Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Jake "The Snake" Roberts is the ring name of Aurelian Smith Jr., an American professional wrestler and manager known for his psychological in-ring style, use of snakes in his persona, and the DDT finishing move.

Jake "The Snake" Roberts is the ring name of Aurelian Smith Jr., an American professional wrestler and manager known for his psychological in-ring style, use of snakes in his persona, and the DDT finishing move. He became a major star in WWE during the 1980s and 1990s and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014.

Early life and family background

Aurelian Smith Jr. was born on May 30, 1955, and is the son of wrestler Grizzly Smith, making him a second-generation performer. He entered professional wrestling in the 1970s after working in regional promotions.

WWE career

Roberts debuted in the World Wrestling Federation in the mid-1980s and became known for a cool, intimidating style that contrasted with louder wrestling personalities. WWE describes him as one of the era's most memorable performers and notes his 2014 Hall of Fame induction.

Gimmick and wrestling style

His character used snakes as a signature prop, with Damien among the best-known examples. He is also closely linked to the DDT, which became one of wrestling's best-known finishing moves.

Later career and legacy

Later coverage describes Roberts as continuing to appear in wrestling and related media, including work with AEW as a manager. His legacy is often framed around in-ring psychology, promo work, and influence on later wrestlers.