I grew up on pro wrestling as child of 80's early 90's and this man was one of my hero's snakes are just awesome. How could a little boy resist being a fan of the dude with all the snakes.
"I'm ashamed of you, your gutless and you'll never amount to anything". Jake Roberts has accomplished more in wrestling than his dad ever could. He's better than his father as a person and as a wrestler, he's a hall of famer while his dad is being forgotten (good riddance). Roberts is one of the greatest and no one can take that away from him, god bless u jake
THE SNAKE! Love that dude. Been a fan for 30 years. Saw everything he ever did, including the DDP specials, and I hope he has found some peace. We love you Jake!
Such a shame Grizzly died before everyone learned it all. I remember Jake telling the story back in 1998 on Beyond the Mat about his dad and 13 yo mom, and no one batted an eye, they thought jake was high talking. Jake went through so much, I hope he takes comfort knowing he is loved and grizzly is rotting away
It's beyond sickening.. Jake has been through hell and beyond.. All I've to say is Jake we care about you and glad u r still with us.. go watch his dvd pick your poison and you will hear all about his past and I don't blame him for hating his father his dad is a sick man and I'm being respectful here cuz I'm biting my tongue on his dad cuz his dad is a worthless son of a witch.. Yes his dad has passed but Jake still deals with it every single day of his life..
All we can do is break the cycle. And if you need to ask yourself "if" you want kids or "if" you would be a good parent... You probably shouldn't have them.
It's heartbreaking to hear Jake talk about his dad. As horrible as the physical/sexual abuse was, the fact that his father said "I'm ashamed of you, your gutless and you'll never amount to anything" seems to hurt him more. No kid deserves to be treated like that.
I knew his story was bad, but I didn’t know it was that bad. Jake, you’re an amazing person. You and your sisters never deserved the garbage your father brought to your lives.
After hearing him talk about the sexual, physical, and mental abuse; it's not a life style for anyone. It brought negative memories. It's a club no one wants to belong to, but some of us are made to join. The pain, suffering, and trauma eats one inside out. For those who say get over it, good for you that you have not gone through such things. We develop a negative view of things that ain't easy to remove if at all.
When an abusee becomes an abuser I remove all sympathy. If it's so terrible to go through then why do most abusees become sick fucks? Y'all make no sense
I knew Jake had alcohol issues and maybe drug issues if I can recall correctly, but I never knew why. I can completely understand now how he turned to that stuff when you grow up in a family that was so incredibly disastrous from the start. I hate that people have to live a life where they had to deal with that horrible early life.
And if you watch Jake's documentary he mentions it a couple times. You can tell it's from his childhood. I actually have a similar story w/ my dad just w/o the wrestling. So never think trauma is just something "to get over". Could you imagine being r@p3d by your stepmother then beat by your dad for it? I'd drink myself to death too.
While I understand when people do go that route, I myself survived a childhood described by Child Protective Services as "Extreme domestic abuse and neglect" and never felt the need to fall into addiction. I have never understood why people introvert their abuse.
Jake is a remarkable man. He proved his father wrong and became one of the most memorable wrestling personas fans ever got to see. And best of all, he reclaimed himself from the world and chose to pursue wellness. I commend him.
This is one guy I never learned much about until now. Ones ability to take that much negative in your life, turn it around and affect the world of entertainment in such a prominent, positive way is remarkable.
My heart breaks every time I see a sad story about pro wrestlers, cause they're super under appreciated and very often look down by general population. I somewhat understand why people take their job as a joke since there are a lot of ridiculous gimmicks, however even the most circus-like perfomers in squared circle have extremely busy schedule and pay great toll to their health.
I saw it on TV and I was startled and I actually felt like I had pain selfishly. I grew up watching these guys, these guys were larger than life stronger than the strongest individual I ever knew. His father the big powerful dangerous man and I don't think many people could actually stop him or even dared to try if they knew.
Yeah, how do you not become too terrified to fight back against a man like that? Not to mention how young everyone involved was. The imbalance of power and abuse of that imbalance is astonishing. And not just physical power, either, but he was also a celebrity which gives him an extra level of social power on top of that.
I'm proud of Jake. After everything he's been through, he's managed to get himself together. The man was at death's doorstep, and with some real help from his friends, he's gotten his life back.
It’s no wonder that he ended up in the state he did. Kids who experience that level of abuse normally have mental health problems that last well into adulthood. Jake probably had some form of PTSD.
My heart goes out to Jake here. I also went through something similar to his upbringing with a step father that did some serious damage to me growing up. A lot of people don't know that addiction is often a result of untreated trauma, which explains why Jake did what he did to cope back in those days. Nobody should ever have to go through that sort of abuse, especially children. I'm so glad he has been able to clean himself up and get back into the industry as a helping hand. I was too young to have caught Jake in his prime but as a hardcore wrestling fan, I do my research. Jake was always a top guy in my book, despite his afflictions with addiction. I have a lot of respect for him as a wrestler and a person.
People who are addicted aren't trying to get high, they're trying to get rid of pain. Take anything, even if it hurts you, because the oblivion it offers you is more comfortable than facing the memories and monsters that *always* live in the back of your mind.
Wow!! I never realized what this man went through! I had the pleasure of meeting him on the Jericho cruise in 2019. I have been a fan of his for a long time. I followed him around the ship, I think my husband thought I was crazy but I had waited so long to see him. I finally got in the line for a meet and greet and when I finally got to the front of the line and saw him standing there I melted. He treated me like we had known each other for years. I love and admire him! I’m glad to see he is doing better! By the way I’m 64 years old but at the time of the meeting I felt like a little girl cause I was meeting one of my idols!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Being the son of parents who were both victims of child abuse, this was hard to watch. My dad especially suffered at the hands of his father and hearing the horror stories of my dad’s childhood just makes this tug at my heartstrings. :(
The story is much more disturbing: Roberts also stated that he was conceived when his father, who was dating Roberts' grandmother, raped her 13-year-old daughter (this was also stated in the documentary Beyond the Mat, in which Roberts was also featured). He said that the two were forced to marry against their wishes and that the resulting emotional trauma is responsible for Roberts' substance abuse and his sister's mental health problems.
