Well regarded as one of the most professional of professional wrestlers of all time Jake “The Snake” Roberts has been praised for being a great worker in the ring by the likes of Ted DiBiase, the late Bad News Brown, and the late Randy “Macho Man Savage”, particularly noting his wrestling ring psychology.  Roberts knows and understands the business and art of professional wrestling better than most. He can work the microphone with the best of them, he knows how to manipulate the crowd, he knows how to develop a good storyline or wrestling card, and he knows how to wrestle. He knows who is a good worker, how to treat people, and when a wrestler is a main event draw or not. Besides being a great wrestler, Roberts is one of the best bookers of wrestling. [A booker in professional wrestling is the person who recruits and hires wrestlers, sets up angles between wrestlers, determines the outcome of matches, plots ideas in advance, and schedules the events of a wrestling card]  Jake “The Snake” Roberts  is the one who convinced Vince McMahon to give Stone Cold Steve Austin his “push” (promote him for main events) and The Snake was the man who “jobbed” (lost the match to make the other guy look good) for Austin when Austin recited Austin 3:16 for the first time as an ad-lib. Without Austin, The WWE would have been in worse trouble than it was in the famed Monday Night Wars with the WCW under Ted Turner.  The Snake is beyond a doubt one of the best minds and talents in the business.

What many people don’t know or may have forgotten, is that Roberts was an associate of Paul Ellering and The Road Warriors. Eventually Jake “The Snake” Roberts, the late Road Warrior Hawk, and Road Warrior Animal ended up calling themselves The Legion of Doom (LOD).  Yep, The Snake was an original member of The LOD. In an interview with The Hannibal TV this past February, Mr. Roberts stated that: “Hawk’s the one who came up with the idea of  ‘The Legion of Doom’ [be]cause he did such a great job imitating voices ….’meanwhile at The Halls of Justice’….we were stoned and doing silly sh*t on the road and thought “F*ck it, let’s do it”.”  Incidentally, Mr. Roberts is great at mimicking voices himself .

So they got their name The Legion of Doom from the infamous crew of Saturday morning cartoon bad guys who gave the Super Friends a weekly 40 minutes of trouble. 40 minutes of trouble is exactly what they did to other wrestlers in the ring anyway, and Hulk Hogan got his name from a comic book character as well. As for the monicker “The Snake”  Roberts got that from the late NFL quarterback Ken “The Snake” Stabler. Although a fan of the Oakland Raiders’ QB, ironically Roberts wasn’t too fond of a particular part of his wrestling persona. He hated snakes! He was terrified of them and jests that he still is. He is after all  from Texas where there are a lot of poisonous snakes and he regrets coming up the idea when he was high. Being the consummate professional he pulled it off. He would slither into the ring and keep his 6 foot 6 frame low to the mat before the match started. He played his part extremely well but since he hated snakes, it wasn’t an easy gimmick for him to do so. He also wasn’t the only one who was not a fan of snakes. In a match with the late Randy “Macho Man” Savage, a de-venomed cobra was supposed to bite Savage in the match. Savage, an explosive warrior in the ring had power, speed, and high flying maneuvers. He was like a giant cat who was just as unpredictable inside the ring as he was outside the ring. A peculiar character, funny, professional, Savage is considered one of the best wrestlers of all time but his insecurities often got the best of him. He insisted that Roberts be bit by the cobra first to make sure that it would be safe for Savage to be bit by the reptile. Roberts thought he was joking but for the match to go on and in the end for Roberts to get paid, Roberts had to get bit by the snake. So he did as Savage requested and got bit by the cobra himself. In Snake’s career, he’s also had to show representatives of organizations for humane treatment of animals and reptiles that the creature wasn’t hurt before and after matches even though he himself would be bruised and banged up.  As a professional wrestler you stress and worry about getting injured and not injuring your opponent; they don’t have union benefits and they have to get their own healthcare. Roberts had the additional stress of not getting the snake injured which was often not even his snake!

