• Michael Jones, also known as Virgil in the wrestling community, passed away at age 61 on Feb. 28
• Jones began his wrestling career in 1987 and had various personas throughout his time in WWE and nWo
• Colleagues such as Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Luke Gallows expressed condolences on social media after his passing.
Here is what happened:
The wrestling community mourns the loss of Michael Jones, also known as Virgil, who passed away at the age of 61. His death was confirmed through a statement shared on his Instagram account on February 28. The post expressed the sorrow of losing the beloved Meatsauce God and Wrestling Superstar Virgil/Michael Jones. It requested to remember him for the person he was and sent wishes for unlimited pasta in heaven.
Wrestling referee Mark Charles III also confirmed Jones’ passing, stating that he passed away peacefully at the hospital on the morning of February 28. He asked for prayers for Jones and his family, hoping that his memory would be eternal. Though the cause of death was not specified, it was known that Jones had been dealing with health issues in recent years. He had shared his diagnosis of early-stage dementia and having suffered two strokes in 2022.
Michael Jones made his professional wrestling debut in 1987 under the ring name Soul Train Jones and later transitioned to the persona of Virgil in the WWE. He famously challenged Ted “Million Dollar Man” DiBiase for the Million Dollar Championship in 1991. Jones continued his wrestling career under various names such as Vincent, Curly Bill, Shane, and Mr. Jones. Colleagues and fellow wrestlers expressed their condolences on social media following his passing, remembering Jones for his contributions to the wrestling world and beyond.