Jesus. What a brave guy-finding whatever way he could to claw his way through such unspeakable traumas. And he didn’t just survive them; he faught his way past them all the way to the top-world fame and WWF championships. How can you not admire this guy?
This interview is very disturbing. I couldn’t imagine the shame he went through. His father was absolutely disgusting. No wonder he took the dark path. Glad he has gotten himself together.
My heart goes out to Jake. And as far as I'm concerned, he's forever Jake to me. A sick ffffreak of a dad and step mother. Gosh I didn't know he had a horrifying childhood. Thank God he's sane. It probably effected why he got to drugs.
My husband grew up with a verbally abusive father. When our son was about 2 our son did something and my husband said something horrible. Took our son to another room, went back to my husband and said this stops now. He's never done it again. He broke the cycle and has every reason to be proud. He's a good man and father.
Jake is an even braver and stronger man for sharing his story of horrible abuse and tragedy. I think it is especially taboo for men to share these stories of sexual abuse as children. It made me think about the movie "beyond the mat" when he goes to visit his father and not a word is said between them. I can't even imagine. Jake has overcome so much. Jake I've always thought you were a super star as a wrestler but now you are a hero for your courage to share your story. For everyone out there who has had their tragedy, you are not alone.
My gawd! Poor man's soul! His substance abuse years are CLEARLY understandable! Thank the lord he beat those demons and isn't another wrestler we've lost due to substance use/abuse I hope his soul is happy and free like the wind and he can be happy every day!
Thank god that folks like Diamond Dallas Page helped him turn his life around in later years. Jake has finally gotten the chance to, while not be rid of his demons entirely, defeating them so they can't rule his life anymore.
Wow….. that is one of the saddest backstories I have ever heard. I feel so bad for Aurelian , he never got to be himself, he really had to make himself a whole knew persons to disconnect himself from his trauma ): Any pedophile deserves life in prison and yet they get less time than drug users 😪
Ive heard Jake tell these abuse stories numerous times and every time they break me up inside . But this time there is no anger in his voice ,but sadness a lot of sadness ,its the first time Ive ever heard him mention his first name and how hes locked that persona away .Seems like he is going deeper into his psyche to try and ease the pain ,I do hope that he can ,he deserves a happy peacefull life
My father was abusive to my mom, he passed when I was little. His family never wanted anything to do with me, he didn’t either. I was in the ICU, he never came to see me. Had 12 surgeries, died once, left with permanent brain damage, bullied relentlessly throughout my life, still managed to survive. I’m supposed to meet Jake in the summer. He inspired me so much even though he wrestled before my time, he’s a guy I studied a lot and really got into watching the old wrestling stuff my grandma had. Legendary and pro wrestling saved my life. It gave me something to love and relate to.
I don't know how a parent can treat a child in such a discussing way. Jake miss you buddy. Enjoyed your other podcasts you done. Opening up like that I'm sure helps you, and I'm sure it will help others. Your still my hero man!
Man, my son is 2 years old now. I could never imagine myself saying anything like that to my son. This is heartbreaking stuff. A lot of people have it hard out there
I wish the best for your son and the best for you as well. Hope you both have the best experiences to recall when both of you grow age like a fine wine and recall how amazing you both have been to each other, building each other, you teaching your son the lessons of life while your son gives you the lessons of life and laughable memories.
DDP is a literal life saver. He saved Jake and he saved Scott Hall. I honestly think that if it weren’t for DDP stepping in, Jake would not still be here. No one else would have been able to get through to Jake like DDP was able to. Had anyone else other than DDP gone to the airport to pick Jake up after he failed got drunk and had a few beers, it would not have been the same result. Only DDP could throw “f-you’s back and forth with a drunk Jake and say “Jake you’ve had some drinks, you’re all f-ed up, stop lying, I can tell, I was in the bar biz” and not been leveled to the ground by a flying fist from Jake *. I’d be willing to bet that if anyone else had to have that conversation with a drunk Jake, Jake would’ve knocked them out cold. *In “The Resurrection of Jake the Snake” there was a clip where Jake was at an airport in Georgia for some reason, drunk, and DDP got called to come pick him up. Jake in his drunken state hurled some “f&$k you’s” at Dallas and Dallas reciprocated those back to Jake to show that he’s serious and that he’s not going to back down. Jake, though obviously drunk, continued to deny being drunk(as one does when they are caught drunk) and Dallas then shouted at Jake saying stop lying to me and yourself, you’re f&$ked up and I can tell, I know, I was in the bar biz(referring to the time he owned/operated Norma Jean’s).
I watched it when it first released, but that scene where his father shows up, talking on his behalf, Jake in the back not saying a word...there was something haunting about it that I never understood why. Now I see how horrible that whole scene really is and why Jake stayed silent as his abuser kept trying to keep their secrets in the family.
Much respect to him for sharing his experiences as a motivation to those who are experiencing the same. Also for him riding above it and becoming a success
Let me tell you something Jake "The Snake" Roberts. You were one of my favorite wrestlers growing up and I'm so proud to have been able to watch you perform. You wrestled in the biggest company and you were one of the brightest stars. I'm sorry you had to go through all that because my childhood was a nightmare too. God bless!!!!!
These type of traumatic experiences haunt us for life and people who can't relate tell us "Get over it". It's like being shot & having to live with the pain of the bullet stuck in you forever.
Wow! That was dark AF, the things he said and the things he was insinuating. It's no surprise he only found some sort of peace in his persona. Nobody deserves what he had to go through as a child, that was just messed up.
Growing up as a kid in the 80s a 90s Jake the snake Roberts was one of my idols Jake I can't change what happened to u as a kid growing up but I can tell u u have left me with great memories as a kid and after watching other documentaries on yr self it has made me be a better person and father
And now I understand why he turned to drugs and alcohol. Childhood trauma can haunt you for the rest of your life. So glad he's clean because there was a time I thought I'd hear about Jake The Snake Roberts being dead long before now.
when i watched this scene and he said his mom was 13 when he had him i was just disgusted, jake mental strength is through the roof the fact he just didnt end it all and didnt go insane is just inspiring
I feel honoured to have met Jake what a great and charismatic guy he was. Very sad to hear of his trauma . You are one of my favourites of all time big fella.
