World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has witnessed the rise and fall of several wrestlers in its history. From Dusty Rhodes to ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper, many WWE stars have passed away in the recent decade.
Recently, one such star, a former New World Order (nWo) member, and the “nWo Head of Security,” Virgil, the athlete Michael Jones, also known as Mr. Jones, passed away at the age of 61. The Stamford-based company shared the news on its official website, and fans were heartbroken by the news.
Former WWE wrestling star Virgil dies at 61
WWE’s Twitter/X page recently shared the news of former WWE wrestling star Virgil dying at 61. The news of his death was first shared on his Instagram account. The post did not mention the cause of his death and was posted on February 28.
The post on IG read, “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.”
WWE is saddened to learn that Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, has passed away.
— WWE (@WWE) February 28, 2024
WWE extends its condolences to Jones’ family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/i9QDodn9BD
In April 2022, Jones shared with his fans that he had suffered two strokes and was dealing with dementia. Virgil wrestled for both promotions, WWE and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), throughout his prime time in the ’90s and 2000s. He retired from active wrestling in 2000 and instead started touring the world. In April 2006, the Pittsburgh star toured different countries in Asia for the Armed Forces Entertainment.
RIP Virgil, Mike Jones
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) February 28, 2024
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. pic.twitter.com/0g8fiLVWoG
A lot of people from the wrestling industry shared their condolences with Jones’ family. WWE stars like Matt Hardy, Luke Gallows, and Jake Roberts took to social media to share the news. Michael Jones’s last appearance was on Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW) from 2019 to 2020. The April 29, 2020, episode of Dynamite was the last appearance of ‘Soul Train Jones,’ where he made a cameo appearance during the Inner Circle’s Bubbly Bunch segment.
Highlights from Virgil’s incredible wrestling career
Virgil had been a member of the wrestling world for more than two decades. One of his greatest career Highlights was when he was shown as a new ‘nWo’ member. In 1996 on WCW Virgil made his debut as Vincent, alongside Ted DiBiase as the 5th member of the original nWo faction.
When Virgil joined WCW as the newest member of the nWo, Vincent
— On This Day in WWE (@OTD_in_WWE) February 28, 2024
pic.twitter.com/tSMDymfUNy
Another of Virgil’s memorable fights was with Ted DiBiase at SummerSlam 1991. Jones who was DiBiase’s bodyguard fought him after an altercation and surprisingly won the match after a gruelling battle. The fight is still regarded as one of Vergil’s best fights in his career.
When Virgil beat Ted DiBiase at SummerSlam 1991 the pop was so loud the roof almost came off the building 🔥🔥
— Public Enemies Podcast (@TheEnemiesPE3) February 28, 2024
RIP😭 pic.twitter.com/GaiT42yMW2
Michael Jones’s death was a sad news for the fans, the passing of Bray Wyatt is still clear as an open wound and before fans could recover from that another wrestling legend was lost. Fans are sharing their love and support for Vergil’s family and have shared their prayers so that they get the courage to move on from this misery.
What do you think about WWE star Michael Jones a.k.a Virgil passed away? Let us know your thoughts on it in the comment section below!
