Posts Tagged ‘Virgil’

Virgil’s Final Secret: WWE Legend’s True Age Revealed After Hiding It For Decades

The world lost a true legend when Virgil passed away. Fans thought that they knew the man, but even after his passing, he continues to blow our minds with his ability to work.

In a surprising turn of events, wrestling fans were left astounded after a revelation regarding the age of former WWE wrestler, Virgil, emerged on Twitter. It turns out that he was over 10 years OLDER than everyone thought, a facade he kept up for years. The world thought he was 61, but it was more like 72.

Virgil’s True Age

The revelation came to light when the popular wrestling review channel, OSW review wrote, “I just found out I got worked by Virgil! He told everyone his birthday is June 13, 1962 but his REAL birthday is April 7, 1951! Hastily re-editing the next OSW. Even after passing, he’s still working. God bless you, Virgil.”

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com tweeted, “I confirmed with Virgil’s management team that this is accurate. Virgil was actually 40 when he won the Million Dollar Title in 1991. What a worker. Rest in Peace.”

This tweet sparked a wave of reactions from fans, and there were plenty of jokes. Many were outright astounded that Virgil kept this act up for so many years, and nobody thought otherwise.

The revelation of Virgil’s real age left fans in disbelief, with many expressing shock at how effectively Virgil had kept this information hidden for so long. Sapp echoed this sentiment in his subsequent tweet, stating, “Like… Nobody even SUSPECTED IT.”

Remembering Virgil

While the wrestling community mourns the loss of Virgil, who passed away recently, this unexpected revelation adds another layer to the enigmatic persona of the wrestling legend. As fans continue to process this revelation, it serves as a reminder of Virgil’s enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.

A GoFundMe has been created to help his family pay for funeral expenses. You may check out this link for more information. 

Virgil already etched out a portion of pop culture for himself and his “Lonely Virgil” memes. Now, he has this mystery of his age to go along with his legend.

Posted March 3rd, 2024 in WWE. Tagged: .

GoFundMe Created To Help Virgil’s Family With Funeral Services

The wrestling world lost Virgil earlier this week as the once-bodyguard of Ted DiBiase passed away after being diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and later suffering several strokes, two of which occured in February.

Virgil, real name Michael Jones, was reported to pass away peacefully with family around him but another unfortunate aspect to this loss is that Jones didn’t have life insurance and funeral expenses are beholden to he family.

Mark Charles III, a close friend of Jones, was with Virgil during his passing and happened to set up a GoFundMe to help out the family during a difficult time.

“On February 28, 2024, the world lost our favorite WWE bodyguard, Virgil, after a long and difficult health struggle. Unfortunately, Virgil passed without being covered by life insurance, and the Jones family is asking for financial help to put him to his final rest. The bill is due on March 11, 2024, so if you’d like to donate, Virgil’s family will be forever grateful.

“Whether you were an 80s WWF kid at heart or you’re nWo 4 LIFE, whether you loved him best as Virgil, Vincent, or even Soul Train Jones, let’s send him off with the hero’s farewell he deserves.”

“This fundraiser is organized by Mark Charles III on behalf of Michael Jones’ sister, Toni Jones, and her family.”

Virgil, a Pittsburgh native, was initially reported to have passed away at the age of 61 but conflicting reports out of Pittsburgh have him actually aged at 72. 

You can help Virgil’s family by donating here.

Posted March 2nd, 2024 in News. Tagged: .

Wrestlers Share Condolences & Tributes After Mike ‘Virgil’ Jones’ Death Aged 61

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. 

Teil Rhodes of the famed Rhodes wrestling family shared a story of being the subject of a ‘rib’ by Virgil and Ted DiBiase Sr. 

Matt Cardona also shared his tribute to Virgil on Twitter. 

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. 

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. 

Matt Hardy had fond memories of the “funny, unique” Jones who was always “cool” to him in the business. 

WWE’s Kayla Braxton never had the chance to know Jones but issued her support for those who knew him and loved him. 

‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan called Jones a good man and performer who was able to leave his mark. 

Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake shared a fun selfie with Jones taken at an event and gave his tribute to the late wrestler. 

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. 

Posted February 28th, 2024 in News. Tagged: .

WWE Legend Virgil Dies: Wrestling Star Mike Jones Was 61

Some sad news coming out of Pittsburgh this morning as the pro wrestling veteran known as Virgil, real name Mike Jones, passed away at the age of 61.

