Jake Roberts Clarifies WWE Contract Status and Health Update

WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts clarified his professional status on November 3, 2026, stating via a video posted to X that he is not under contract with World Wrestling Entertainment and only signs autographs for the company.

Clearing Up Contract Confusion After SummerSlam

The 71-year-old wrestler addressed recent remarks he made on the Nick Club Wrestling Happy Hour on Saturday, where he had claimed to have re-signed with WWE. Roberts stated that his actual work with the promotion consists of autograph signings, such as his appearance at WWE’s SummerSlam Takeover at the Minneapolis Convention Center during SummerSlam weekend, alongside occasional Topps trading card agreements. He confirmed in July that he was no longer with AEW.

Yeah, I went to SummerSlam and signed some autographs, and I do some [Topps] cards here and there, and I enjoy doing it, Roberts said in his video statement. Just like coming out and seeing you guys, signing autographs for you, taking pictures. That’s all there is. I’m not under contract by no way, no means.

Roberts Relies on Oxygen After Quitting Smoking

Alongside the contract clarification, Roberts provided an update regarding his health, confirming that he is currently using supplemental oxygen. He attributed the condition to a combination of genetics and pulmonary disease. Roberts stated that he has been diagnosed with emphysema and COPD, which he linked to smoking for 50 years.

Roberts announced that he quit smoking five weeks prior to his announcement. According to Roberts, remaining smoke-free for six months is a medical requirement to qualify for a procedure designed to help him eliminate his dependence on supplemental oxygen.