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Pro Wrestler Duggan Wants To Help Fight Cancer

Posted: Sep 26th 2010 By: CMBurnham

Duggan, a 56-year-old native of Glens Falls, will be signing autographs for $10 apiece outside Collector's Realm at 44 Raymond Ave. in Poughkeepsie from 1-4 p.m. as part of the Arlington Street Fair. All proceeds from the events will benefit the Ryan McElroy Children's Cancer Foundation of Pawling.

Duggan survived kidney cancer and was declared cancer-free in 1998.

"Being a cancer survivor, I have a whole different outlook than I had before," Duggan said. "I never thought it could touch anyone I knew, but it can touch anyone. The main thing (is) I want people to be aware of is to get checked out. Early detection can save so many lives."

A 31-year pro wrestling veteran, Duggan still dons the tights and boots and carries around the American flag and 2-by-4, wrestling in independent shows. Most recently, he wrestled in the WWE from 2007 until last January. The long-haired, bearded Duggan said he still enjoys performing, but knows he might not do it much longer.

"I'm probably pushing the envelope a little bit," said Duggan, who wrestled for Vince McMahon Sr.'s then-World Wide Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in Poughkeepsie as "Big" Jim Duggan, a clean-shaven, short-haired kid in the early 1980s. "I have a few more matches left in me.

As for Saturday, Duggan just wants the fans to have a good time.

"It's a great opportunity for a great cause," Duggan said. "It will be a fun afternoon. I'll sign some autographs, take some pictures, and answer questions about years gone by. It's a great opportunity for me to hear back from the fans. Hopefully, the fans have a good time."

Tags: Jim Duggan, WWE