The wrestling world has shared its condolences and memories of Mike ‘Virgil’ Jones, who passed away earlier today at the age of 61.
Jones, who also competed as Vincent in WCW, passed away peacefully in hospital, according to family friend Mark Charles III. He had been battling health issues for some time before his death. Jones was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and also suffered two minor strokes that year as well.
Tributes to Mike ‘Virgil’ Jones
Several wrestling names have shared their tributes to the former Million Dollar Champion following his death. On Twitter, Jake Roberts said he was shocked and saddened by the news of Jones’ passing.
Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil.
Rest in peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/G78YZnSPaS
— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) February 28, 2024
Teil Rhodes of the famed Rhodes wrestling family shared a story of being the subject of a ‘rib’ by Virgil and Ted DiBiase Sr.
Once when I was about 7 years old it was just me and Dream in a rental car headed to a show when some car legit ran us off the road. It was Virgil and MDM. That’s how I learned what a rib was. RIP
— Teil Rhodes (@TeilMargaret) February 28, 2024
Matt Cardona also shared his tribute to Virgil on Twitter.
RIP VIRGIL! pic.twitter.com/NX78OgkW2V
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) February 28, 2024
Marc Mero said he was sorry to hear of the death of his fellow former WWE Superstar. Mero also included a photo of himself and Virgil.
I’m sorry to hear that Former WWE star Virgil, real name Michael Jones, has passed away at 61, weeks after suffering 'several strokes' My thoughts are with his family and his numerous fans. RIP pic.twitter.com/cpjjM2fjTF
— Marc Mero (@MarcMero) February 28, 2024
Shane ‘Hurricane’ Helms recalled watching the long-suffering Virgil turn on DiBiase in early 1991. Helms would channel the moment in his own wrestling career years later.
At a show once, I did a stare out into the crowd mid-ring and one of the boys asked if I was channeling Rock/Hogan? I replied, “Or Virgil/Dibiase.” He thought I was joking. This vid is what I was referring to. Virgil was overAF with me after turning on Dibiase. #RIPVirgil #ThankU pic.twitter.com/oBJRVMqb87
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) February 28, 2024
Matt Hardy had fond memories of the “funny, unique” Jones who was always “cool” to him in the business.
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
WWE’s Kayla Braxton never had the chance to know Jones but issued her support for those who knew him and loved him.
Never got to know Virgil, but I know how much he meant to this business. My thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him. ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/pOlYdgw05O
— Kayla Becker (@TheKaylaBecker) February 28, 2024
‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan called Jones a good man and performer who was able to leave his mark.
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
Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake shared a fun selfie with Jones taken at an event and gave his tribute to the late wrestler.
RIP Virgil ! May God Bless you and forever keep you, brother! #VIRGIL #WWE #RIP pic.twitter.com/7wuyNgMKcZ
— Brutus Beefcake (@brutusbeefcake_) February 28, 2024
We here at SE Scoops would like to add our condolences to those listed above. Our thoughts are with Jones’ friends and family at this sad time.