In a shocking announcement that sent ripples through the wrestling world, WWE disclosed the passing of Michael Jones, widely known as Virgil in WWE and Vincent in WCW. The iconic figure left an indelible mark on the sport. And the news of his demise has left fans and fellow wrestlers in mourning.
A Fond Farewell From the Wrestling Fraternity
The wrestling fraternity took to social media to express their shock and sorrow. Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Matt Hardy, Marc Mero, and Frankie Kazarian shared heartfelt messages. Reminiscing about their interactions and the impact Virgil had on the wrestling community.
RIP Virgil, Mike Jones
Virgil was a funny, unique individual that was always cool to me & I’m saddened to hear about his passing. My thoughts go out to his family, friends & fans. pic.twitter.com/0g8fiLVWoG
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) February 28, 2024
Jake “The Snake” Roberts (@JakeSnakeDDT) expressed his shock and shared a poignant message: “Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Hacksaw Jim Duggan (@RealHacksawJim) paid tribute, acknowledging Virgil’s lasting legacy: “RIP Virgil. A good man and a performer who left his mark on wrestling.”
RIP Virgil
A good man and a performer who really left his mark on wrestling. pic.twitter.com/1TaBrOqrlg
— Hacksaw Jim Duggan (@RealHacksawJim) February 28, 2024
Even MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) chimed in, remembering Virgil’s uniqueness: “Virgil was a funny, unique individual that was always cool to me & I’m saddened to hear about his passing.”
From Lucius Brown to Million Dollar Champion
Virgil’s wrestling journey began in 1986 when he signed with WWE under the name Lucius Brown. However, it was in 1987 that he catapulted into the spotlight after being rebranded as Virgil. The bodyguard of Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase. A role that would define his career.
As DiBiase’s enforcer, Virgil played a pivotal role in numerous matches, often helping his employer secure victories. The pinnacle of his career came at SummerSlam 1991 when he defeated DiBiase for the Million Dollar Championship. Etching his name in history as one of the six Superstars recognized as million-dollar champions.
Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil.
Rest in peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/G78YZnSPaS
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) February 28, 2024
The Breakup and Beyond
The Virgil character reached its breaking point in 1991 at Royal Rumble when he turned on DiBiase, disgusted by the tyrannical ways. This marked a transition from villain to hero for Virgil, as he beat DiBiase at WrestleMania 6 and reclaimed the Million Dollar Championship at SummerSlam 1991.
Despite losing the title back to DiBiase, Virgil’s legacy endured. In 1996, he joined WCW as Vincent, part of the New World Order (nWo) stable. The name Vincent was a nod to WWE owner Vince McMahon, showcasing the continuation of his clever wordplay.
A Lasting Legacy and Fond Farewells
Retiring from wrestling in 2000, Virgil made sporadic returns, including a brief stint in 2010 as the bodyguard for Ted DiBiase Jr. In recent years, he reemerged in AEW in 2019 and 2020 under the moniker Soul Train Jones, aligning with Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle stable.
WWE is saddened to learn that Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, has passed away.
WWE extends its condolences to Jones’ family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/i9QDodn9BD
— WWE (@WWE) February 28, 2024
As fans remember the journey of Virgil, the wrestling world bids farewell to a true icon. His impact, from the golden era of WWE to the modern wrestling landscape. Will forever be etched in the annals of sports entertainment.
In the words of Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian), “RIP Michael ‘Virgil’ Jones. Our interactions were always friendly and very memorable. Godspeed, sir.”
The wrestling community mourns the loss of a legend, and fans worldwide join in honoring the legacy of Virgil, the Million Dollar Champion.