Putting the pieces together of an embattled wrestling legend is a taxing, exhausting, and at-times rewarding experience.
The Resurrection of Jake The Snake is a tense, hour-and-a-half sojourn where wrestling icon Jake “The Snake” Roberts gets acquainted with Aurelian Smith Jr. (his real-life persona) Throughout this cautionary tale, which is mixed with poignant moments of triumph, it’s anybody’s guess which persona will outlast the other.
Directed by Steve Yu, the documentary follows Jake Roberts as he moves in with fellow wrestling legend Diamond Dallas Page for an ambitious live-in rehab stint intended to save Roberts’ life. Page’s mixture of Yoga, accountability and relentless positivity are all primary tools employed with the hope of keeping Roberts clean and sober.
In 2014, DDPYoga, Page’s lifestyle and exercise program, was featured on an episode of ABC’s Shark Tank. During his appearance, Page sought $200,000 from the sharks (investors) for a 5% stake, and noted DDPYoga profited $800,000 after paying himself and his staff. Although he did not receive any investments from the sharks, Page claimed the company generated $1 million in sales in the six days following the appearance.
It took all Page’s resources and then some to keep Roberts on the straight-and-narrow, as his multiple relapses told the at-times dark story of life after wrestling.
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