“I tell folks, if you want to hear some funny knock knock jokes or jokes about your grandmother then go somewhere else,” said WWE hall of fame wrestler “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan of his 2X4 Tour.
“We’re telling wrestling stories.”
Duggan, 64, is coming to The Goofie Newfie Pub and Grill in Fergus on April 14 at 7pm to tell family-friendly stories about his time as a professional wrestler.
“A lot of folks have a misconception about professional wrestling and hear all the negative things about it,” he said. “They see the movie The Wrestler … and they have a perception of wrestling that’s not always true.”
The show is meant to be a behind-the-scenes look into Duggan’s wrestling life.
“I’ve been in it for almost 39 years now,” Duggan said. “I’ve never had to go through rehab for booze or drugs. I put two daughters through school.
“I have no felony arrests. It’s been a good business for me and other people have been successful in our business.”
Duggan has travelled to five different countries performing his show and he said about 95 per cent of his audiences are wrestling fans who like to ask questions about the “golden years.” He said parents even bring their young children to introduce them to Duggan, who the parents often watched on TV when they were kids.
“It’s like talking to a room full of old friends,” Duggan said. “I go in there, I have a great time with the folks.
“We take pictures and they bring their action figures and autograph books and it’s a fun night out.”
After the show Duggan will offer a question and answer period.
“They have to almost always cut us off because folks have so many questions and no question is off limits,” he said. “I’ve had some bloody noses over my career, in ring and out of ring I’d say, and anything’s open.”
And hardcore fans who understand Duggan’s signature persona in the WWE won’t be disappointed – he said he’s bringing his 2×4 with him.
“Back in the old days, my mentor … came up to me and he said ‘Duggan, you’re such a young kid. When you carry something into the ring, carry something you can use; forget those feather boas and sequined robes,’” Duggan said. “I’ve been carrying a 2×4 … for over 30 years.”
The show, presented by local Scorpion Entertainment, will open with comedian Casey Corbin and close with local classic rock band Transit.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the Goofie Newfie or by calling 519-731-4966 or 519-503-4934. Ticket delivery is available within the Fergus and Elora area.