Unjustly, The Snake never won a championship title in the former WWF. It would have meant more money for him and his family but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t a star. He was a star. A super star. The WWE Hall of Famer was one of the few wrestlers who did not need a championship title and unfortunately the promoters knew that. Roberts was supposed to be a “heel” in the WWE. The bad guy. He was a thinking man’s wrestler. He was the closest wrestler to the late legend Nick Bockwinkel that wrestling had. A devious but articulate, eloquent speaker who could take you to task. The WWE knew this and wisely replaced Piper’s Pit with The Snake Pit (when the late icon “Rowdy” Roddy Piper temporarily retired) . In the WWE, Savage and Hulk Hogan may have been the “baby faces”,the ‘good guys’, when Roberts was there and the fans loved them but when it came to fighting Roberts, the fans cheered for Roberts in his confrontations with these two good guys. In an angle where Roberts slapped his finishing move on Hulk Hogan, the deadly “DDT”, the fans cheered for Roberts’ DDT and not Hogan long after Snake left Hogan on the floor. The feud with the champ that was supposed to make Roberts a lot of money, it never happened. The public loved Roberts and his days as a “heel” were soon over.

The 1999 documentary Beyond The Mat portrayed Mr. Roberts negatively. He dismisses it and being a Christian he forgives those who showed him in a bad light. He is human after all and like the rest of us he has had bad times in his life. He has however had his unfair share of tragedy from his childhood to his adulthood. His 18 year old sister was kidnapped and murdered by her husband’s ex-wife. Her husband was 35 years her senior. He suffered a severe injury during a feud with The Honky Tonk Man thanks to the wrong prop guitar. He’s fought addiction with alcohol, pills, and heavy drugs. Roberts has had two failed marriages. He’s had strained relationships with his daughter from his first marriage and with his father “Grizzly” Smith (according to Roberts his father raped his mother when she was 12 while he was dating her mother and that’s how he was conceived). He’s been snaked (no pun intended) by promoters in terms of position and pay. He’s been in jail, he’s been in and out of rehab. The man did not  have it easy folks. In 2008, he completed drug rehab which was paid for with the help of the WWE but fell again to his demons. In 2012  things started to change for Roberts. “Diamond” Dallas Page helped Roberts with yoga when Roberts found himself addicted again. (Page helped Roberts because Roberts helped train Page; there is some loyalty in wrestling after all) The Snake has reconnected with his children and his grandchildren.  The proud grandfather of 10, he lost 80 pounds in three years through exercise, yoga, and eating right thanks to his faith, AA meetings, and Page. Roberts has fought and beaten cancer and he’s seen two of his grandchildren beat their own odds and live, praising them as his heroes when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014. They  were born just over one pound yet they fought for life and he did too. You can’t pin this family down for the count! His finishing move, the DDT, was called “the coolest maneuver of all-time” by the WWE which says a lot because this organization has seen a lot of cool moves by wrestlers in its history.

A new and critically acclaimed documentary called The Resurrection of Jake The Snake Roberts is out on DVD about this incredible survivor.  Presently he is on tour doing stand up comedy, sharing stories about wrestlers like Andre The Giant, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Macho Man Savage. He is scheduled to perform stand up on his 61st birthday at Flappers Comedy Club in California.

In the summer of 2016, you can see Jake “The Snake” Roberts in a film called The Bet.  Fellow professional wrestlers Tommy Dreamer, “Diamond” Dallas Page and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper are in this comedy,  which sadly marks Piper’s final film appearance who died last year from cardiac arrest due to a blood clot. The Snake has a book coming out soon and has hinted he may appear at Great North American Wrestling in the near future. Until then,  you can meet Jake “The Snake” Roberts himself at the Rhode Island Comic Con which is scheduled from November 11th-13th (go to www.ricomiccon.com for details). You can follow Jake “The Snake” Roberts on his Twitter @JakeSnakeDDT, on his Facebook page, and on his website  www.jakethesnakeroberts.com where you can order his documentary or you can catch it on Amazon, iTunes, and GooglePlay.

