Jake Roberts Reveals Emphysema, COPD Diagnosis
The WWE Hall of Famer says he is on oxygen and has quit smoking after five decades.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Asthma
Jake 'The Snake' Roberts revealed he has emphysema and COPD and is on oxygen in a video in which he discussed his health and employment status. The WWE Hall of Famer said he quit smoking five weeks ago after smoking for five decades.
Why it matters
Roberts' disclosure draws attention to the long-term health consequences of smoking, which he attributes to his emphysema and COPD alongside genetics. His account also highlights the lasting effects of chronic smoking on respiratory health.
The statement is a self-reported personal health update rather than clinical data, covering roughly fifty years of smoking and five weeks since Roberts quit. He says a six-month smoke-free period is needed before a procedure that could let him come off oxygen, but the procedure's outcome is not yet known.
The players
Jake 'The Snake' Roberts
A WWE Hall of Famer known for his career as a wrestler, who has now disclosed his respiratory diagnosis and current status.
WWE
The professional wrestling company where Roberts has rejoined and where he signed autographs at SummerSlam 2026.
The details
Roberts shared a video on November 4, 2026, discussing his emphysema, COPD and oxygen use. He said his current WWE role is limited to signing autographs and doing Topps cards, and that he is not under contract with the company.
Timeline
Roberts smoked for roughly five decades before quitting.
Roberts joined AEW in 2019 and left a few months before the video.
Roberts quit smoking five weeks before the video.
Roberts' health update video was published on November 4, 2026.
Roberts expects to come off oxygen in a few months after a procedure.
Big Picture
Roberts' diagnosis follows the pattern established by the public health response to the 1964 U.S. Surgeon General's report on smoking and health, which linked the habit to serious lung disease. His account shows the decades-long disease course that those warnings anticipated.
For people with COPD or emphysema, the story underscores that quitting smoking is a prerequisite for some treatments and can be done at any stage. Those managing oxygen therapy should follow their clinician's guidance on procedures and smoke-free requirements.
The takeaway
Quitting smoking can still make a difference for people living with chronic lung disease, and any planned procedure may require sustained abstinence beforehand. Anyone with breathing concerns should consult a doctor about their options.
What happens next
Roberts expects to come off oxygen a few months from now after a procedure that requires six months of being smoke-free.
Further reading
Explore more Asthma coverage for context on chronic respiratory conditions.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
