Mike Jones, known for his roles in WWE and WCW as Virgil, has passed away at the age of 61. Jones, who battled dementia and had a history of strokes, was recently admitted to the hospital.
The sad news was shared by referee and close friend Mark Charles III via Facebook early Wednesday.
“It’s with deep sadness that I share the news of Michael Jones’ passing, known to us as Virgil, Vincent, Soul Train Jones, and more,” Charles III wrote. “Virgil peacefully passed away at the hospital this morning, and I ask for your prayers for him and his family. May his memory live on!”
During his tenure with WWE from 1986 to 1995, Jones, as Virgil, notably feuded with “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, triumphing over him at SummerSlam 1991 in a championship bout. He also engaged in rivalries with figures like Sgt. Slaughter, Jim Duggan, and The Big Boss Man.
Transitioning to WCW, he adopted the name Vincent and became involved with various factions, including the notorious nWo.
In more recent times, he appeared on AEW programming under the moniker “Soul Train Jones,” with his final appearance being on the April 29, 2020, episode of “AEW Dynamite.”
Born on June 13, 1962, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, Jones initially pursued football, playing as a defensive back at Virginia Union University. However, a chance encounter with bodybuilder Tony Atlas at a gym steered him towards a career in wrestling. He made his debut in the Championship Wrestling Association in 1985.
Mike Jones(Virgil) Wife: Was Mike Jones(Virgil) Married?
While Mike Jones, widely recognized as Virgil in the professional wrestling world during the 1980s and 1990s, garnered fame for his in-ring persona, little information is available about his personal life. Details such as his marital status or whether he had children remain undisclosed.