Virgil (Mike Jones) Passes Away At Age 61

Virgil has passed away.

The former WWE/WCW star died in the hospital on Wednesday. He was 61.

Best known to pro wrestling fans as Virgil, Mike Jones had been hospitalized due to recent health issues. Jones was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and also had two minor strokes.

Pittsburgh-area referee Mark Charles III announced Jones’ passing and asked for prayers for Jones and his family at this time.

“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 wrote. “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!”

Jones worked for WWE between 1986–1995 where he was primarily known as the bodyguard for “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. Virgil eventually became a fan favorite and beat DiBiase for the Million Dollar Championship at SummerSlam 1991.

Jones later worked for WCW between 1996-2000. He was a member of various stables, including the nWo, and used the names Vincent, Shane and Curly Bill. In recent years, Jones appeared as “Soul Train Jones” on AEW programming as a friend of Chris Jericho and The Inner Circle. Jones’ last televised wrestling appearance was a cameo on the April 29, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite.

Outside of those companies, Jones was also known for his time working the convention circuit and appearances at independent events, including GCW.