For Jake to come up with a special, dark character like Jake "The Snake" Roberts, he had to come from a dark, dark place in his mind. He came out of it about as good as anyone could expect him to. Just to not continue the chain of abuse, which he didn't, is a huge win for Jake and his family. He wasn't Charles Ingalls, but it could've been a lot worse.
This man was single handedly responsible for some of the most intense arguments with parents vs there child about whether or not wrestling was real or fake.
Jake the Snake was one of my all time favorates! That being said...Nobody grew up without dysfunction in their home. Of course some have/had it way worse. I think a lot of people would be suprised how often his kind of situation occurs. Its passed down generations. Good for him for telling his story and not continuing the cycle of abuse 💖💖💖JaketheSnake
It's so touching. Jake is an exceptional man. despite the childhood he suffered, he still gave all his heart to entertain us for so many years. A true legend, a star, a strong and very tender man at the same time
Jake is a man I aspire to understand to be like. After 12 years of active addiction and 10 years of therapy I dont have a handle on it but maybe in time I will. If Jake could so can I.
Jake Roberts is an alcoholic and drug addict who destroyed every person he ever touched. He's total slime, and it doesn't speak well for you that you look up to a "man" like that.
Im not a wresting fan but i love and respect the hell out of jake the snake. To get to where he is today and the hell he went through between his childhood and his alcoholism he is a true badass. Not because of his career but his inner strength. I hope he realizes how strong of a man he really is
It's weird to say since they're around the same age, but Jake really did find his true father in DDP. DDP reached out to him, took him in, gave him the help he needed. All the things he did for Jake that Grizzly should've done for his own son. What Grizzly was to Jake in his childhood, DDP was the exact opposite in Jake's adulthood.
I'm not sure the amount of ppl that as children were abused in some way, and abuse can vary as we know,some kids go thru a number of abuses like this man,he would of been told when he first spoke up to put it in his past,but easier said than done,they carry it around in their minds,as time goes on other things do cover it up,but it's always there,like a mental illness it has to be dealt with, especially becoming a parent,.not that the repeat the abuse as they received as kids, usually stuff it up by neglect,they need to be taught parenting skills.relationship counseling,abuse is so damaging.
One of the things I hate hearing, and unfortunately this is something a lot of people get told in church and whatnot, is that you should be able to forgive anything. No, you shouldn't. There are things in the world that are unforgivable, and people that you're far better off cutting out of your life instead of gritting your teeth and forcing yourself to be close to them even though all they do is hurt you. Grizzly Smith clearly was one of those people. He couldn't even tell his own son he was proud of what a success he became.
@@JackgarPrime yeah forgiveness is easier said than done,then we think about all the starving kids,all the ones caught up in wars that politicians & their crony mates start,the suffering going on & wonder why God let's this suffering go on & on,humans cause human suffering,ruin the planet & kill the animals,it's unbelievable,i pray every day to.witj God,I do feel we come up with options when faced with a dilemma,I prayed my father would stop the abuse (violence,verbal)it had gone on 4 yrs at that point,I was 12 & the reason being,he,d brought a gun into the house, looking back me at 12 coming up with options,put up with the violence,shoot him,the gun was there or run,I chose to run,moral to my story we can pray all day & night but if we don't do it for ourselves God can't help.. another thing with church & encouraging forgiveness well we see what happens,abuse went in & on & it still is,my ex family their father abused his own including my ex,she lives in denial tho,she's also Catholic,peds don't stop abusing kids, forgiveness doesn't stop them,they need exposing,reported to the police,if the police aren't willing to do anything I will, because one the offending against kids is pure evil,the devil can't be forgiven,evil laughs at forgiveness.yeah forgiveness bugs me to..I often think I should of shot my father,not to kill necessarily, wouldn't of mattered if I did,I knew what he was up to,he would of deserved it,I would of put it right with God and I,moved on,no one would of said boo,but I didn't & I dragged the emotional baggage thru my whole life,dad died 2 yrs ago,it was sad it really was,cancer,I loved my dad,it's the understanding,he had issues from his childhood from a baby up,he had sisters that were much older,he was a mid life baby,so he gained emotional problems, problem,s need to be dealt with as soon as it's noticed,we need to talk to understanding ppl that know,wise ppl that have lived life,that made lots of mistakes but got thru them,that chose to let stupid things go,not like I did relive it..pedo church crap particularly Catholicism,I've issues with anything to do with that organism that's all it is,one big evil organism creature,but other churches have institutional abuse stories to.. reason being that they're man made denominations,free masons founded most of them except the Roman Catholic church,still of the devil tho,no good...& Congregation,s hush it up,the Catholic,s hid pedophilia, anyone talk out on it was shamed,it was denied,brushed under the carpet,here in Australia one lone detective from Sydney listened to victims,it was offences caused by a cardinal Pell he was powerful to,they got him for having sex with two altar boys,he was found guilty,did over a yr in prison, appealed & won it,went back to Rome,he's back here now,but it opened up a lot & ppl will only expose it again.. forgiveness yeah nah, sometimes we need to act, actually all the time.i have daughters, recently found out something no one wants to hear & my ex she's a Catholic,she's s f,n dumb denying truth hiding bitch,I won't go into it,but her mother was no good,& it appears her daughter in ways followed suit.very wrong,I won't be forgiving,I'll run the cops way first,that's if my daughter wants to charge him,then tell the courts,that's the hard part for victims.
Dang man. I always hated the heels as I came up watching wrestling in the 80s but I always liked Jake. Now he's got my ultimate respect for having gone through this and trying to make a success for himself in the aftermath. So many would have gone in the tank or "worse" if you know what I mean
How does this abuse always work? My stepfather always called me a looser and a bum and what not and I always wanted to prove him wrong. Especially because I'm disabled. My bones declined from an early age and at 40 I was sent in retirement. Just the poverty line, but well, tough luck. Can't move that good anymore, sometimes I need a cane. But I have friends. My Stepfather, after my mom left him when I was 33, was left with no friends, no family.