Through all of this the actor, the entertainer, the motivational speaker, remains a semi-retired professional wrestler and why not; he was born into it. The Hall of Famer is one of the best of all time. He knows everything about the business and he knows it all too well. It’s in his blood. It runs through his veins, kind of like venom when a snake bites you.

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DP: When did you get interested in becoming a UFC/MMA fighter Eddie?

EG: I got interested when I was watching UFC 101: Anderson Silva vs Forrest Griffin.  I went to a live event and watching outside the cage…. I wanted to be the Gladiator inside the cage!

DP: How did you get into this sport and become a UFC/MMA fighter?

EG: The sport of MMA found me. It helped me escape the personal obstacle I was facing in my life.  It was outlet for me to deal with stress.

DP: Were you working in another field at the time?

EG: I was working in business and finance.

DP: How did you hear about the contest to be on the UFC show?

EG: One of my teammates Al Iaquinta was a finalist on the show before me and he got me to give it another shot because I was supposed to be on a different season of the Ultimate Fighter and it fell through but everything happens for a reason.

DP:  You were the winner of the UFC reality show “TUF 19”  knocking out your opponent in 71 seconds in the first round. Do you keep in touch with any of the contestants from that season?

EG: I still keep in contact with all the guys from my season of the show. We are all close.

DP:How did you get started in fighting? Did you start in high school?

EG: I wrestled in high school.  I was a great Wrestler but I didn’t want to continue to lose weight [Laughs]  

DP:Which you’ve done now anyway.  Did you continue wrestling in college? Did you wrestle or box back then?

EG: I got a scholarship to play division 1 football at Fordham University. Football was my first love.

DP:What was your childhood like? Where did you grow up?

EG: I had a great childhood. My brother was my idol then and now. My parents are amazing, they taught me how to work hard.  I came to country when I was 3 years old.

DP: Were you bullied in school?

EG: I had a Jamaican accent so I got bullied and picked on but I think it made me thick skinned– and the person I am today!

DP: Have your family and friends supported you through your journey to becoming a UFC/MMA fighter?

EG: My family thought I was crazy but now they love the sport.

DP: When I played basketball in high school my nickname was “The Judge”. Not because I ruled the court, but because I was always sitting on the bench. How did you acquire your “nickname”?

EG: My brother gave me the nickname TRUCK  because I was a young kid playing with the older kids and I was running them over; so he gave me the nickname. I was a soaking wet 135lb kid [Laughs]: I grew into the name.

DP: Are there any other nicknames you considered to be known by?

EG: Nope.

DP: Your first fight must have been thrilling. Where was it and for whom?

EG: My first fight was for Ring of Combat.  A heavyweight division fight in New Jersey in a warehouse–and it was the biggest energy rush! I was hooked ever since.

DP: What’s your current record?

EG: Like total?  It’s 14 – 4.  I don’t get stuck on records. Records are for dj’s.

DP: [Laughs]  Well said! What’s been your toughest loss?

EG: Chris Dempsey,  because I was robbed and it was BS.

DP: Split decisions are always tough losses. They really could go either way. What’s been your toughest win?

EG: They are all tough; every one of them.

DP: What have you learned from your wins and losses?

EG: Too much to put in words.

DP: Has the sport changed since you started?

EG: The sport is always evolving.  Everyday it changes. Guys are more tech.

DP: So the sport is going strong?

EG: Yes.

DP: Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, Meisha Tate, what’s your opinion of female fighters? How do they match up to the men? Do they make a good living like the men do?

EG: Yes, they do match up to the men; they make a good living…and the women are great!

DP: Suppose you become the President of UFC in the future. What changes would you make in regards to the organization, if any?

EG: I would keep it similar, but less politics.

DP: How do the younger generation of fighters compare to the older ones like Matt Hughes, Randy Couture, or “El Guapo” himself, Bas Rutten?

EG: The younger fighters are more skilled in my mind, older guys are tougher.