Close family friend Mark Charles III was the first to break the tragic news as he was the family during his passing which occured Wednesday morning.

“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.  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 has been diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and also suffered two minor strokes that year as well. 

According to SLAM Wrestling, Charles was making an effort to move Jones into an ICU after just suffering another bout of minor strokes. According to Jones’ sister, Virgil never had cancer as it’s been previously reported by some outlets.

WWE Honors Virgil

WWE acknowledged the passing of Michael “Virgil” Jones.

Virgil, aka Mike “Soul Train Jones

Mike Jones first got his start in CWA as “Soul Train” Jones, a moniker he later brought back in a cameo for AEW, and feuded with Ray Traylor and Chick Donovan.

Following that he was signed to the WWF and notoriously became the butler to “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. After a babyface turn, Virgil eventually found his way to WCW as Vincent, a member of the NWO.

We at SEScoops would like to extend our condolences, thoughts and prayers to Mike Jones, his family, friends and fans at this time.

Posted February 28th, 2024 in WWE. Tagged: .

WWE Legend Virgil’s Health Is Not Good After Suffering Several Strokes

Virgil became a meme after his in-ring career ended, as he sat alone waiting to give autographs for fans all over. Now, it appears that he is not doing very well, and this is not a great update to receive at all.

Our thoughts go out to former WWE star Virgil. Apparently, the 61-year-old legend is apparently not doing too well. 

WWE Star Virgil’s Health Issues

Sadly, Virgil hasn’t been doing very well, and things have taken a turn even further down after being diagnosed with dementia.

Tatanka shared on Instagram that Virgil is facing health challenges after experiencing multiple strokes, urging everyone to offer their support through prayer. Here’s what he posted:

Virgil has been battling health issues in recent years. In 2022, he disclosed that he had suffered two strokes and received a dementia diagnosis. A month later, he revealed that he was diagnosed with stage one gastrointestinal cancer. Sending positive thoughts to Virgil during this challenging time.

“Got a message from a friend that Virgil is not doing good and has had several strokes! There is power in prayer! Everyone come together please and say a prayer for Virgil.. if it was u, u would want the same! ?? #LoveOneAnother We’re all imperfect human beings on this journey called life! “

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C3EK7Y6M0HH

Virgil started a GoFundMe for himself in December 2023. The description for the fundraising campaign explained why he needed the money, because he needed clothes and toiletries. 

He also promised an autograph for anyone who donated over $25. In the end, they raised just over $4,600.

Hi, we are trying to help raise at least $400 to help get more clothes and toiletries and with other expenses. As you know Mike was diagnosed with Dementia last may . Any help would be appreciated. Anyone that donates $25 or more we have some autographed pictures we like to send out . I like to say thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah 

Who is Virgil

Virgil had a notable career in professional wrestling, primarily known for his time in WWE. He started his career in the late 1980s and gained fame as the bodyguard for “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. 

Virgil had various storylines and feuds during his tenure in WWE, including a memorable feud with DiBiase after turning against him. He also competed in singles matches and tag team matches, often showcasing his skills in the ring. 

After leaving WWE, Virgil continued to wrestle on the independent circuit, making appearances at various wrestling events and conventions. Throughout his career, he remained a recognizable figure in the world of professional wrestling.

Posted February 8th, 2024 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Emergency Fundraiser Created To Help WWE Legend Virgil

Former WWE and WCW star Virgil is in need of help this winter and an emergency GoFundMe has been created to help the wrestling veteran.

Virgil, real name Mike Jones, was unfortunately diagnosed with dementia in 2022. Before that, Virgil would typically be a consistent presence on the wrestling convention circuit, but it now appears the talent could use some assistance from fans. The following was written on the GoFundMe page, noting that Jones is hoping to reach $400 in an effort to provide him clothes, toiletries and other basic needs for the winter.

“Hi, we are trying to help raise at least $400 to help get more clothes and toiletries and with other expenses. As you know Mike was diagnosed with Dementia last may . Any help would be appreciated. Anyone that donates $25 or more we have some autographed pictures we like to send out. I like to say thank you and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah.”

As of this writing, Jones has received well over that amount, almost accruing $3,700 of donations from fans. Several contributions are anonymous $100 donations.

As Virgil in WWE, Jones reached his highest in the industry, initially becoming Ted DiBiase’s bodyguard, before making a memorable face turn and feuding with The Million Dollar Man.