For all the trauma and tragedy, all those decades of self harm and self abuse, it 's so great to see Jake nowadays having turned his life around and trying to be his best self.
Its a particular kind of pain mixed with shame.. a heavy burden that can't ever truly be lifted. The only way we can heal, is with each other. Knowing your not alone. For those who understand these words without further explanation, know your not alone please. your worth love and what happened was wrong and unfair. We deserved normal childhoods to and it was taken from us. learn to love yourself and heal. I love you.
Aurelian Smith Jr AKA Jake The Snake Roberts became a legend of pro wrestling working for Stampede Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, World Championship Wrestling, Smokey Mountain Wrestling, Americas Wrestling Federation All Star Wrestling Puerto Rico, AAA Mexico, Extreme Championship Wrestling, Total Non Stop Action Impact Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling
I really didnt know how much trauma he had to go through as a child & how much it affected him as an adult!! I really wanna cry feeling the pain in his voice....its terrible!! 💔💔🥺
I never watch the full episodes but I heard about from this the DEADLOCK podcast and the way they described it was the most darkest episode that you ever seen and just looking at this video that what went on in Jake's life and what happen behind the scene is honestly the most disturbing thing that I ever heard
I recently met him at a supermarket. Very nice man. Forget Superman or Batman and Robin. With true are taking fans? Meeting these guys? They were our heroes.
Love you, Sir. I pray you find peace. You are my favorite wrestler. As a kid I'd yell for you so loud I lost my voice once when you fought JYD down lake-charles la. God bless you Sir.
Sir, you're a strong, caring man. YOU, and to a certain extent your mom, did that. I enjoyed watching Jake the wrestler. I now enjoy watching Jake, the man's, interviews. God's love and blessings on you, Sir.
It’s no wonder why he was so broken in “The Resurrection of Jake the Snake Robert’s “. I always wondered why Jake was so broken and depressed, I’m so glad Jake got help and and faced his demons, he overcame his past. even Stone Cold Steve Austin was so happy that Jake got help, even the Ultimate Warrior was so glad that Jake was his old self again. I’m happy for Jake that he turned his life around, so many of us fail to do that.
It breaks my heart to hear Jake on how he uses his names. Saying how he’s proud and not comfortable with “Jake”. But “Aurelian” is broken and crippled. That just hits so hard.
Your fans love you jake ! You're an inspiration to those of us who have suffered abuse like that. The people in life (especially the couple of pricks in the comments section) who still look down on you don't matter , and never will.
I grew up watching WWF in the 1980's. Jake "The Snake" had kick ass music themes. I think the 2nd one had more of a "dark side" to it. "Trust me, Trust me".... chorus.
I was born in 85' and some of my earliest memories are of watching WWF with my Pap. The Ultimate Warrior and Jake The "Snake Roberts" were my favorites and The Rockers/Shawn Michaels!!!
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I grew up on pro wrestling as child of 80's early 90's and this man was one of my hero's snakes are just awesome. How could a little boy resist being a fan of the dude with all the snakes.
Wwf champion
Very good of you to share that.
trauma shauma, what doesnt kill you
makes you stronger
"I'm ashamed of you, your gutless and you'll never amount to anything".
Jake Roberts has accomplished more in wrestling than his dad ever could. He's better than his father as a person and as a wrestler, he's a hall of famer while his dad is being forgotten (good riddance). Roberts is one of the greatest and no one can take that away from him, god bless u jake
Jake was always my favorite. Heel or face, he could deliver. Great worker and his promos were better than anyone else in the business.
THE SNAKE! Love that dude. Been a fan for 30 years. Saw everything he ever did, including the DDP specials, and I hope he has found some peace. We love you Jake!
Helped give birth to the stone cold that helped win the war against wcw
@@WALK0510 yup. King of the ring.
Not amount to anything is still way better than a pedophile.
You can genuinely feel the pain in his voice. I'm fighting back tears hearing him talk.
Me too bro. Made me almost tear up too
Such a shame Grizzly died before everyone learned it all. I remember Jake telling the story back in 1998 on Beyond the Mat about his dad and 13 yo mom, and no one batted an eye, they thought jake was high talking. Jake went through so much, I hope he takes comfort knowing he is loved and grizzly is rotting away
I was shocked when Jake told the age of his mother when he was born. So sickening…
Jake has been pretty open about it
And that's when he was BORN.
So she may have gotten pregnant as young as 12
It's beyond sickening.. Jake has been through hell and beyond.. All I've to say is Jake we care about you and glad u r still with us.. go watch his dvd pick your poison and you will hear all about his past and I don't blame him for hating his father his dad is a sick man and I'm being respectful here cuz I'm biting my tongue on his dad cuz his dad is a worthless son of a witch.. Yes his dad has passed but Jake still deals with it every single day of his life..
For whatever it may be worth, I hope Jake knows how proud of him we all are.
@Nigel he literally explained in this video why he was a POS, whether it was right or wrong. He literally explained it.
@Nigel yea go thru what he has and then get back to us on how life is all rainbows and puppy dogs.
Speak for yourself. I certainly am not.
@@Tremonti604 Pretty typical for scumbags like Jake Roberts. Always blaming others for their misfortune.
@@Rjensen2 why
The amount of trauma that you realized you went through as a child when you become an adult.. Wow
Aww muffin! You need a tissue snowflake? Man up and stop whining we’ve all been through things!
@@Gabeasher699 not like that. Go to therapy man
@@Evealaquisina u mad bro?
@@Gabeasher699 clear definition of someone with daddy issues, either seek help or end it all
All we can do is break the cycle. And if you need to ask yourself "if" you want kids or "if" you would be a good parent... You probably shouldn't have them.
It's heartbreaking to hear Jake talk about his dad. As horrible as the physical/sexual abuse was, the fact that his father said "I'm ashamed of you, your gutless and you'll never amount to anything" seems to hurt him more. No kid deserves to be treated like that.
I knew his story was bad, but I didn’t know it was that bad. Jake, you’re an amazing person. You and your sisters never deserved the garbage your father brought to your lives.
