UPDATE: Jake Roberts posted the following statement today ahead of his surgery to remove a cancerous tumor…
Thank for for all of the support and well wishes about my procedure tomorrow. The doctors are optimistic that the growth is contained and tomorrow’s removal should take care of the problem. However, we will not know for sure until it is taken out and further tests are done. I am fine and just as optimistic as the doctors. Did my DDP Yoga this morning and looking forward to all of my upcoming appearances with the fans. I will keep you posted but no need to worry about the Snake.
ORIGINAL: The following is from TMZSports.com:
Jake “The Snake” Roberts has a cancerous tumor behind his knee … and the wrestler says it’s slowly growing into his muscle — so he needs emergency surgery to remove the growth.
Roberts tells TMZ … he noticed a tumor behind his knee the size of a half dollar last month so he had it tested … and on Friday doctors told him the test came back positive for cancer.
Jake says he’s scheduled to go under the knife Tuesday morning … and after a few weeks off — he’ll make his return to Jersey Championship Wrestling on March 14th — cancer, or not.
Jake adds, “If the devil can’t defeat me, cancer doesn’t stand a chance in hell! Pray for sick children who face this horrible disease ’cause The Snake will be just fine.”
As for his upcoming induction into the WWE Hall of Fame … the wrestler says nothing will stop him from getting to New Orleans for the ceremony.
We wish Jake all the best during this difficult time.