Roddy Piper’s Greatest Career Highlights

Jimmy Snuka & the Coconut

Piper’s Pit was a unique introduction by Roddy Piper, placing the job of interviewing to the wrestlers instead of merely being the interviewees. Piper was the undoubted star of every segment, with his cutting questions and controversial statements setting him apart from the crowd, and making him a pop culture icon in spite of his heel status. It was a trendsetter for many other wrestler-hosted interview segments going forward, including the Highlight Reel, the Cutting Edge or Carlito’s Cabana. But nothing could touch the original.

Piper’s Pit made stars of those that were previously overlooked for not being considered “true” main event players. He made feuds and stories to intrigue WWE fans beyond the main event scene, with Piper not only building himself up but many of his fellow competitors to levels they had previously never experienced. Over the years, it would become a beacon of controversy and captivating television, from a his heated exchange with Talk Show host Morton Downey Jr, to being stunned by Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 21.

However, undoubtedly the most memorable Piper’s Pit came when he interviewed and chastised Jimmy Snuka in 1984. During this remarkable segment, Piper insulted Snuka’s Polynesian heritage by bringing out bananas and pineapples onto the stage. Snuka took offense to this blatant attack on his roots, and Piper in return hit the popular star in the face with a coconut.