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United States Jake "The Snake" Roberts has transitioned from iconic professional wrestler and actor to a celebrated podcaster and community outreach advisor for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), sharing insights from a storied career.
Roberts is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs as manager to Lance Archer and also serves as a special advisor for AEW's community outreach program, AEW Together. He signed a 2-year contract extension with AEW in July 2021. In March 2020, he made a surprise appearance on AEW Dynamite, introducing Lance Archer as his client. In October 2024, Roberts acquired La Facción Ingobernable from Don Callis in exchange for Lance Archer, managing the group until November before being taken off television.
Jake Roberts had two significant stints in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later WWE, from 1986 to 1992 and 1996 to 1997. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 5, 2014. In 2007, WWE began a policy to cover drug rehabilitation expenses for former performers, and Roberts was placed in a 14-week voluntary rehab program, completing it in May 2008. He also made appearances on WWE's Raw, WWE Story Time, and was the subject of Biography: WWE Legends in 2023.
Roberts wrestled in the National Wrestling Alliance in 1983. He held the NWA National Television Championship once and the NWA World Television Championship (Georgia version) twice. He also held the NWA UK Hammerlock Heavyweight Championship once in 2002.
Roberts wrestled in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1992, where he allied with The Barbarian and Cactus Jack. His time in WCW included feuds with Sting and Nikita Koloff, and he participated in Clash of the Champions XX and Halloween Havoc.
Roberts wrestled for the Mexico-based Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) between 1993 and 1994, and again in 1997. He had a notable feud with Konnan, culminating in a hair vs. hair match at Triplemanía II-C in 1994.
Roberts appeared in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) during the summer of 1997, including a tag team match with Tommy Dreamer at November to Remember in 1998.
Roberts made appearances for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) from 2006 through 2008. This included an appearance on TNA Impact! in 2006 where he refereed a Monster's Ball match and a one-night return in 2008 as a guest at a storyline wedding.
Roberts appeared in an infomercial for “Diamond Dallas Page Yoga.” This partnership also extended to his personal life, as he moved in with Diamond Dallas Page in 2012 to seek help with alcohol and drug addiction, a period documented in "The Resurrection of Jake the Snake."
Roberts hosts his own podcast, "The Snake Pit with Jake Roberts," launched in 2021, where he shares stories from his Hall of Fame career and personal life. The podcast offers insights into his professional struggles and triumphs.
Jake Roberts has a DVD product for sale on Amazon titled 'WWE: Jake the Snake Roberts: Pick Your Poison'. The product has received positive reviews for its documentary quality, insight into his career and life, and entertainment value.
Aurelian Smith Jr., known professionally as Jake “The Snake” Roberts, was born on May 30, 1955, in Gainesville, Texas. His father, Aurelian “Grizzly” Smith, was also a professional wrestler. Roberts began his wrestling career in 1974 as a referee before transitioning to a wrestler in 1975. He gained recognition in various promotions including Mid-South Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, and Georgia Championship Wrestling. A defining period of his career began with his two notable stints in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), later known as WWE, spanning from 1986 to 1992 and again from 1996 to 1997. During these years, Roberts became known for his intense and thoughtful promotional tactics, dark charisma, and his frequent use of a python, most famously named Damien, in his ring entrances. Roberts is also credited with popularizing the DDT finishing move, which WWE later recognized as the “coolest” maneuver of all time.
Throughout his career, Roberts engaged in significant feuds with prominent figures like Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, “The Honky Tonk Man,” “Ravishing” Rick Rude, André the Giant, Ted DiBiase, Rick “The Model” Martel, Earthquake, and The Undertaker. These rivalries were often characterized by elaborate storytelling and psychological elements, showcasing Roberts’s unique approach to professional wrestling. A turning point in his personal life and career was documented in the 2015 film, “The Resurrection of Jake the Snake,” which chronicled his journey to sobriety and better health after years of addiction, facilitated by fellow wrestler Diamond Dallas Page. His enduring impact on the sport was formally recognized with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame on April 5, 2014, and the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2020. Roberts continues to contribute to the wrestling world in new capacities, including as a special advisor for AEW’s community outreach program, AEW Together, and as a podcaster, reflecting his continued influence and legacy within professional wrestling.
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