Jake The Snake on WWE Career & Vince McMahon, Overcoming Addiction & Dark Childhood (Full Interview)

In the full-length interview, WWF legend Jake "The Snake" Roberts talks about growing up in Gainesville, Texas, back in the 60s and 70s with a pedophilic father who left his mother, who was only 17 years old at the time, which led to his immediate family being split up. As the conversation moves along, the WWE Hall of Famer tells the story about how his father initially dated his grandmother before raping her daughter (his mother), he was 24 years old, and she was 12 years old. His dad eventually married his mother, despite the age gap.
Elsewhere, Jake "The Snake" Roberts talks about his lack of a relationship with his late father, a former pro wrestler known as Grizzly Smith. He also reveals that despite the fact that Grizzly Smith was a deadbeat dad, he wanted to make him proud. So, upon becoming the first person from his family to graduate from high school, he tried his hand at professional wrestling before losing the match and being told by his father that he was ashamed of him. From there, he talks about getting married at the age of eighteen and working his way up the independent wrestling circuit from the South all the way up to Canada.
Later in the Q&A session, he talks about his friendship with the late Andre "The Giant," the Ultimate Warrior getting fired from the WWF, and the infamous wrestling match where his pet snake bet his opponent, Macho Man Randy Savage. Lastly, he advises the VladTV viewers not to pursue a career in pro wrestling.

[@drewcifer1754]

You can tell by how genuine Jake's smile is that he's in a good place now.

[@txmetalhead82xk]

The guy has a huge heart.

[@sammygaudino8906]

​@txmetalhead82xk I bet if wrestlers got paid like athletes his dad seems like the type of guy who would try and get back in his life.

[@machoboyrandyandsavage3439]

The greatest scene in WWF history was when Jake and his Cobra were both laid in the ring staring at each other with Jake laughing after the Macho man incident. The crowd screaming and kids crying, that shit was sick! 😂😂

[@KD_SWAGGER]

Jake The Snake Roberts is a legend. The man has no problem with taking accountability and telling his story to help others. Props to Vlad TV for having him on.

[@BrandonCassaday]

At least he's a man that can take accountability unlike Vince McMahon the living pile of dog 💩!!

[@davidnorton2473]

Are you kidding? Ha ha I've never heard him talk about all the people he's ripped off whilst he was a crack head especially the women. He reinvents history painting a picture that he wasn't that bad.

[@davidnorton2473]

Also I've never heard of him ever paying anyone back money he stole once he got back on his feet and now has decent coin

[@KD_SWAGGER]

@@davidnorton2473 No one is perfect.

[@davidnorton2473]

@@KD_SWAGGER ain't that the truth

[@Karen-tt9ot]

This is how u know he's no longer in any way actively addicted,he's accountable, honest and has true regret for his mistakes.That makes him a million times bigger badder and stronger than his father ever was or could be. I salute you,sir❤

[@sacred1827]

We knew Jake was a wrestler, but turns out he's a true fighter. He should be proud of himself for what he's accomplished through trauma.

[@aw5347]

Facts!!!

[@darkseid6947]

💯

[@redeastwood4850]

He is a legend. I got to meet him and hear some of these stories in person when he did a tour. At one point after talking about winning his battle with drugs, he paused, he looked at all of us in the audience, and he said if anyone in the audience had a drug problem and wanted help, to stay after the show and he would talk with him and get him help. It was so genuine and heartfelt, yet he sounded so tough when he said it. An amazing moment ill never forget.

[@sacred1827]

@@redeastwood4850 I'm not surprised to hear that.

[@jamesbroomfield7799]

Wow. Hearing his story. You'd never think someone could go through this much trauma. Damn he's been through the ringer

[@CASANOVAandtheblackheart]

⁰000

[@aw5347]

Facts!!

[@MrJawstherevenge87]

This is what sobriety looks like. You own your mistakes and the bad times and you can talk about it straight forward. No running away. Jake is the best!!

