Michael ‘Virgil’ Jones, US Wrestling Star, Passes Away at 61
On Wednesday, the wrestling world mourned the loss of Michael Jones, widely known by his ring names Virgil and Vincent, who passed away at the age of 61. The sad news was shared by wrestling referee Mark Charles III, professionally known as The Count, and later confirmed through posts on Jones’s social media accounts.
Jones gained prominence during the 1980s and 1990s for his contributions to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Starting his professional wrestling career in the mid-1980s as Soul Train Jones, he made his debut with WWF in 1986. It was under the personas Lucius Brown and later Virgil, as the bodyguard for Ted DiBiase, “The Million Dollar Man,” that Jones became a recognizable figure in the wrestling scene. This role propelled him into fame, and the character Virgil remained an integral part of WWF storylines for several years.
In 1994, Jones departed from WWF and spent two years on the independent circuit. Subsequently, he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the persona Vincent. Later, he briefly adopted the character Curly Bill for the wrestling group West Texas Rednecks before retiring from WCW in 2000 due to injury.
Jones continued to make independent wrestling appearances, connecting with fans through his various personas. However, in 2022, he disclosed his health challenges, revealing battles with dementia and colon cancer. Unfortunately, he also endured several strokes.
Fundraising efforts were initiated online to support Jones’s medical expenses, reflecting the wrestling community’s solidarity. Tributes poured in from fellow wrestlers, with WWE Hall of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts expressing shock and sadness at the news. Luke Gallows, another WWE star, extended his respects, acknowledging Virgil’s contributions to their shared experiences in the wrestling world.
Jones’s journey in professional wrestling left an indelible mark, and his various personas are remembered by fans worldwide. Beyond the ring, his openness about health struggles sheds light on the challenges faced by athletes, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who entertain and inspire us. As the wrestling community pays tribute to Virgil, his legacy endures through the memories and impact he created during his wrestling career.
