Jake "The Snake" Roberts, 55, announced his retirement from active wrestling Sunday night at an independent show in New York, ending a 35-year career.

During an in-ring speech, the inventor of the DDT discussed the loss of his father, Grizzly Smith, who passed away in June. He said he entered the wrestling industry to make him proud.

Roberts thanked the fans and said he could no longer compete due to health reasons.

Roberts achieved his greatest fame with the World Wrestling Federation during its 'Golden Age' era in the 1980s. He also wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance in 1983, World Championship Wrestling in 1992, and Asistencia Asesoría y Administración during the latter portion of his career.

See photo of Jake Roberts holding his dentures ->