Background: In the build to The Snowman taking on Jake Roberts, boxing legend Muhammed Ali became a corner man after being insulted by Roberts as a way to infuriate the Mid-South Television champ’s friend.
The Big Event
New Orleans, LA
June 1985
The Snowman vs. Jake Roberts
The challenger found himself in a bad way early as he couldn’t overpower the muscular man, nor could Roberts out-strike him. Using a combination of side headlocks & shoulder blocks, the champ was obliterating Roberts for the match’s early going. Feigning unconsciousness, Roberts lured The Snowman into a right hand that saw him apparently stab The Snowman in the throat. The champ was staggered as the referee tried to figure out what just happened. Ali was ready to get involved, only being held back by Ernie Ladd at ringside. With the referee trying to figure out how to settle the commotion at ringside, Roberts’ second The Barbarian tripped The Snowman into the DDT. Ali broke free of Ladd’s grip, causing a chase around ringside. The referee took too long to count Roberts’ pin, allowing The Snowman to not only kick out, but also send Roberts sailing the outside where Ali was waiting. The referee had lost control and Ali finally had his chance to knock out The Barbarian and punch Roberts into The Snowman’s power slam for a three count in the champ’s favor.
Winner: The Snowman (9:47)
Is It A Classic: That was a spectacle if there ever was one. The match wasn’t memorable in the least, but that finishing sequence was definitely something to remember.