After hearing him talk about the sexual, physical, and mental abuse; it's not a life style for anyone. It brought negative memories. It's a club no one wants to belong to, but some of us are made to join. The pain, suffering, and trauma eats one inside out. For those who say get over it, good for you that you have not gone through such things. We develop a negative view of things that ain't easy to remove if at all.
So sorry for you're experience. No child should have to go through that
So true. The trauma is embodied, a change of thinking is trivial advice from those not initiated into such lived situations.
I agree, because it happened to me too.
When an abusee becomes an abuser I remove all sympathy.
If it's so terrible to go through then why do most abusees become sick fucks?
Y'all make no sense
@@contraband1543 Most abusers were abused themselves. Its a cycle and yes it makes sense, if you can read and understand.
I knew Jake had alcohol issues and maybe drug issues if I can recall correctly, but I never knew why. I can completely understand now how he turned to that stuff when you grow up in a family that was so incredibly disastrous from the start. I hate that people have to live a life where they had to deal with that horrible early life.
he was on the Joe Rogan podcast a couple years ago. it is a good listen.
And if you watch Jake's documentary he mentions it a couple times. You can tell it's from his childhood. I actually have a similar story w/ my dad just w/o the wrestling. So never think trauma is just something "to get over". Could you imagine being r@p3d by your stepmother then beat by your dad for it? I'd drink myself to death too.
While I understand when people do go that route, I myself survived a childhood described by Child Protective Services as "Extreme domestic abuse and neglect" and never felt the need to fall into addiction. I have never understood why people introvert their abuse.
@@hgrimes9824 year matter
If u understand abuse den u should already understand.@hgrimes9824
No person on earth could have done better than Jake did with the cards he was dealt. 100% respect for this man.
You ever seen the Devil drop a DDT in the pale moonlight?
he played 21 with them
He mentioned this in a podcast and man I'm glad Jake never lost his mind.
He didn’t?
I mean he did somewhat but he seems to have got it back too
He lost himself in drink and drugs.
Watch beyond the mat, he goes into detail there.
Oh he did
Jake is a remarkable man. He proved his father wrong and became one of the most memorable wrestling personas fans ever got to see. And best of all, he reclaimed himself from the world and chose to pursue wellness. I commend him.
Jakes pop is on of the worst to lace up a pair
This poor man. I want to hug him so bad 😞
I don't think he's able to accept it. He's Jake and he has accepted his new identity that cannot be trusted
I Want to Hug All of Them. Jake, Robin, Sam & Even Richard (as Well as the Ones, Still Alive, Not Interviewed)
You're a very kind soul ❤
Yes and he is gonna ddt you
@@sairabashir6617 I Really Don't Think So ... But, if Need Be ... TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!!
This is one guy I never learned much about until now.
Ones ability to take that much negative in your life, turn it around and affect the world of entertainment in such a prominent, positive way is remarkable.
My heart breaks every time I see a sad story about pro wrestlers, cause they're super under appreciated and very often look down by general population. I somewhat understand why people take their job as a joke since there are a lot of ridiculous gimmicks, however even the most circus-like perfomers in squared circle have extremely busy schedule and pay great toll to their health.
I saw it on TV and I was startled and I actually felt like I had pain selfishly. I grew up watching these guys, these guys were larger than life stronger than the strongest individual I ever knew. His father the big powerful dangerous man and I don't think many people could actually stop him or even dared to try if they knew.
Yeah, how do you not become too terrified to fight back against a man like that? Not to mention how young everyone involved was. The imbalance of power and abuse of that imbalance is astonishing. And not just physical power, either, but he was also a celebrity which gives him an extra level of social power on top of that.
I'm proud of Jake. After everything he's been through, he's managed to get himself together. The man was at death's doorstep, and with some real help from his friends, he's gotten his life back.
It’s no wonder that he ended up in the state he did. Kids who experience that level of abuse normally have mental health problems that last well into adulthood. Jake probably had some form of PTSD.
My heart goes out to Jake here. I also went through something similar to his upbringing with a step father that did some serious damage to me growing up. A lot of people don't know that addiction is often a result of untreated trauma, which explains why Jake did what he did to cope back in those days. Nobody should ever have to go through that sort of abuse, especially children. I'm so glad he has been able to clean himself up and get back into the industry as a helping hand. I was too young to have caught Jake in his prime but as a hardcore wrestling fan, I do my research. Jake was always a top guy in my book, despite his afflictions with addiction. I have a lot of respect for him as a wrestler and a person.
People who are addicted aren't trying to get high, they're trying to get rid of pain. Take anything, even if it hurts you, because the oblivion it offers you is more comfortable than facing the memories and monsters that *always* live in the back of your mind.
Wow!! I never realized what this man went through! I had the pleasure of meeting him on the Jericho cruise in 2019. I have been a fan of his for a long time. I followed him around the ship, I think my husband thought I was crazy but I had waited so long to see him. I finally got in the line for a meet and greet and when I finally got to the front of the line and saw him standing there I melted. He treated me like we had known each other for years. I love and admire him! I’m glad to see he is doing better! By the way I’m 64 years old but at the time of the meeting I felt like a little girl cause I was meeting one of my idols!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Being the son of parents who were both victims of child abuse, this was hard to watch. My dad especially suffered at the hands of his father and hearing the horror stories of my dad’s childhood just makes this tug at my heartstrings. :(
I was a victim (sexual abuse ) I know how he feels. You stop growing mentally the first time it happens.
Sorry to hear that. God bless you
May blessings and healing be with you Denny.
Yeah, time stands still. Trying so hard to understand why or how. It just stays in the back of your head ready to pounce at any time.
You are loved and you deserve lots of happiness
The story is much more disturbing:
Roberts also stated that he was conceived when his father, who was dating Roberts' grandmother, raped her 13-year-old daughter (this was also stated in the documentary Beyond the Mat, in which Roberts was also featured). He said that the two were forced to marry against their wishes and that the resulting emotional trauma is responsible for Roberts' substance abuse and his sister's mental health problems.
Beyond the Mat did Jake & his family dirty. He initially refused to do The resurrection of Jake the Snake, Bc he got fd over by Barry.
Jesus. What a brave guy-finding whatever way he could to claw his way through such unspeakable traumas. And he didn’t just survive them; he faught his way past them all the way to the top-world fame and WWF championships. How can you not admire this guy?