DP: Do the older generations get involved with today’s UFC/MMA fighters? Do they mentor you guys, do they train or manage you? Do they give you guys pep talks or advice?

EG: I can only speak for my team; our coaches and vets are great.

DP:Who has been your biggest inspiration?

EG:My mom and brother.

DP: Did you hand pick your team –your manager,  trainer,  corner-man,  sparring partner, etcetera yourself?

EG: Yes I do.

DP: Have you ever had to fire any of them?

EG: No.

DP: Do you always work with the same team when preparing for your next fight?

EG: Yes.

DP: I heard that social media comes into play; that the fans can ask for two fighters to fight and the promoters give the fans what they want. How are fights selected?

EG: I’m not a promoter… I don’t pay attention to that stuff.

DP: Are there any fighters you are particularly interested in fighting against? Are there any you would not fight, like a rookie for example?

EG: I would fight against anyone except my teammates. I’m a competitor. I want to fight the best guys in the world.

DP: Does fighting rookies effect the pay scale? Is there a pay scale?

EG: That’s not really relevant to MMA. No real rookies… you’re either a fighter or not.

DP: Does the UFC get rid of fighters if they do not perform well in the ring or lose often?

EG: Yes.  Like any other professional sport it’s a business. Guys get released. Guys leave.

DP: Is there any punitive retribution by the UFC if you were to say no to a fight? Without good reason?

EG: I don’t know. I’ve never said no to a fight.  I say: “give me a time and a place”.

DP: And you’re there. Gotcha’. Is the organization well run today? Better than in the past?

EG: Yes.

DP: Does it have a good pay scale for its’ fighters; do they help pay medical and insurance coverage for the fighters?

EG: Yes.

DP: I’m in the wrong business then. The UFC seems to have a zero tolerance policy against performance enhancement substances and drugs (like marijuana). Do they strictly enforce it?

EG: Yes, a very strict policy.  The way it should be!

DP: What about the HGH–the Human Growth Hormone, is that tested for?

EG: Yes, it’s tested for.

DP: Is there a lot of “smack talk” amongst the fighters in UFC/MMA today? In the locker-room or just in general?

EG: Everyone is different. I respect anyone who steps in the cage with me.

DP: Do you socialize with any of the other fighters or do you guys just keep it civil and stay away from each other? All these different personalities, do they get along, are they obnoxious?

EG: I get along with many other fighters.

DP : So you guys hang out together?

EG: Yes, we get along.

DP: Do you have professional rivals in this sport?

EG: No I don’t.  Some do.

DP: Ever had to fight a friend in the ring? How difficult is that? Are you able to separate the friendship from the fight?

EG: Yes, I  had to fight a friend; but we were both professionals so we did what we had to do then we went out for a drink after.

DP: Shake hands before and after the fight. That’s admirable. Any fights break out in the locker rooms? Have you been involved in any?

EG: No, none of that.

DP: When you prepare for a fight, other than exercising and watching what you eat, do you watch video of your opponent with your crew?

EG: Yes.

DP: Do you take notes on their strengths and weaknesses?

EG: Yes

DP: Do you send a scout to check him out at his training facility?

EG: No. 

DP: You are a calm, respectful, educated, intelligent, well spoken young man. Not the typical stereotype of a fighter. How do you psyche up for a fight? Do you go in hating the other guy?

EG: I just  look at it as the truest form of competition so I go in there motivated to provide for my family….

DP: How often do you work out?

EG: When I’m training for a fight, 6 days a week. Most of the time twice a day.

DP: Do you lift heavy? Do you do cardio?

EG: Yes I go heavy…. I hate cardio.  

DP: A lot of bodybuilders have told me that too. Do you have any superstitious ritual that you do before a fight, like always entering the ring on the right foot like some others do?

EG:No.

DP: What weight division are you in?

EG: I started at heavy weight, now I’ll be competing at 170.

DP:What would you say separates you from the other fighters?

EG: My mentality. I will find a way to win.  Bottom line.

