Retro Wednesday: Randy Savage Gets Snake Bitten

For a major part of his career, Jake "The Snake" Roberts was known for carrying a snake named Damien. This snake was a unique part of his gimmick, and even showed the vulnerability of the dominant Andre the Giant in a very memorable feud.

It only took a short amount of time to show the popularity of Jake Roberts. Initially, he was a heel, engaging in a heated feud with Ricky Steamboat in 1986. After gaining much respect for Steamboat after their feud, and receiving fan support during a feud with Randy Savage, Roberts officially turned face during a segment of his show?Snake Pit?when Honky Tonk Man smashed a guitar over his head. Roberts had a successful tenure as face, and was one of the most popular wrestlers in the WWE.

However, 1991 comes, and we see a different, more venomous side of Roberts that even trumped his villainous days of old. It started of with him challenging the Ultimate Warrior to "trust him," which eventually led to a heel turn and alliance with the Undertaker and Paul Bearer.

His dark ways were even further expressed when Roberts commenced a feud with Randy Savage. During the wedding reception at SummerSlam 1991, a box was opened by Elizabeth containing a snake. This time, a venom-filled cobra that Randy Savage soon became very acquainted with.

After a match on an episode of Superstars of Wrestling, Roberts grabbed a mic and started degrading Savage, calling him a "gutless stinkin' yellow coward." This caused Savage to come to the ring from the announcer's booth and fight Roberts. Roberts gained the advantage over Savage, tied him in the ropes, and placed his cobra on a defenseless Savage.

The snake bite was legitimate, and Roberts stated on his Pick Your Poison DVD that it was quite difficult to remove the snake off of Savage. Without question, this was one of the most shocking moments in WWE history as the spectators watched with awe.

Classic feud. Classic moment.

Author's Link: TLC review, Roman Reigns face turn, Batista debate, Royal Rumble 1994-98