Former WWE Star ‘Virgil’ Dead at the Age of 61

A wrestling belt sculpture stands in front of the WWE world headquarters in Stamford, Conn., on Jan. 28, 2024. John Moore/Getty Images

Former WWE star Michael Jones, widely recognized by his wrestling moniker Virgil, passed away at the age of 61.

The announcement came via WWE’s official statement posted on Wednesday on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The cause of his death remains undisclosed. “WWE is saddened to learn that Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Jones’ family, friends, and fans,” the post conveyed.

The news of Mr. Jones’s passing initially surfaced through a Facebook post by Mr. Charles III, a wrestling referee and a close associate of Jones.

“My dear friends, it is with great sorrow that I bring news from the Jones family of the passing of our beloved Michael Jones, whom we know and loved as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones, and more,” Charles III lamented on Wednesday. “Virgil passed peacefully at the hospital this morning, and I ask that you pray for him and for his family. May his memory be eternal!”

In 2022, Jones received a diagnosis of dementia and endured two minor strokes within the same year.  Mr. Jones disclosed his health struggles in a post on X. Per SLAM Wrestling, Mr. Charles III was actively arranging for Mr. Jones’s transfer to an ICU following another episode of minor strokes. Contrary to some prior reports, Mr. Jones’s sister clarified that he had never battled cancer.

Confirmation of Mr. Jones’s death also appeared on his verified Instagram account, stating: “This is to confirm the sad news about our beloved Meatsauce God and Wrestling Superstar Virgil/Michael Jones has passed away. There is so much to say here and would love to share stories but for now, it’s a rough day as our friend is gone. We would only ask at this time to remember him as the man that he was. Wishing him all the unlimited pasta in heaven. We love you Mike.”

Paying Tribute

“Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil. Rest in peace, my friend,” expressed WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts in a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram.

The WWF Wrestling fan page shared a collage of photos on their X profile with the caption simply stating, “Michael Jones (1962-2024).”

Mr. Jones, a native of Wilkinsburg, embarked on his professional wrestling journey in 1985, aligning himself with the WWF (World Wrestling Federation) the subsequent year. In 1987, he assumed a pivotal role as the manager of Ted DiBiase, a villainous wrestler recognized for his trademark move of stuffing money into the mouths of vanquished opponents via the “Million Dollar Dream.” It was during this time that Mr. Jones gained prominence, often seen carrying Mr. DiBiase’s Million Dollar Championship. Eventually, he seized the title from Mr. DiBiase at SummerSlam ‘91. Transitioning into a singles competitor in 1992 within WWF, Mr. Jones became identifiable for his distinctive red-and-white striped pants.

Mr. Jones’s final televised appearance as Virgil in WWF occurred in July 1994. Subsequently, he resurfaced as Vincent in WCW (World Championship Wrestling) in 1996, joining the notorious NWO (New World Order) faction as its fifth member. Departing WCW in 2000 marked the conclusion of this chapter in his wrestling career. He later made a comeback to WWE in 2010 for a series of appearances, notably as the bodyguard of Ted DiBiase Jr. Additionally, Mr.  Jones had a brief stint in AEW (All Elite Wrestling) from 2019 to 2020.