Jake's documentary that DDP made was probably the most emotional thing I've ever seen.
Saw your comment, found it on prime, watched it, cried like a little baby.
@@kylehansen2122 Glad you liked it, it really hit me harder than I thought it would!
This interview is very disturbing. I couldn’t imagine the shame he went through. His father was absolutely disgusting. No wonder he took the dark path. Glad he has gotten himself together.
My heart goes out to Jake. And as far as I'm concerned, he's forever Jake to me. A sick ffffreak of a dad and step mother. Gosh I didn't know he had a horrifying childhood. Thank God he's sane. It probably effected why he got to drugs.
My husband grew up with a verbally abusive father. When our son was about 2 our son did something and my husband said something horrible. Took our son to another room, went back to my husband and said this stops now. He's never done it again. He broke the cycle and has every reason to be proud. He's a good man and father.
Jake is an even braver and stronger man for sharing his story of horrible abuse and tragedy. I think it is especially taboo for men to share these stories of sexual abuse as children. It made me think about the movie "beyond the mat" when he goes to visit his father and not a word is said between them. I can't even imagine. Jake has overcome so much. Jake I've always thought you were a super star as a wrestler but now you are a hero for your courage to share your story. For everyone out there who has had their tragedy, you are not alone.
My gawd! Poor man's soul!
His substance abuse years are CLEARLY understandable! Thank the lord he beat those demons and isn't another wrestler we've lost due to substance use/abuse
I hope his soul is happy and free like the wind and he can be happy every day!
Thank god that folks like Diamond Dallas Page helped him turn his life around in later years. Jake has finally gotten the chance to, while not be rid of his demons entirely, defeating them so they can't rule his life anymore.
A good friend is a priceless treasure.
DDP actually turned his life around
Wow….. that is one of the saddest backstories I have ever heard. I feel so bad for Aurelian , he never got to be himself, he really had to make himself a whole knew persons to disconnect himself from his trauma ):
Any pedophile deserves life in prison and yet they get less time than drug users 😪
Ive heard Jake tell these abuse stories numerous times and every time they break me up inside . But this time there is no anger in his voice ,but sadness a lot of sadness ,its the first time Ive ever heard him mention his first name and how hes locked that persona away .Seems like he is going deeper into his psyche to try and ease the pain ,I do hope that he can ,he deserves a happy peacefull life
There's some really sick fucks in this world. No person should have to endure what Jake and his siblings went through, let alone children.
My father was abusive to my mom, he passed when I was little. His family never wanted anything to do with me, he didn’t either. I was in the ICU, he never came to see me. Had 12 surgeries, died once, left with permanent brain damage, bullied relentlessly throughout my life, still managed to survive. I’m supposed to meet Jake in the summer. He inspired me so much even though he wrestled before my time, he’s a guy I studied a lot and really got into watching the old wrestling stuff my grandma had. Legendary and pro wrestling saved my life. It gave me something to love and relate to.
Our childhoods are extremely precious. Its a one time deal for the rest of our lives. You see the impact of abuse... its permanent and very sad.
I don't know how a parent can treat a child in such a discussing way. Jake miss you buddy. Enjoyed your other podcasts you done. Opening up like that I'm sure helps you, and I'm sure it will help others. Your still my hero man!
*You're
Evil exists and its everywhere
Man, my son is 2 years old now. I could never imagine myself saying anything like that to my son. This is heartbreaking stuff. A lot of people have it hard out there
I wish the best for your son and the best for you as well.
Hope you both have the best experiences to recall when both of you grow age like a fine wine and recall how amazing you both have been to each other, building each other, you teaching your son the lessons of life while your son gives you the lessons of life and laughable memories.
@@prize5ighter bless you!
I have Beyond the mat on vhs and watching him in that was scary to see him so drunk and on drugs. I am so glad DDP saved his life
Him refusing to go wrestle unless the promoter got him some crack was kinda fucked up but that seemed like the height of his problems around that time
DDP is a literal life saver. He saved Jake and he saved Scott Hall. I honestly think that if it weren’t for DDP stepping in, Jake would not still be here. No one else would have been able to get through to Jake like DDP was able to. Had anyone else other than DDP gone to the airport to pick Jake up after he failed got drunk and had a few beers, it would not have been the same result. Only DDP could throw “f-you’s back and forth with a drunk Jake and say “Jake you’ve had some drinks, you’re all f-ed up, stop lying, I can tell, I was in the bar biz” and not been leveled to the ground by a flying fist from Jake *. I’d be willing to bet that if anyone else had to have that conversation with a drunk Jake, Jake would’ve knocked them out cold. *In “The Resurrection of Jake the Snake” there was a clip where Jake was at an airport in Georgia for some reason, drunk, and DDP got called to come pick him up. Jake in his drunken state hurled some “f&$k you’s” at Dallas and Dallas reciprocated those back to Jake to show that he’s serious and that he’s not going to back down. Jake, though obviously drunk, continued to deny being drunk(as one does when they are caught drunk) and Dallas then shouted at Jake saying stop lying to me and yourself, you’re f&$ked up and I can tell, I know, I was in the bar biz(referring to the time he owned/operated Norma Jean’s).
I watched it when it first released, but that scene where his father shows up, talking on his behalf, Jake in the back not saying a word...there was something haunting about it that I never understood why. Now I see how horrible that whole scene really is and why Jake stayed silent as his abuser kept trying to keep their secrets in the family.
Who is DDP?
@@spaceghost8995 Diamond Dallas page is a retired wrestler who helps people by doing yoga and other things and he saves their lives
Why is it that every time I hear this man speak he brings me to tears .. there should be a movie about his life
Much respect to him for sharing his experiences as a motivation to those who are experiencing the same. Also for him riding above it and becoming a success
Let me tell you something Jake "The Snake" Roberts. You were one of my favorite wrestlers growing up and I'm so proud to have been able to watch you perform. You wrestled in the biggest company and you were one of the brightest stars. I'm sorry you had to go through all that because my childhood was a nightmare too. God bless!!!!!
These type of traumatic experiences haunt us for life and people who can't relate tell us "Get over it". It's like being shot & having to live with the pain of the bullet stuck in you forever.
