Bruce Prichard: A Ten Minute Jake Roberts vs. Vader Match During Boys Meet World Filming Ended Up Being 40 Minutes Long

Bruce Prichard had to go to overtime when it came to filming during a match.

The hit television show ‘Boy Meets World’ aired an episode in 1996 titled “Sixteen Candles and Four-Hundred-Pound Men,”. The plot featured Cory Matthews helping out his friendly neighborhood bully Frankie with a wrestling match that his father was in while also trying to attend the birthday party of Topanga.

The father of Frankie was none other than the legendary Vader, he wrestled the legendary Jake Roberts while Bruce Prichard was on commentary during the match. Prichard reflected on it during an episode of Pod Meets World.

“We’re in Anaheim and we’re trying to present a live event for Anaheim. A live event is a different feel than when we go out and produce television because the talent are accustomed to a bit of waiting around and having to do things two or three times. We operate a lot differently than Hollywood does. Hollywood has the luxury of ‘cut,’ then you move things into place and try it again. We don’t have that luxury in front of a live paying audience that wants to be entertained. That was part of the frustration. The event in and of itself was a little bit longer that night because we had to fit in the Jake The Snake Roberts and Vader match. Then, what should have been a 10 minute match, I think we ended up going 35 to 40 minutes. You had them all down at ringside, you’re trying to get this heartfelt scene of ‘Dad, do you love me?’ I’m sitting ringside in a white suit with my face painted red. I’m trying to direct them there. I’m trying to calm Jake down. ‘Hey man, it’s okay. Stay there, do your thing. Vader is doing his thing,’ and to make it logical for the audience. You had to do certain things to get Vader in that position and protect Jake. On top of that, talent backstage, ‘Bruce, you done producing your movie?” he recalled.

Vader would end up getting help from the gang of friends to get the win over Roberts, ending everything on a happy note.

h/t to Fightful for the transcription.

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