[@silasbenz9224]

Amen

[@richardlawson6787]

It's never to late to repent and change your life

[@Natescoop8800]

You don't have to be sober to do that l smh...😂😂 keep drinking the Kool aid...smh

[@MrJawstherevenge87]

@@Natescoop8800I think you've drank too much Kool aid yourself. The point is for someone who is a drug addict and an alcoholic to just be able to bare all the darkness and be honest is a great feeling while being sober. But you do you

[@DavidMccallister65]

Jake if you're reading this, I'm so proud of you brother. I understand addiction, pain and shame but God has kept you on this earth for a reason and a plan and you've still got work to do! You're helping more people than you'll ever know this side of heaven. Keep it up brother! ☝️🙌

[@michaelvaughn8864]

Amen to that, Mr. McCallister😇

[@amrakarma8576]

Probably my favorite wrestler. Not just because of his in-ring presence but the amount of pain this man has endured and to still be standing. DDP is a Saint.

[@alanboyd7998]

DDP is definitely a great human. Really truly cares about the people around him and will walk thru hell to help the ones he loves!!! Glad he helped Jake

[@jamestonga6281]

Jake is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t judge people, you never know what they been through. Much luv Jake The Snake Roberts!

[@trenortrenor5455]

The best interview from a wrestler I have heard. He owns his mistakes but also calls out things that weren’t true. Jake!! We love you man! I’m going through an addiction issue. This video inspired me. Thank you

[@jasonv2323]

I thought thr interview was awful. Jake had one word answers and hardly elaborated on anything. It was like he was forced to be there but didn't want to be there.

[@nfdff189]

Take it day by day.

[@CapricornSunSagRisingLibraMoon]

@@jasonv2323 the interview was good you can't browbeat someone into elaborating on things unless they want to. Considering he's a recovering addict wrestling with a deeply dysfunctional childhood his opening up on camera like this was impressive. Most people would just lie to the world and themselves, it's easier to deal with childhood wounds that way, this was a good interview. Read the book if you want more about the salacious things in his childhood.

[@jasonv2323]

@capricornsunsagrisinglibra7210 well I would agree with you, except I have heard Jake tell all these same stories in different interviews, and the interviewers in those were able to get him to open up. None of these stories are new. Jake has told these a million times. Jake was clearly not engaged with the guy interviewing. Go look up Jake's other interviews, and you will see.

[@egamingtech84]

@@jasonv2323 People get tired of talking about the same traumatic things over and over..Like seeing different therapist over the years, I hate more than anything having to talk about the same traumatic things to another person who knows nothing about me..I'm sure he didn't have bad intentions , He is trying to heal and not put his self too far back into the pains. I'm just happy for him being able to get out of the spiral...

[@NorCalTC]

I grew up watching this man wrestle. I was born in 85. Such a HUGE part of my childhood. Thank you Jake

[@SuperJcaudill]

I have never said "oh wow" many times at a interview in my life. My respect level went straight to the top for this living legend.....

[@tyronetb3]

Man, Jake we Love you! The past is the past. Keep that 11+years sober going!

[@aw5347]

Preach!!!

[@WarHammer1989]

I’m not even a fan of wrestling but LOVE watching interviews from Golden Era wrestlers. Each one of them has Movie worthy stories by the dozen. And they keep it real 100%

[@CG_31]

Got to see him in a high school gym headlining some promotion that was in town (Houston) back in the 90’s.. had no idea how lucky I was to see a legend that close and even with only 50 people in the crowd, the dude still performed as if it was in the garden

[@SatansSimgma]

Same. In a small town hs gym. It blew my mind. Incredible show for about 300 people, same moves I saw on Saturday morning WWF. I'm not a fan either, but when I saw Razor Ramon get in a screaming match with a guy I knew personally had down syndrome, I was 1000% percent a superfan.

[@TeeGeeBee83]

I'm 6 minutes into this interview and I think I need therapy just to listen to anymore!! 😳 this is unbelievable.

