WWE legend Virgil, who has died aged 61 after a series of tragic health battles, revealed he had been selling autographs on the subway to make ends meet.
The 61-year-old wrestler previously revealed he could not afford the medical bills necessary to pay for his battle against colon cancer, which left him asking fans for donations in return for autographs.
Virgil, real name Michael Jones, had suffered two strokes over the last two years and was later diagnosed with dementia. Friend Mark Charles III confirmed the star's death today (Wednesday, February 28).
READ MORE: WWE legend Virgil dies aged 61 after suffering heartbreaking health battle
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![Virgil](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article32233971.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Image.jpg)
Virgil had taken to Twitter at the time of his cancer diagnosis and wrote: "It's really sh***y right now. To make things worse I know have stage 2 colon cancer. I am a fighter but need your help. I cannot afford any of the medical bills and would love your support."
Jones was known in the 1980s for his eight-year stint in WWF as Ted Dibiase's bodyguard and later joined WCW for four years. His memorable championship win came when he beat DiBiase for the Million Dollar Title at SummerSlam 1991.
He also shared that he had two "massive strokes" and was diagnosed with "an early stage of dementia" after concerns arose following WrestleMania weekend in Dallas. In a heartfelt post, he told his Instagram followers: "Unfortunately I have some really hard news to share. Since Mania weekend (of all weekends) I was not feeling so great.
![Virgil and Hulk Hogan](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article32234006.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/3_2022-05-16-42.jpg)
"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.
"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."
Virgil was seen asking fans for help, confirming he would do what he could to raise the funds needed for his medical bills. The Daily Star previously reported Virgil was left selling autographs on the subway.
![Virgil](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article32234009.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/3_Image.jpg)
His appeal read: "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 ain't 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)."
His last wrestling appearance was in Blackpool at a PCW event held at the Blackpool Tower Circus back in December 2017.
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