Virgil Discusses Beating Ted DiBiase, Drugs in Wrestling and His Friends’ Deaths

Over the past several years, former WWE and WCW Superstar Virgil has been the target of memes across the Internet, as pictures of him offering autograph signings alone have spread like wildfire. This has led to an unfavorable reputation for the former star, as he makes his way across the country offering signings to this day.

FOX Sports recently published an extensive feature on Virgil’s efforts today, as he also reflects on his wrestling career. Below are a few highlights.

He recalled beating Ted DiBiase at “SummerSlam,” gaining revenge on his former friend:

“The roof came off Madison Square Garden,” Virgil recounts. In the ring, he did a forward roll onto the mat, then mounted the turnbuckles in celebration. “And I did something you didn’t see before. I held up the belt and I smiled. Some people even wondered, ‘Could I smile?'”  

Virgil noted many partied hard back in his day, often relying on party drugs to enjoy themselves. He, however, said he wanted no part of it:

“I didn’t want it,” he says. “You’re telling me you have to snort something to be happy? If someone jumps off the Empire State Building, you have to do it, too? I had my vitamins –?? B-complex, B-12 –?? every day. I’d eat a proper breakfast, a proper dinner. What anybody else was doing, I can’t say.”

He also talked about how life moves quickly, recounting how many of his colleagues have died:

“First, Junkyard Dog died in a car crash. Then, (Rick) Rude died. Then, Yokozuna, Mr. Perfect, (Road Warrior) Hawk. The Big Boss Man died. Eddie Guerrero died. Very cool guys. Strong-willed guys. It didn’t put me in a mind to take a handful of sleeping pills, but …” We’re walking down the steps into the subway station now, and his voice gets hoarse. “You can’t let your depression drive you …” He pauses. “You think about the good times, the nice things.

“You’re around these guys more than your family. You’re in this state of mind where you don’t want to be the next.”

The entire piece can be read here.

Photo courtesy: Stephen J. Cohen

Editor’s Note

This is a really good piece everyone should check out to provide some perspective for themselves.