[@ratherunique8137]

He’s told this same story for years. Sad shit

[@demuswheeler3797]

And this is the abridged version and the stories of his dad is way worse

[@TeeGeeBee83]

@@demuswheeler3797 wow!!!

[@cedricklockett52]

Bruh I stopped at exactly 6:10 I’m playing the game in listening I had to stop like hold up it’s only been 6 mins

[@TeeGeeBee83]

@@cedricklockett52 RIGHT THOOOOO😂😂😂 like this to much to soon. Lol

[@RC-nb8ze]

Considering all Jake's been through, he seems very chill.

[@brianplord]

I have always loved this man. So glad he’s doing well. If you weren’t around to watch wrestling in the late 80s/early 90s you cannot begin to imagine how enormous it was.

[@rcword8795]

This guy stuck it to his dad because he truly is one of the greatest ever

[@txmetalhead82xk]

He will be forever remembered! Not many people will remember who Grizzly Smith was. Especially, this young generation.

[@SAF4EVER]

One of my absolute favs as a kid, a true redemption story, and a great interview!

[@carleon54242]

He looks good I’m glad he overcame everything

[@alpulley4894]

Incredible display of honesty.

[@daedevillewrestling]

Jake’s life is the other side of the same coin of a dark and harsh upbringing you might see a kid in the Hood go through. Amazing he made it through to see the type of life where he’s admired for his accomplishments.

[@lemarh3584]

Jake the snake. You were a critical part of my child hood. I struggle with my own problems but you definitely inspire to fighting til the end. Great interview vlad.

[@mardymaclean4519]

So I’m currently drunk watching this and bawling my 15yr old teenage girls eyes out. I’m actually a 48 yr old alcoholic man that didn’t quite have the life Jake had but holy fuck I know his demons. This might be the best thing I have ever watched that has given me hope. I loved watching this man wrestle but I love how much he has saved himself so much more. Take care Jake, and thank you for doing this

[@aw5347]

@mardy maclean...take care of yourself my guy...as long as you are alive, you can still have time to change things with you and around you. Have faith my friend, have faith!!!

[@JihadBunnydick]

Hey you're not alone... I just got off DUI probation (case dismissed).. I been tempted to drink again, but my spirit is telling me to live sober, so I can attract fortune in my life.. I go to Celebrate Recovery meetings & go to veteran peer group meetings they help alot.. I suggest finding a good support system.. Also listening to Gucci Mane, Danny Trejo & Jake interviews give me alot of perspective.. It's never too late to be the person you were born to be.

[@aw5347]

@@JihadBunnydick Facts!!

[@tyronmcdaniel5372]

You can do this my man!

[@PorkChopExpress500]

Find his other interviews , they’re more in depth this just glosses over stuff , they’re both more sad and more funny in the parts where he does impressions of savage and Andre,

[@Hatemode_NJ]

It's amazing how well he's cleaned up. I had no idea his childhood was that insane. Makes sense now he would have substance abuse issues. Thank you for all the memories Jake. You were always my favorite wrestler and the snake biting savage is still burned into my mind.

[@keithscharlach4968]

So nice to see him turn life around and be so accountable, I hope this inspires people. We love you Jake, DDT!!! 🙌🙌🙌🙏

[@enp4776]

The Macho Man Randy Savage impersonation was on point!😂

[@pinebarrenpatriot8289]

DDP is a literal life saver. I'm glad Jake the Snake is looking good 👍

[@tyronmcdaniel5372]

Frfr… DDP helped save many men

[@Cpt.NateF.America]

I met Jake here in Rapid City back in 1998. It was on my B Day. He had his snake with him. All us kids were enthralled and got to touch the snake. You’re a real legend Jake! God Bless!

[@john9908]

It feels me with so much joy to see jake healthy and clean. Im 38 years old and he was my favorite wrestler. I will never forget wondering where he went when he disappeared on tv. Then he came back to fight stone cold at KOTR. i was deeply saddened he disappeared again shortly after that. Jake is my all time favorite by far. Keep staying sober bro you deserve it. You only get one life, make the best of it and make up for the time you lost. And any time you think about using reflect on the time you lost that you are starting to get back. Rooting you on Jake.

