perfect his character, something few others could have done. “I was very privileged to sit under the learning tree of Roberts,” he added.
Lessons from the Master
Roberts’ influence on The Undertaker extended beyond just character development. He shared practical advice that became foundational to The Deadman’s career. One key lesson was the importance of always carrying a tape recorder to capture ideas whenever inspiration struck.
Roberts also taught The Undertaker that a match doesn’t begin when the bell rings—it starts the moment a wrestler walks through the curtain. This insight inspired The Undertaker to create one of the most intimidating entrances in WWE history, setting the tone for his matches before he even stepped into the ring.
A Historic Rivalry
Although The Undertaker and Roberts only faced each other once in a singles match in WWE, their encounter holds significant historical value. The match took place at WrestleMania VIII in 1992 and marked The Undertaker’s second consecutive victory at The Show of Shows. This win further solidified The Deadman’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, a legacy that would grow into one of the most celebrated records in wrestling history.
Roberts’ Legacy in Wrestling
Jake “The Snake” Roberts is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and psychologically astute wrestlers of all time. His ability to tell stories in the ring and captivate audiences with his dark, enigmatic persona made him a standout performer. Roberts’ influence extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments, as he has mentored countless wrestlers, including The Undertaker, who carried those lessons to unprecedented heights.
The Undertaker’s career is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of learning from those who came before. Jake “The Snake” Roberts’ guidance helped shape The Deadman into the legendary figure he is today, proving that even the greatest wrestlers owe part of their success to the wisdom of their mentors.