Wow! That was dark AF, the things he said and the things he was insinuating.
It's no surprise he only found some sort of peace in his persona. Nobody deserves what he had to go through as a child, that was just messed up.
Growing up as a kid in the 80s a 90s Jake the snake Roberts was one of my idols Jake I can't change what happened to u as a kid growing up but I can tell u u have left me with great memories as a kid and after watching other documentaries on yr self it has made me be a better person and father
And now I understand why he turned to drugs and alcohol. Childhood trauma can haunt you for the rest of your life. So glad he's clean because there was a time I thought I'd hear about Jake The Snake Roberts being dead long before now.
when i watched this scene and he said his mom was 13 when he had him i was just disgusted, jake mental strength is through the roof the fact he just didnt end it all and didnt go insane is just inspiring
Yeah his grandmother was his father’s wife when he raped the daughter
A lot of wrestlers died from Jake's era I mean A LOT.. glad he is alive and well and able to tell his story.
Wow this hit me as hard as an f5 slam. Have mad respect for Jake having the courage to air this.
Man, he didn't even go on to half the stuff there.
I'm glad that Jake turned his life around - against ALL odds. It takes a real man to have strength like that.
He is still deeply affected. My heart goes out to him
I feel honoured to have met Jake what a great and charismatic guy he was. Very sad to hear of his trauma . You are one of my favourites of all time big fella.
"If You Wanna Feel Pain Then You Have Go From The Top And Get Knocked To The Bottom That's When You Feel Real Pain" - Jake "The Snake" Roberts
For Jake to come up with a special, dark character like Jake "The Snake" Roberts, he had to come from a dark, dark place in his mind. He came out of it about as good as anyone could expect him to.
Just to not continue the chain of abuse, which he didn't, is a huge win for Jake and his family.
He wasn't Charles Ingalls, but it could've been a lot worse.
This man was single handedly responsible for some of the most intense arguments with parents vs there child about whether or not wrestling was real or fake.
I love the way Iron Shiek says his name. "Jake-a-da-sneke". 🤣
Poor Jake. His story always breaks my heart every time I hear it.
we are so lucky Jake is alive. It's so hard to watch him tell us about his early life...
Love these shows 👍🏻 keep up the good work 😎
Such an amazing storyteller. Could listen to him all day. Hope he's doing well
Jake the Snake was one of my all time favorates! That being said...Nobody grew up without dysfunction in their home. Of course some have/had it way worse. I think a lot of people would be suprised how often his kind of situation occurs. Its passed down generations. Good for him for telling his story and not continuing the cycle of abuse 💖💖💖JaketheSnake
Wow, I wasn't expecting such a level of honesty.
Respect.
It's so touching. Jake is an exceptional man. despite the childhood he suffered, he still gave all his heart to entertain us for so many years. A true legend, a star, a strong and very tender man at the same time
Jake is a man I aspire to understand to be like. After 12 years of active addiction and 10 years of therapy I dont have a handle on it but maybe in time I will. If Jake could so can I.
Jake Roberts is an alcoholic and drug addict who destroyed every person he ever touched. He's total slime, and it doesn't speak well for you that you look up to a "man" like that.
When Grizzly Smith died nobody cared. But the day Jake “The Snake” Roberts dies it will be one of the saddest days in the wrestling industry
thank you for sharing, very brave to confront these memories.
Im not a wresting fan but i love and respect the hell out of jake the snake. To get to where he is today and the hell he went through between his childhood and his alcoholism he is a true badass. Not because of his career but his inner strength. I hope he realizes how strong of a man he really is
It's weird to say since they're around the same age, but Jake really did find his true father in DDP.
DDP reached out to him, took him in, gave him the help he needed. All the things he did for Jake that Grizzly should've done for his own son.
What Grizzly was to Jake in his childhood, DDP was the exact opposite in Jake's adulthood.
I'm not sure the amount of ppl that as children were abused in some way, and abuse can vary as we know,some kids go thru a number of abuses like this man,he would of been told when he first spoke up to put it in his past,but easier said than done,they carry it around in their minds,as time goes on other things do cover it up,but it's always there,like a mental illness it has to be dealt with, especially becoming a parent,.not that the repeat the abuse as they received as kids, usually stuff it up by neglect,they need to be taught parenting skills.relationship counseling,abuse is so damaging.
One of the things I hate hearing, and unfortunately this is something a lot of people get told in church and whatnot, is that you should be able to forgive anything.
No, you shouldn't. There are things in the world that are unforgivable, and people that you're far better off cutting out of your life instead of gritting your teeth and forcing yourself to be close to them even though all they do is hurt you. Grizzly Smith clearly was one of those people. He couldn't even tell his own son he was proud of what a success he became.