[@caincotterill5493]

How was Texas around the 70’s and 80’s? Pretty rough in my house. Says it all for the troubles this legend had to go through. Absolute respect for this bloke🇬🇧👊🏼

[@LindaG696]

You could tell Jake was and still is a straight shooter no matter how bad or good things are with him

[@andrewm4138]

I remember watching Jake wrestle when I was a kid. This man is living proof that there is always hope, and that it is never too late to turn your life around. I am very proud of him.

[@demsandlibsareswinecancer4667]

After how this man's life began, the childhood that he had to endure, the so-called parents and step parents he had in his life, the career he had, everything he endured with addiction, the downfall of his career after reaching such Heights, I have nothing but the utmost respect for this man. He doesn't hide who he is or where he came from. And he has managed to turn quite a difficult journey into an amazing destination. Don't ever forget no matter how hard the journey might be, there can still be victory at the end waiting for you. Just ask this gentleman.

[@mikealves2236]

Has no choice documented

[@justinraider5865]

Loved this interview. Jake the Snake 🐍 is still one of my favorite wrestlers of all time. So proud of you Jake. Keep up the good work

[@hittz2581]

As a 86 baby appreciate this interview Vlad... Our era of watching wrestling was the best!

[@alanboyd7998]

I always loved watching him wrestle. One of the few I couldn't wait to see him come out. And this was when wwf was on on Saturday mornings. He is one of the very very few that takes full accountability for his choices in life. Glad to see and hear that he has turned his life around!!!

[@shawnj3219]

Definitely one of my Favorite Wrestlers when I was a kid this man is a walking Legend ⁉️🗣️💯

[@DannyGautama]

This man in addition to other great 80’s 90’s wrestlers like him, made my childhood happy. Love you Jake.

[@danadane2501]

A lot of people have accused Jake of not telling the truth all the time but when he speaks of his upbringing, I have no doubt he is speaking facts. Call it a gut instinct.

[@InvestBetter.]

Jake "The Snake" Roberts One of the greatest wrestling minds in the industry, as a wrestler, along with others like Scott Hall and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. He just "got it" and could work a crowd, just with his movements. In the ring, didn't have to do a big spot, to captivate you. On the mic, never had to raise his voice to be felt

[@space_dogg]

RIP big scott hall

[@SnEaKeRSkEr]

Nailed it with this comment 💯 Scott, Roddy, & Jake all had the magic to captivate an audience with just a glance Truly masters of their craft 👌 🙏

[@JohnDoe-uu6jl]

I appreciate how straight forward he is, shows he has conquered demons and is wiser for it. I watched the whole thing

[@EMGEE718]

I love this guy! Jake the snake was my favorite wrestler. To see him doing so well is great.

[@aronraygetchapull42071]

He doesn't really elaborate a whole lot, but God bless Him! I'm really glad Jake finally figured it out and is still here to talk about it, a true success story!!👏👏

[@jasonv2323]

Yea vlad couldn't get Jake to elaborate like Jake normally does. Or maybe Jake was not in a talkative mood this day. Who knows, but if you watch Jake's other interviews and documentaries, he goes much deeper than this.

[@tyronmcdaniel5372]

How deep you want him to go man, geez!

[@anniemansfield9042]

I was too young to watch jake in his wrestling prime, but all these interviews and documentaries are incredible. What a man jake is, through all that darkness to now shine like he does just shows that there is hope! ❤

[@stevenramirezmistersmokes6379]

OG JAKE THE SNAKE ROBERTS#1 WRESTLING LEGEND#1

[@josephbearup4787]

Remember seeing him Live in early 80s Detroit Michigan. He wrestled Brutus The Barber Beefcake. Not all hero’s wear capes Mr Snake is a Perfect In-perfect hero Still ! Much Luv Jake Da 🐍

[@phylliskumi4355]

So so happy for Jake. God bless.

