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 Jake "The Snake" Roberts' Career and Achievements

Jake "The Snake" Roberts is a legendary professional wrestler who has had a significant impact on the sport. He is known for his unique style, his snake prop, and his in-ring promos. In this article, we will outline Roberts' career and achievements, from his early days in regional territories to his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and beyond.

Early Career

Roberts was introduced to wrestling by his father, former wrestler Grizzly Smith. He began wrestling in the late 1970s and early 1980s in regional territories such as Mid-South Wrestling and Championship Wrestling from Florida. Roberts' early career was marked by his innovative and often unorthodox wrestling style, which quickly made him stand out from the pack. He also began using his trademark prop, a live snake, as part of his gimmick.

In 1984, Roberts joined Georgia Championship Wrestling, where he continued to build his reputation as a unique and exciting wrestler. He had notable feuds with wrestlers such as Dick Slater and The Iron Sheik, which helped establish him as a legitimate contender.

World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Career

In 1986, Roberts signed with the WWF, which was then the premier wrestling promotion in the world. He quickly made an impact with his distinctive look and promos, which were filled with ominous warnings and clever wordplay. Roberts' first major feud in the WWF was with Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, which culminated in a classic match at WrestleMania III.

One of the highlights of Roberts' WWF career was his victory in the King of the Ring tournament in 1987. This win helped establish him as a top-level wrestler and one of the WWF's most popular characters. Roberts also had a memorable feud with The Undertaker, which involved Roberts' snake being "killed" by The Undertaker.

Post-WWF Career

Roberts left the WWF in 1992 and began wrestling in other promotions such as World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He also made appearances in various independent wrestling promotions. In the mid-1990s, Roberts retired from wrestling due to personal issues, including substance abuse.

In 1997, Roberts returned to wrestling and began working for the newly-formed Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) promotion. He also made appearances in the WWF, WCW, and other promotions over the next few years.

The style of Jake "The Snake" Roberts' matches was known for its methodical pacing and psychological intensity. Roberts was not known for high-flying or acrobatic moves but instead relied on a more grounded approach to wrestling. He would often wear down his opponents with holds and submissions, using his technical skill to gain an advantage.

One of the hallmarks of Roberts' style was his use of his snake, which he would bring to the ring in a bag. During matches, Roberts would sometimes unleash the snake on his opponents, causing a distraction or causing them to panic. This added an element of unpredictability and danger to his matches, making them even more exciting to watch.

In addition to his in-ring style, Roberts was also known for his exceptional microphone skills. He was a master of the promo, delivering eloquent speeches that often left his opponents speechless. His ability to connect with the audience and tell a story through his words was a key part of his success as a wrestler.

Overall, Jake "The Snake" Roberts' style was unique and memorable, blending technical skill with psychological manipulation and adding an element of danger with the use of his snake. His legacy as a wrestler continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers who strive to replicate his success in and out of the ring.

Personal Life and Struggles

Roberts' personal life has been marked by numerous struggles, including issues with substance abuse. He has been open about his battles with addiction and has been in and out of rehabilitation programs over the years. In 2015, Roberts was featured in the documentary "The Resurrection of Jake The Snake," which chronicled his journey to sobriety.

Roberts' family background is also noteworthy. His father, Grizzly Smith, was a professional wrestler, and Roberts' half-brother and half-sister also went on to become wrestlers.

Achievements and Legacy

Throughout his career, Roberts achieved numerous accolades and accomplishments. In addition to his victory in the King of the Ring tournament, he also won multiple regional championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014. Roberts is also remembered for his contributions to the wrestling industry and his influence on other wrestlers. His innovative wrestling style, creative promos, and unique character have inspired many wrestlers who have followed in his footsteps.

Conclusion

Jake "The Snake" Roberts is a wrestling legend who has left a lasting impact on the sport. From his innovative wrestling style to his unforgettable promos, Roberts' career was marked by creativity and ingenuity. While his personal struggles have been well-documented, his journey to sobriety and his contributions to the wrestling industry are a testament to his strength and resilience.

FAQs

What is Jake "The Snake" Roberts' real name?

Jake Roberts' real name is Aurelian Smith Jr.

Did Jake Roberts ever win the WWE Championship?

No, Roberts never won the WWE Championship.

What was Jake Roberts' finishing move?

Roberts' finishing move was the DDT.

How old is Jake "The Snake" Roberts?

As of 2023, Roberts is 67 years old.

Is Jake Roberts still involved in wrestling?

While he is not actively wrestling, Roberts still makes occasional appearances at wrestling events and conventions.