Wrestling Legends of the 1980s: The Fascinating Stories Behind the Superstars (3 of 6)

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper

Before the WWF came into existence, wrestlers didn’t really attempt to have public careers outside the ring. But guys like Roderick Toombs, who entertained spectators for years as “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, proved that you could parlay your wrestling fame into an acting career with his starring role in John Carpenter’s 1988 film They Live. Carpenter once remarked that the charismatic Piper had “life written all over him.” Piper’s battered body and authentic personality set him apart from conventional Hollywood actors. His performance, and his now-iconic line about bubble gum and butt-kicking, cemented the late wrestler’s place in pop culture.

Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Though bringing snakes into the ring was literally his thing, Roberts later admitted he was terrified of them. The persona, born during a haze of drinking and drugs, stuck with him for years. His most famous snake, Damien, became part of a notorious storyline in 1991 when John “Earthquake” Tenta crushed him in the ring. Relax. It was all kayfabe. The snake wasn’t actually harmed.