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

Ex-WWE wrestler Virgil has passed away at 61 years old, following reports that he had experienced multiple strokes. A spokesperson for the company has confirmed this to DailyMail.com.

Virgil, known by his birth name as Michael Jones, is most commonly recognized for his wrestling career in World Wrestling Entertainment throughout the periods of 1980s and 1990s.

As per Mark Charles III, a referee who initially shared the news of Virgil's untimely demise, he breathed his last on Wednesday in the calm surroundings of a hospital. The beloved personality was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and faced two strokes during his time.

He started working for the organization as a tough bodyguard for the notorious antagonist, The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase.

But in 1991, he surprised everyone by betraying his on-screen employer and became a hero. He defeated DiBiase at Wrestlemania and Summerslam that year with the help of legendary wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Despite achieving great success in WWE, he couldn't maintain it for long and ended up working as a jobber or enhancement talent until he eventually left for World Championship Wrestling in the mid-1990s, following in the footsteps of his fellow colleagues.

During the wrestling boom of the 1980s, Virgil was a well-known bodyguard for The Million Dollar Man. This was during his heyday when he was at the height of his career.

In an exciting match, Virgil bravely faced his ruthless boss, Ted DiBiase, and captured the hearts of fans with his epic performance.

After all those intense fights, Virgil came out as the triumphant Million Dollar Champion.

During the period when there was no clear affiliation between WWE and WCW, Virgil was part of a highly unexpected wrestling storyline involving two of his competitors, including Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart, who used to be a tag team partner with Bret Hart. The twist was that they both donned KKK attire while entering the ring.

When Virgil was working at WCW, he decided to change his name to Vincent as a way of paying homage to Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE. This was done because his former name was a tease towards Dusty Rhodes, a notable figure in WCW who went by Virgil Runnells in real life.

He became a part of the heel New World Order team which was led by Hulk Hogan, a former WWE star like himself. Virgil expressed gratitude towards Hogan for helping him secure a job at Ted Turner's company.

Virgil stayed with the organization until the middle of 2000, but he had to retire from wrestling because of injuries.

During a conversation in 2016, DiBiase revealed some information on his connection with Virgil, stating that although the two weren't particularly close, they had a good working relationship.

In contrast to several of his peers who enjoyed wild parties, Virgil refrained from consuming alcohol, smoking, or using narcotics during his professional years.

DiBiase said that they would work separately while on the road and then meet up every few days or so, depending on the schedule. Although they didn't spend much time socializing, they had a strong professional relationship and considered each other friends.

As time passed, the connection between them became strained as DiBiase came to realize that Virgil had been falsely using his name to arrange appearances at wrestling events without his consent.

DiBiase expressed that there are consequences for one's actions, sometimes referred to as "reaping what you sow". If someone does something incorrectly, it can eventually harm them. DiBiase believes that this is what happened to the person in question.

During an interview in 2016, Ted DiBiase disclosed that unlike a lot of his colleagues, Virgil refrained from consuming alcohol, smoking, or using any drugs.

Virgil faced financial difficulties in recent times. To cover his medical expenses, he established a fundraising platform called GoFundMe in 2021. Those who contributed $25 or more were promised a signed photograph.

In 2023, a new webpage was created where he made an effort to collect $400 to cover the expenses of buying clothes and personal care items.

The webpage stated that Virgil's current weight was approximately 154 pounds, which is significantly lighter than his weight back in his wrestling days, which was close to 100 pounds heavier. The webpage also mentioned that Virgil's ability to use his arms and hands was now restricted.

According to the page, the impact of dementia is growing increasingly significant.

Virgil discovered his wrestling talent at a gym in Pennsylvania where he met iconic wrestler Tony Atlas. Before that, he was known for his successful career as a defensive back at Virginia Union University and also participated in amateur wrestling.

Under the guidance of Afa from The Wild Samoans, Virgil was taught the skills of wrestling. He was given a chance to showcase his talents in the Continental Wrestling Association located in Memphis, where he was famously referred to as Soul Train Jones.

Afterward, Vince McMahon added him to the team.

During his time at the large company located in Greenwich, Virgil took part in memorable scenes where The Million Dollar Man flaunted his wealth by making members of the public perform degrading tasks in exchange for small amounts of money.

Virgil received his training from Afa, who was one of The Wild Samoans. He was given an opportunity to break into the wrestling industry by joining the Continental Wrestling Association in Memphis, where he was recognized as Soul Train Jones.

While working at WCW, Virgil changed his name to Vincent as a way to pay homage to the WWE's proprietor, Vince McMahon.

In the later part of his career with WWE, Virgil was mainly utilized as a supporting member for the established stars, referred to as an enhancement talent.

Following his departure from professional wrestling, Virgil made appearances at smaller wrestling events and conventions. In 2010, he made a comeback to WWE television where he once again played the part of a bodyguard for Ted DiBiase Jr.

He became an internet sensation due to peculiar comments and actions.

Virgil boasted in a conversation that he had engaged in intercourse with a million females over the course of his lifetime in 2022.

One year before, he asked Brooke Hogan, who is the daughter of Hulk Hogan, to pay him $30 for a combined photo and autograph.

"I am not concerned about your father's identity, but a picture will cost you $20 and the autograph combo will cost $30, my dear," he stated.

One of the people who took care of him during his later years was Mark Charles III, who worked as a wrestling referee in Pittsburgh.

Dear friends, it is with deep sadness that I share news about the Jones family. Michael Jones, who was known by many names such as Virgil, Vincent, and Soul Train Jones, has passed away. Charles shared this devastating news on Facebook.

Early this morning, Virgil passed away without struggle at the hospital. I kindly request that you keep him and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time. Let us hope that his memory will never be forgotten.

Previously, Charles shared how he was attempting to relocate Virgil to a care center for older adults.

He passed away one day after the demise of Ole Anderson, who was a wrestling icon and also a founder of Four Horsemen.