Former WWE star Michael Jones, known as Virgil, has reportedly died at the age of 61.
Jones’ final years were filled with declining health and various illnesses, which led to the creation of a GoFundMe page to support his family with the financial burden.
From his debut in 1985 to his time in WWE as Virgil, he transitioned to WCW as Vincent. Despite his retirement, he made sporadic wrestling appearances and gained notoriety on the convention circuit. Fans mourned his loss and shared tributes online.
The Wrestling World Mourns the Loss of Former WWE Star Michael ‘Virgil’ Jones at the age of 61
Wrestling referee Mark “The Count” Charles III took to Facebook to announce the death of former WWE star Michael Jones, better known as Virgil, at the age of 61.
Before his death, Jones faced years of declining health, battling through strokes, dementia, and stage II colon cancer.
Her health struggles prompted her to create a GoFundMe campaign late last year to ease the financial burden.
Announcing the news of the devastating loss, Charles wrote: “Dear friends, it is with great sadness that I bring the news from the Jones family of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we know and love as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train. Jones and much more.”
He added: “Virgil died peacefully in hospital this morning and I ask that you pray for him and his family. May his memory last forever!”
Jones’ official Instagram page also has a statement confirming his death. It read: “This is to confirm the sad news that beloved Meatsauce God and Wrestling Superstar Virgil/Michael Jones has passed away.”
The statement continued, “There are many things to say here and stories to share but for now it is a difficult day because our friend is gone. We will only ask at this time to remember him as the man. Wish him all the unlimited pasta in heaven. We love you Mike.”
The Wrestling Journey of Michael ‘Virgil’ Jones
A native of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, Jones began his professional wrestling career in 1985, initially using the Soul Train Jones persona in Jerry Jarrett’s Tennessee-based Continental Wrestling Association.
In 1986, he transitioned to the big stage of WWE, initially operating under the alias Lucius Brown, before undergoing a transformation into Virgil, Ted Dibiase’s submissive companion, during the summer of 1987. This career transition enhanced Jones’ trajectory and marked a trend in which he humorously took the name of another wrestling star, nodding to Dusty Rhodes with the nickname “Virgil.”
For nearly four years, the wrestler dutifully served as Dibiase’s assistant until the pivotal moment at the 1991 Royal Rumble when he faced off against his master, sparking a fierce rivalry that culminated in an unforgettable match at SummerSlam 1991. Here, Jones picked up a victory over Dibiase , captured the Million Dollar Tournament.
However, after the feud, Jones experienced a decline in the WWE ranks, eventually leaving the organization in 1994, although he returned briefly for live events in 1995 before moving on to other endeavors.
Fans Pay Tribute to Wrestling Icon Michael ‘Virgil’ Jones
Following the announcement of his passing, fans took to various social media platforms to express their condolences and share memories of Jones.
One user wrote on Instagram, suggesting a unique tribute: “There should be a merch table at the funeral. He definitely wants that.”
Another fan reminisced about their introduction to wrestling during Jones’ prime, reflecting on his iconic Million Dollar Championship win: “Started watching wrestling regularly in 1991, right around the peak of his career. Remember the Million $ belt win very well.”
A third shared a personal encounter with Jones, highlighting his virtues: “He’s a kind man! I had an interaction with him on Instagram in DM, and he’s just a very kind person.”
Expressing deep sadness, another fan said goodbye to Jones: “This one hurts. Goodbye uncle. Thanks for the memories and correspondence back and forth and for putting up my video of you. I will cherish it forever. Gonna miss you, man.”
Rest in peace, Michael Jones.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
