The Wrestling Character Crisis: A Legend’s Lament and What It Reveals About Modern Sports Entertainment
There’s something haunting about a legend like Jake “The Snake” Roberts looking at the wrestling world today and shaking his head. It’s not just nostalgia talking—though, let’s be honest, nostalgia is a powerful lens in wrestling. What makes Roberts’ critique so compelling is its specificity. He’s not just saying, ‘It was better in my day.’ He’s pinpointing a void: the lack of characters. And personally, I think he’s onto something far deeper than just a gripe about the good old days.
The Character Vacuum: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Roberts’ lament about the absence of characters in WWE and AEW isn’t just about missing the larger-than-life personas of the past. It’s about the soul of wrestling itself. Characters are what make wrestling wrestling. They’re the glue that binds the athleticism, the storytelling, and the spectacle. Without them, you’re left with a circus of moves but no story, no reason to care.
What many people don’t realize is that characters aren’t just about costumes or catchphrases. They’re about identity, about giving fans someone to love, hate, or root for. When Roberts says, ‘They need to go back to simple wrestling, not so much high flying,’ he’s not dismissing athleticism. He’s saying that without a character to anchor it, all the flips and dives in the world feel hollow. It’s like watching a fireworks display without the music—impressive, but ultimately forgettable.
The High-Flying Crutch: A Symptom of a Bigger Problem?
Roberts’ critique of high-flying wrestling as a ‘crutch’ is particularly fascinating. On the surface, it sounds like an old-school wrestler dismissing modern innovation. But if you take a step back and think about it, he’s highlighting a broader trend: the prioritization of spectacle over substance. High-flying moves are incredible, don’t get me wrong. But when they become the default, when every match feels like a highlight reel, they lose their impact.
This raises a deeper question: Are wrestlers today relying on athleticism because they don’t have the characters to carry them? It’s a provocative thought, and one that I find especially interesting. In my opinion, the best wrestling matches are the ones where the moves serve the story, not the other way around. When a wrestler’s character is strong enough, a simple clothesline can feel more devastating than a 450 splash.
The ‘It Guy’ Dilemma: Oba Femi and the Search for the Next Star
Roberts’ admission that he’s never seen Oba Femi in action is telling. Here’s a guy who’s being touted as the next big thing, yet one of the greatest character wrestlers of all time hasn’t even tuned in. What this really suggests is that WWE is struggling to create stars that transcend the ring. Femi might have the look and the skill, but does he have the character to become a legend?
From my perspective, the wrestling industry is so focused on finding the next ‘It Guy’ that they’re forgetting to build him. It’s not enough to hand someone a title and hope they stick. You need to give them a persona, a story, a reason for fans to invest emotionally. Personally, I think Femi could be great, but only if WWE takes the time to develop him as more than just a powerhouse.
Firing Half the Roster: A Radical Idea or a Necessary Reset?
Roberts’ claim that he’d ‘fire about half’ of the WWE roster if he were in charge is bold, but it’s not just shock value. It’s a reflection of how bloated and directionless the rosters have become. In my opinion, quantity has overtaken quality, and it’s diluting the product. When you have too many wrestlers, it’s hard to give anyone meaningful storylines or character development.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that Roberts isn’t just calling for cuts—he’s calling for a return to fundamentals. ‘Just the guys who can actually wrestle,’ he says. But here’s the thing: wrestling ability alone isn’t enough. You need character, charisma, and presence. If you take a step back and think about it, Roberts is essentially saying that WWE needs to prioritize stars over performers.
AEW’s Breath of Fresh Air: Tony Khan and the Respect Factor
Roberts’ praise for Tony Khan as a ‘breath of fresh air’ is noteworthy, especially given his departure from AEW. It’s a reminder that leadership matters in wrestling. Khan has built AEW on a foundation of creativity and respect for the craft, which is something Roberts clearly appreciates. But even in AEW, Roberts sees the same character crisis.
One thing that immediately stands out is that AEW has some of the most talented wrestlers in the world, yet even they struggle to break through without strong characters. MJF, for example, is a standout because he’s not just a great wrestler—he’s a great character. Roberts’ comparison of MJF’s mic skills to his own is high praise, but his jab at MJF’s clothing is a hilarious reminder that even the best have flaws.
The Future of Wrestling: Characters or Chaos?
If there’s one takeaway from Roberts’ commentary, it’s this: wrestling without characters is just chaos. It’s impressive, it’s athletic, but it’s ultimately forgettable. The industry needs to reinvest in building personalities, not just performers.
Personally, I think the solution lies in a balance. High-flying moves have their place, but they need to be anchored by characters that give them meaning. Wrestlers today need to be more than just athletes—they need to be storytellers, entertainers, and icons.
What this really suggests is that the wrestling world is at a crossroads. Will it double down on spectacle, or will it rediscover the art of character-driven storytelling? As Roberts himself might say, the ball’s in their court. And I, for one, can’t wait to see how they play it.
