Former WWE superstar, Virgil dies at 61, weeks after suffering ‘several strokes’

Former WWE superstar, Virgil has died at the age of 61, weeks after it was widely reported that he suffered ‘several strokes.’

Virgil, whose real name was Mike Jones, had been hospitalized and was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and also had suffered two minor strokes, per WrestleZone.

Virgil is best remembered for his time wrestling in World Wrestling Entertainment during the 1980s and 1990s. 

According to referee Mark Charles III, who first broke the news of his sad death, Virgil died passed away Wednesday, peacefully in a hospital. In 2022, the star was diagnosed with dementia and suffered two strokes. 

The death was announced by referee Mark Charles III.

“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 posted on Facebook. “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!”

He began with the company as the bad guy bodyguard of one of the company’s supreme villains, The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase. 

However, in 1991 he sensationally turned on his on-screen boss and become a good guy, defeated DiBiase at that year’s Wrestlemania and Summerslam pay-per-views with icon Rowdy Roddy Piper by his side. 

Between 1986-1995, Jones was known in the WWE as the bodyguard for Ted DiBiase. Virgil eventually beat DiBiase for the Million Dollar Championship at SummerSlam 1991.

He was also known for teaming with Tito Santana, Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, and The Big Boss Man during his time on WWF. His last appearance was at the Royal Rumble in 1994.