Former WWE Superstar Michael Jones, Known as Virgil, Passes Away

Michael Jones, popularly known as Virgil during his time in the WWE, passed away aged 61. The news was first broken by pro-wrestling referee Mark Charles III on Facebook.

“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 wrote. “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!”

“This is to confirm the sad news about our beloved Meatsauce God and Wrestling Superstar Virgil/Michael Jones has passed away,” the Instagram post of Jones’ official account read. “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,” the post continued. “Wishing him all the unlimited pasta in heaven. We love you Mike.”

The wrestling world paid Jones tribute on social media.

“Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil. Rest in peace, my friend,” wrote Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts.

“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.” WWE said in their official statement.

“R.I.P Virgil, thanks for being a great sport during our shenanigans & for the memories. See you down the road good brother,” WWE superstar Luke Gallows said on X.

“RIP Virgil, Mike Jones Virgil was a funny, unique individual that was always cool to me & I’m saddened to hear about his passing. My thoughts go out to his family, friends & fans,” wrote former WWE superstar Matt Hardy.

Jones broke through alongside “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and would go on to capture the Million Dollar Title, claim WrestleMania victories, and be featured as the original bodyguard of The nWo during a legendary career.

Jones’ journey began after a conversation with Tony Atlas, and he then began training with WWE Hall of Famer Afa of The Wild Samoans. After initial success on the regional scene as Soul Train Jones, including scoring tag team gold alongside The Rock’s Father, Rocky Johnson, Jones found his home in WWE as Virgil.

Jones served as the bodyguard for “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and played a role in helping DiBiase and Andre the Giant end Hulk Hogan’s legendary near four-year WWE Title reign. After their relationship turned into a rivalry, Virgil and DiBiase would battle at WrestleMania VII and then at SummerSlam 1991 where Virgil would claim the Million Dollar Championship.

At WrestleMania VIII, Virgil teamed with Big Boss Man, Sgt. Slaughter and Jim Duggan to defeat The Nasty Boys, Repo Man and The Mountie. In the following years, Virgil interacted with and faced off against some of the biggest Superstars in WWE, including “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, Yokozuna, Bret Hart and many more.

After hiss tint with WWE, Jones joined WCW under the wrestling moinker Vincent and realinged himself with Ted DiBiase. Jones retired from wrestling in 2000 but made sporadic appearances. In 2010, during a short run with WWE Jones reprised his role and served as the bodyguard for DiBiase’s son, Ted DiBiase Jr.

Most recently, Jones was seen in AEW in 2019 and 2020 under the name Soul Train Jones with Chris Jericho.