[@anthonytristan2844]

What a legend. In the ring and in life.. Awesome interview with Jake The Snake

[@robstaaass]

Love this guy. Absolute legend and seems like the best guy. Overcame unreal circumstances

[@mrbludclot3798]

Now THIS is what I’m taking about. A man with an amazing life story , who can actually speak coherently. Not like these bargain bin “rappers” with the same boring story , who can barely form a sentence. Great content

[@brokenfunnibones]

Vlad: Alright "lil coolwhip" welcome to Vlad tv

[@bloodhound3817]

It's amazing to hear Jake's story. I met him several times when I was a kid and he was one of the nicest guys in the world.

[@lgarner3663]

Oh wow! I met Jake in (I think) 1982 or 83 at Stars in Louisiana. He asked me to dance. He just introduced himself as Jake. I had no idea who he was but, he was a great dancer and a perfect gentleman. I found out later that he was in town for a wrestling event. My heart breaks for him!

[@omenani]

This is why you don't judge others when you haven't walked in their shoes. Always used wonder what drove his addiction. Jake had so much talent and probably one of the best on the mic.

[@MrBlockice22]

All of the stuff he been through. Wooo I'm glad he doing better for himself!! One Love Jake!! Born in 1980, I just witnessed these great memories !!

[@jamesbroomfield7799]

Jake the Snake Robert's. Triple OG of the. 80s and 90s. He was one of the main guys in WWF back in the days

[@scottmcinnes2665]

The man done the best promos

[@KMartian7512]

Thank you Jake. Your story deserves a lot of credit. Happy you're here, mr.

[@wilhelmhesse1348]

DDT creator ....gotta respect the man for making this move...even if someone comes up and says he didn't make it, well he definitely perfected and made it famous...💯

[@paulchristie4904]

Recovering from addiction and being able to tell your story to help others is the best HIGH in the world! Thank you Jake ❤️

[@oceancycloneblue5356]

0 seconds ago Jakes that uncle that aint gon judge you no matter what because hes literally been in the shit since he was born. Shout out to DDP for taking him in and helping him get sober and healthy again.

[@johninjersey]

Good to see Jake hanging in there. Praise the Lord brother!

[@Yo-6495]

Wow incredible story, sorry that you had to go through all that Jake, glad you’ve turned your life around.

[@silasbenz9224]

Don't be sorry. He wouldn't have been what he was and is without all the darkness.

[@erinkirkpatrick7475]

FANTASTIC interview!!! Hes so real and funny and humble. I really enjoyed this. Thank u for streaming it

[@LEFTBEHINDTIMES]

Have to add a second comment. Kudos to the interviewer. He kept the conversation in order, did a good job to keep things flowing the right direction. One of the best interviews I’ve seen with Jake 👍

[@briangates2135]

This was waaay deeper than I was expecting. Good interview 💪🏼

[@cwm662]

Respect to the Legends!💯

[@dino-trainingunplug1402]

So heartwarming to see Jake in such a good place now and that there are people like Dallas taking care. I never knew about his childhood…. Considering all of what happened in his life, it‘s even more remarkable to see him doing so well now. 🙏🏻

[@MaxCadillacPriest]

1 of your Best interviews this year Glad! Great work

[@jacb630]

This is one of the most phenomenal interviews I’ve ever seen. I gotta’ give VLAD his props for this one. The story about the snake was CRAZY!

[@jasonv2323]

Jake has other interviews where he tells these stories and elaborates much deeper. He has told his life story a ton and this was probably the worst interview of them all. Vlad couldn't get Jake comfortable to open up and go into detail. If you look up Jake's other interviews and documentaries, you will see what I'm talking about. Either Jake didn't feel like talking much this day or Vlad didn't make him feel comfortable. One of the two

[@PorkChopExpress500]

@@jasonv2323agreed

[@gerardlouis2349]

This man was my biggest inspiration growing up..

