Jake Roberts Slams Modern Wrestling’s Finisher Problem: It’s So Wrong

One Big Thing

AEW’s Jake “The Snake” Roberts criticizes current wrestlers for not protecting their finishing moves, calling the practice “so wrong” on his “The Snake Pit” podcast.

Why It Matters

Finishing moves traditionally signaled match endings in pro wrestling. Their diminished impact today affects match psychology and storytelling, potentially reducing the excitement of big match conclusions.

Key Details

• Roberts never allowed opponents to kick out of his DDT finisher
• He specifically commented on the Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay match’s multiple false finishes
• The WWE Hall of Famer acknowledged the quality of Omega and Ospreay’s execution but questioned the necessity

Direct Quote

“The false finishes are good but you don’t have to destroy every false finish… You don’t have to destroy somebody’s go-home [finish]. There’s no reason for that.”

By The Numbers

• The DDT, created by Roberts, is now used by multiple wrestlers as a regular move
• Modern matches often feature 3-4 false finishes, compared to 0-1 in Roberts’ era

The Bottom Line

Roberts’ criticism highlights a growing debate in professional wrestling about match psychology and the importance of protecting signature moves. His perspective, backed by decades of experience, suggests modern wrestling might benefit from more selective use of finish kickouts.

What’s Your Take?

Do you think modern wrestling uses too many false finishes? Share your thoughts in the comments below about how this affects your enjoyment of matches.