Former WWE Superstar Virgil Passes Away

It's a sad day for the wrestling world. Another famous wrestler from the 1980s and '90s passed away this week. Michael Jones, known in WWE as Virgil, died at 61 years old after numerous health issues. His health had taken a massive hit in the last few years, having suffered two strokes, and being diagnosed with dementia as well as stage II colon cancer.

Mark Charles III, a wrestling referee known as The Count, announced the sad news in a Facebook post:

"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. 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!"

A Wrestling Star Like No Other

Virgil began his wrestling career in the late 1980s, initially working as a bodyguard for "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. Under DiBiase's employ, Virgil gained popularity as a babyface, eventually turning on DiBiase and becoming a fan favorite. He went on to have a moderately successful solo career in WWE, competing in various midcard matches and occasionally teaming up with other wrestlers.

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Virgil is most famous as Ted DiBiase's bodyguard and nWo's Vincent. Let's learn more about this wrestler who started off as Soul Train Jones!

He continued his career in WCW, when he became the manager of the nWo as Vincent. He continued to wrestle on the independent circuit and made sporadic appearances in other promotions. Despite never reaching the main event scene, Virgil left a lasting impression on wrestling fans with his charisma and in-ring skills. Though his career may not have reached the same heights as some of his contemporaries, he remains a recognizable figure in wrestling history. We at The Sportster send our condolences to his family & friends.