[@Lee-sq4cm]

I loved Jake the snake... Thank you for those happy times jake

[@brentklein6143]

As a kid watching these men and seeing them as heroes and going through my own struggles, being open and honest makes them a bigger hero then ever

[@unitedwefalldividedwestand5040]

Jake was a huge star in the Mid South wrestling territory before going to the WWF. Mid South was by far the best wrestling territory in the 80's and that includes the WWF

[@tyronmcdaniel5372]

Loved watching Mid South

[@123agv]

This is my childhood here. I love it. Thanks Vlad. Jake the Snake is a LEGENG.

[@DEADINSID3.]

A very outstanding interview. Very articulate with his storytelling. Kept me interested every minute.

[@thebeverlyhillsentertainme5027]

He was one of my favorites as a kid and now I LOVE him as an adult.... So.....Honest and responsible for his actions and he's a blessing to be living...... GREAT FOR HIM!

[@petemarshall4413]

What a great, humble and beautiful man. Happy for his demons that he’s overcome.

[@zackbostic1599]

So happy to be able to watch this whole interview with Aurelian Smith aka Jake the snake Roberts. He was my favorite wrestler when I was young an I've watched all his other documentaries thanks vladtv

[@space_dogg]

That's his real name? It's kind of wack, but many people have wack gouverment names, that's why we go by our street names

[@FlaGirlNikki]

I used to luv Jake The Snake as a kid. Hearing his story whew ! Hope/glad hes in a better place in his life.

[@TheDojoPodcast203]

More props to Jake for staying sober for so long, but I will say the WWE now has more of a relaxed schedule than what they did back in the 70s 80s and 90s... There aren't any more territories and house shows like back in the day... Taker speaks on it being very different today than back then

[@joshhendryx5028]

I got to see his show when he was touring. Some great stories. I got to spend about 30 minutes with him alone just chatting which was cool

[@VeronicaH81]

Excellent interview. Grew up watching Jake so happy for his sobriety and i wish him a full and happy life.

[@DubShot95]

A great man with a GREAT story! This is a good one vlad!

[@BRAVOSGHOST1]

1 of the best interviews I’ve seen!!

[@user-yw2jh3zq6b]

Not a wrestling fan, but I'm a Huge Jake Robert's fan! Keep living the good life my friend! You're an inspiration to us all!

[@onewillow8511]

LEGEND! Considering Jake's "cards that life dealt him", and the life path that was basically predetermined - he's miracle AND A BEAUTIFUL SOUL. All the best to him and his health. 👊

[@colleenspeer9553]

❤Loved this interview!!! Thank you!

[@noosense]

These interviews make me tear up...Wrestling was a huge part of my life

[@hiphopjewels]

Legend status. I saw the documentary, and I'm glad his life is good now. Great interview.

[@tmbwithmonkeyman]

You are my new sobriety hero I'm in recovery and this was a motivation for me to stay clean

[@kentuckybluegrass8695]

Thank you so much for the awesome memories!

[@essj3334]

Growing up I was a big fan of Jake Roberts one of the best wrestlers ever. It's a shame he grew up in such hell and chaotic childhood but he rose throughout that and survived.

[@amircastilla07]

I grew up watching all these guys in the 80's and up to today if I hear someone called Jake I think of Jake the snake. Thank you Jake for changing things around and being an example of hope. Kudos from Belize.

[@jbow1488]

As someone who fukd alot up in addiction i gotta say he's an inspiration. I pray he'll continue to do well.

[@nothingness9296]

Saw Jake at a forever recovery in Battle Creek Michigan a few years back. Love this dude so fucking much. He’s one of the purest souls that walk the earth. ❤️

[@hernseugene7110]

Jake is a real legend in wrestling and in life.....champion for ever

[@hugogomez7372]

The legend JAKE THE SNAKE 🐍 ROBERTS 💯💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏..... GREAT AZZ INTERVIEW DJ VLAD ..... FKND AWSOME

[@austincrafton178]

Fantastic interview. Please interview more ex wwf wrestlers about how Vince McMahon ruined there lives.