@@JackgarPrime yeah forgiveness is easier said than done,then we think about all the starving kids,all the ones caught up in wars that politicians & their crony mates start,the suffering going on & wonder why God let's this suffering go on & on,humans cause human suffering,ruin the planet & kill the animals,it's unbelievable,i pray every day to.witj God,I do feel we come up with options when faced with a dilemma,I prayed my father would stop the abuse (violence,verbal)it had gone on 4 yrs at that point,I was 12 & the reason being,he,d brought a gun into the house, looking back me at 12 coming up with options,put up with the violence,shoot him,the gun was there or run,I chose to run,moral to my story we can pray all day & night but if we don't do it for ourselves God can't help.. another thing with church & encouraging forgiveness well we see what happens,abuse went in & on & it still is,my ex family their father abused his own including my ex,she lives in denial tho,she's also Catholic,peds don't stop abusing kids, forgiveness doesn't stop them,they need exposing,reported to the police,if the police aren't willing to do anything I will, because one the offending against kids is pure evil,the devil can't be forgiven,evil laughs at forgiveness.yeah forgiveness bugs me to..I often think I should of shot my father,not to kill necessarily, wouldn't of mattered if I did,I knew what he was up to,he would of deserved it,I would of put it right with God and I,moved on,no one would of said boo,but I didn't & I dragged the emotional baggage thru my whole life,dad died 2 yrs ago,it was sad it really was,cancer,I loved my dad,it's the understanding,he had issues from his childhood from a baby up,he had sisters that were much older,he was a mid life baby,so he gained emotional problems, problem,s need to be dealt with as soon as it's noticed,we need to talk to understanding ppl that know,wise ppl that have lived life,that made lots of mistakes but got thru them,that chose to let stupid things go,not like I did relive it..pedo church crap particularly Catholicism,I've issues with anything to do with that organism that's all it is,one big evil organism creature,but other churches have institutional abuse stories to.. reason being that they're man made denominations,free masons founded most of them except the Roman Catholic church,still of the devil tho,no good...& Congregation,s hush it up,the Catholic,s hid pedophilia, anyone talk out on it was shamed,it was denied,brushed under the carpet,here in Australia one lone detective from Sydney listened to victims,it was offences caused by a cardinal Pell he was powerful to,they got him for having sex with two altar boys,he was found guilty,did over a yr in prison, appealed & won it,went back to Rome,he's back here now,but it opened up a lot & ppl will only expose it again.. forgiveness yeah nah, sometimes we need to act, actually all the time.i have daughters, recently found out something no one wants to hear & my ex she's a Catholic,she's s f,n dumb denying truth hiding bitch,I won't go into it,but her mother was no good,& it appears her daughter in ways followed suit.very wrong,I won't be forgiving,I'll run the cops way first,that's if my daughter wants to charge him,then tell the courts,that's the hard part for victims.
My heart goes out to jake and his family!!!
Dang man. I always hated the heels as I came up watching wrestling in the 80s but I always liked Jake. Now he's got my ultimate respect for having gone through this and trying to make a success for himself in the aftermath. So many would have gone in the tank or "worse" if you know what I mean
How does this abuse always work? My stepfather always called me a looser and a bum and what not and I always wanted to prove him wrong. Especially because I'm disabled. My bones declined from an early age and at 40 I was sent in retirement. Just the poverty line, but well, tough luck. Can't move that good anymore, sometimes I need a cane. But I have friends. My Stepfather, after my mom left him when I was 33, was left with no friends, no family.
Then you do something that your stepfather never could and that is be a human being.
OMGosh I just got chills just hereing this, I have a found respect for this man
For all the trauma and tragedy, all those decades of self harm and self abuse, it 's so great to see Jake nowadays having turned his life around and trying to be his best self.
Its a particular kind of pain mixed with shame.. a heavy burden that can't ever truly be lifted. The only way we can heal, is with each other. Knowing your not alone. For those who understand these words without further explanation, know your not alone please. your worth love and what happened was wrong and unfair. We deserved normal childhoods to and it was taken from us. learn to love yourself and heal. I love you.
Aurelian Smith Jr AKA Jake The Snake Roberts became a legend of pro wrestling working for Stampede Wrestling, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, Georgia Championship Wrestling, Mid-South Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation Entertainment, World Championship Wrestling, Smokey Mountain Wrestling, Americas Wrestling Federation All Star Wrestling Puerto Rico, AAA Mexico, Extreme Championship Wrestling, Total Non Stop Action Impact Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling
I got into sports because of hatred of person X. Hatred sucks but it sure can motivate you to try really hard.
EVERY CYCLE OF ABUSE BROKEN IS A VICTORY! thank you for the little ones that think they can't win as you did.
I really didnt know how much trauma he had to go through as a child & how much it affected him as an adult!! I really wanna cry feeling the pain in his voice....its terrible!! 💔💔🥺
As an abuse survivor myself, I feel for Jake 'The Snake' Roberts. I can certainly identify with him to some extent.
I looked up to the Snake when I was a kid, he was my favorite. Thank you Aurelian Smith, I am proud of you.
I never watch the full episodes but I heard about from this the DEADLOCK podcast and the way they described it was the most darkest episode that you ever seen and just looking at this video that what went on in Jake's life and what happen behind the scene is honestly the most disturbing thing that I ever heard
The Benoit double episode is seriously worth a watch also
I recently met him at a supermarket. Very nice man. Forget Superman or Batman and Robin. With true are taking fans? Meeting these guys? They were our heroes.
What a strong mind he has! Horrible what he and his sister had gone trough. Unreal. Made me almost tear up when he told it.
Love you, Sir. I pray you find peace. You are my favorite wrestler. As a kid I'd yell for you so loud I lost my voice once when you fought JYD down lake-charles la. God bless you Sir.
Sir, you're a strong, caring man. YOU, and to a certain extent your mom, did that. I enjoyed watching Jake the wrestler. I now enjoy watching Jake, the man's, interviews. God's love and blessings on you, Sir.
This is crushing... what a man Aurelian is!
This was such a a real and compelling story. Very deep.
It's amazing how much it mean to tell your child that you are proud of them. So many of us have never heard that from our parents.
It’s no wonder why he was so broken in “The Resurrection of Jake the Snake Robert’s “.
I always wondered why Jake was so broken and depressed, I’m so glad Jake got help and and faced his demons, he overcame his past.
even Stone Cold Steve Austin was so happy that Jake got help, even the Ultimate Warrior was so glad that Jake was his old self again.
I’m happy for Jake that he turned his life around, so many of us fail to do that.
I wish I could give this man a hug and tell him it's not his fault. He didn't walk the same path his father did and became a good man.
It breaks my heart to hear Jake on how he uses his names. Saying how he’s proud and not comfortable with “Jake”. But “Aurelian” is broken and crippled. That just hits so hard.
Your fans love you jake ! You're an inspiration to those of us who have suffered abuse like that. The people in life (especially the couple of pricks in the comments section) who still look down on you don't matter , and never will.
Your a strong man dude it’s hard ... really hard going through something like that
That's one of the most heart wrenching life event's that I ever heard.
I grew up watching WWF in the 1980's. Jake "The Snake" had kick ass music themes. I think the 2nd one had more of a "dark side" to it. "Trust me, Trust me".... chorus.
I was born in 85' and some of my earliest memories are of watching WWF with my Pap. The Ultimate Warrior and Jake The "Snake Roberts" were my favorites and The Rockers/Shawn Michaels!!!
His voice when he talks about his childhood self 🥺