Ex-WWE star Virgil reveals heartbreaking dementia diagnosis and two ‘massive’ strokes amid financial concerns

The star is worried about his future (Picture: WWE)

Former WWE star Virgil has revealed some major health concerns and admitted he isn’t sure how he’ll afford his treatment.

The 59-year-old veteran – who is best known for his run as Ted Dibiase’s personal assistant in the mid-to-late 1980s – took to Instagram and explained he has suffered two ‘massive strokes’ and been diagnosed with ‘an early stage of dementia’ after concerns following WrestleMania weekend in Dallas.

In an emotional and lengthy post, he wrote: ‘Unfortunately I have some really hard news to share. If you were wondering why I haven’t been so engaged over the last few weeks it’s because i was given bad news.

‘Since Mania weekend (of all weekends) I was not feeling so great. Something wasn’t right. My head, my arm and my heart . When I came back from Dallas i Ended up going to the Doctor and they discovered a whole bunch of issues.

‘For starters- without me knowing, over the past few months the Doctor had identified that I suffered 2 massive strokes. Like I didnt Even have a clue till I started not working with 1 of my arms. It’s basically not able to do anything.

‘This was the decent news. The worse news is that I have Been told that I am Fighting with an early stage of dementia. The years of taking the big main event bump every night (that nobody else wanted to take) Had started to effect me. (sic)’

Virgil – whose real name is Mike Jones – admitted he is ‘scared’ by his health battles, and doesn’t think he can ‘afford to get through this’ as he called on fans and big names like Randy Orton and AEW’s Chris Jericho to help where they can.

‘I’m nervous I’m scared and God knows I can’t afford to get through this and even make a living. It’s really sad as all I want to do is have fun and do what I always do. Survive,’ he continued.

‘What am I asking for? Well for starters, my roommate and team have helped me with this page to help me get buy. I’ll also sell autographs, video shoutouts or even if you could download my $2 video game (ON BOTH IOS AND ANDROID JUST LOOK UP MEATSAUCE MADNESS). It means EVERYTHING.

‘I am asking you to send this out to all your friends, family or anyone that you ever thought loved Wrestling. It all helps. I aint looking for sympathy.

‘I am looking for the love I have Poured into this business to hopefully carry me through this shitty time. I did my time. I took my lumps. Now I am Just trying to survive. Hope this makes sense. Love you all. (sic)’

More: US TV news

After spending eight years with WWE, Virgil would join WCW for a four-year run which saw him work under a number of names and characters, and he appeared as a member of the nWo.

His only championship win in WWE came when he beat DiBiase for the Million Dollar Title at SummerSlam 1991.

In 2021, he made a couple of appearances as Soul Train Jones for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

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