DP: Would you consider yourself a grappler or a striker? Or both?

EG: Both grappler and striker.

DP: Are you more comfortable taking your opponent down to the mat or standing your ground against them?

EG: Both.

DP: Do you have any particular finishing move that you rely on?

EG: This is not WWE. We don’t have finishing moves;  it’s a little different…

DP:Okay so let me rephrase the question. What’s your favorite strike or submission hold to use in a fight?

EG: Whatever gets the win.

DP: What are your goals in the UFC/MMA arena?

EG: To be the best.

DP: What does it mean to you, to be a UFC/MMA fighter?

EG: It’s cool, but for me nothing beats being a father and a good human being. This is all a bonus.

DP: How did it feel for you when you learned that Governor Cuomo made UFC/MMA fighting legal in New York State when he signed the bill into law this past April?

EG: Best feeling ever to be able to compete at home!

DP: Have you always been competitive?

EG: I’m very competitive even if we were just skipping rocks.

DP: During a fight what is going through your mind? Are you strategizing, or just acting based on your training and instinct?

EG: Definitely acting on training and instinct.

DP: Do you find you have to change your game plan in the middle of a fight? Does your corner man help you with that decision?

EG: The corner takes care of that.

DP: During a fight have you ever thought: I’m college educated and had a good paying job that I walked away from; what the heck am I doing here?

EG:  No.

DP: Do you like to work up the crowd?

EG: I don’t know…not really…not like the WWE…

DP: Does the crowd psyche you up then? Or do you tune them out, crank up the tunnel vision, and focus on your opponent?

EG:  Yes they do. I’m always feeding off of their energy.

DP: How active is your team during your fight? Is the cornerman helping you out a lot?

EG: Yes he is.

DP: Have you ever had a bad injury in the ring?

EG: No.

DP: Have you ever given anyone a bad injury?

EG: Yes, a broken orbital.

DP: Do you review your fights on video win or lose?

EG: Yes.

DP: Do you do that alone or with your team?

EG: Both,  yes.

DP: On average, how many fights do you have a year?

EG: 3-4

DP: And do you have endorsements? Sponsors?

EG:  Yes.

DP: What advice would you give younger people today? Would you encourage them to enter the ring like you did?

EG: What ever you put your mind to, go for it.  Give it 110 % and live with the results.

DP: Do you have any regrets taking up this sport?

EG: None. I love it all.

DP: One day you’ll walk away from the sport. You’ll retire. What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your fighting career?

EG: Actually I’ve never thought about it…

DP: Would you consider staying with the sport in some way or another? Would you train or mentor younger fighters? Work as a referee? Work as an announcer, a manager, or maybe a promoter?

EG: I don’t know.  We shall see…

DP: What do you do outside of the ring? Do you have any other business ventures?

EG: I am a franchise owner of a health beverage line.  I distribute functional beverages. The number one bestsellers in weight-loss coffee, weight-loss green tea, and weight-loss water.  

DP: Interesting! What made you interested in this opportunity?

EG: I’m helping change people’s lives.  My passion is to help change people’s lives! I love helping people, inspiring people to get healthy, and to become better people. I also have my foundation that helps underprivileged kids called the Eddie Truck Gordon Foundation Inc.

DP: Do you think professional  fighters such as yourself have a responsibility to the fans?

EG: Yeah I do. I love my fans, without them there is no me.

DP: Do you enjoy the fame and fortune? Or do you prefer your privacy with the paycheck?

EG: Let’s just say with the good come the bad. It is what it is.

DP: Still on the subject of fans, do you see yourself as a role model for your young fans?

EG: Yes I do.

DP: Is there anything you’d like to tell them?

EG: Just follow your dreams. If I could make it, you can too. Believe in yourself.

You can follow the fighter and the motivational speaker on social media on his Facebook page,  at Truck Gordon (@TruckMMA_UFC) | Twitter, or on Instagram. Or better yet you’ll see him live in New York in the ring now that MMA is a legal sport in the state.

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