Later signing with WCW, Jones would become Vincent in the NWO. He rarely wrestled in the role, but was a consistent presence within the NWO ensemble. Jones would later make a special cameo in AEW, reprising his ring name Soul Train Jones in a parody video package for Chris Jericho.

We at SEScoops wish Jones and his family all the best this holiday season. You can donate to Jones’ GoFundMe by clicking here.

Posted December 21st, 2023 in News. Tagged: .

Virgil Can Barely Use His Arms Due to Ongoing Health Battle

Fans who watched WWF programming and later WCW, will know of Virgil, the manservant of Ted DiBiase who eventually turned on the Million Dollar Man.

Since retiring from wrestling though, Virgil has had some rough patches, including infamous images of him sitting alone without anyone around at fan meet and greets.

Now, a new update has come out about Virgil and his condition is not good.

Virgil’s Sad Update

Virgil has been going through some serious medical problems as of late, including having suffered multiple strokes, in addition to battling both dementia and colon cancer.

An article posted by Slam Wrestling has given a sad update on Virgil’s condition, as it’s said that he can barely move his arms anymore.

The article adds that Virgil’s friends, including Tito Santana, Rick Martel, and his former on-screen boss Ted DiBiase Sr., have not checked in on him since his health began deteriorating.

Other Revelations

The Slam Wrestling article didn’t just give an update on Virgil’s current condition, but also cleared up some of the rumors about the former Million Dollar Champion.

According to Virgil’s close friend Mark Charles III, the story of the ex-wrestler once eating 150 breadsticks at an Olive Garden restaurant is not true at all.

Virgil’s friend and roommate Shawn Raneri added that despite speaking multiple times about Olive Garden in the past, that Virgil prefers Five Guys.

Another rumor that was debunked was that Virgil did not wrestle at Monroeville High School and he did not compile a 32-0 record at 186 pounds.

Slam Wrestling also debunked the rumor that Virgil had once taught Math as an educator.

Virgil Diagnosed With Early Stage Of Dementia

Posted July 12th, 2022 in News. Tagged: .

Virgil Diagnosed With Early Stage Of Dementia

Former WCW and WWE star Virgil has revealed that he has been diagnosed with early-stage dementia due to years of taking big bumps in the ring.

The wrestling veteran took on Twitter earlier today to share the news with his followers. He revealed that he wasn’t feeling well during the WrestleMania 38 weekend so he went to see the doctor afterward.

According to Virgil, the doctor identified 2 massive strokes he had suffered in the past few months without realizing it. He is also unable to use one of his arms.

If that wasn’t enough, the former Million Dollar Champion was told that the years of taking big bumps had caught up with him. He is now fighting with an early stage of dementia:

“The worse news is that I have Been told that I am Fighting with an early stage of dementia. The years of taking the big main event bump every night (that nobody else wanted to take) Had started to effect me.” wrote Virgil.

The wrestling star noted that he can’t afford to go through this and listed some ways for fans to help him. You can check out the thread detailing the various ways to help the former nWo member below:

Posted April 15th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Virgil Sends Message To Million Dollar Champion LA Knight

LA Knight defeated Cameron Grimes to become the new Million Dollar Champion at TakeOver: In Your House. According to former champion Virgil (aka Soul Train Jones, aka Vincent), Knight is just the latest holder of the title to rip off something of his.

“First Stone Cold steals my haircut now this dude? Is it just me or am I seeing this guy rip off my exact pose when I legitimized this title? May have to show up this week and put my foot in yo ass,” Virgil wrote on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQHsslNlzdP/

Million Dollar Championship History

Virgil defeated Ted Dibiase for the Million Dollar title at SummerSlam 91. He’d drop it back to Dibiase that November. Dibiase then abandoned the title after winning the tag belts along with IRS. He brought the title back in 1995 when he began managing Steve Austin as “The Ringmaster.” The title was then deactivated when Dibiase left for WCW the following year. It would be brought back briefly again in 2010 when Ted Dibiase Jr. held the belt.

LA Knight Comments On Match With Cameron Grimes

Knight was interviewed recently by PW Insider and spoke about his match with Grimes at In Your House.

“Well, hell, at this point, I think we’re both just trying to get our bodies in one piece after last night,” LA Knight said. “He took a hell of a spill at the end. And then, I took a couple of nasty spills in there. And I know if he’s feeling anything like I’m feeling today, we’re both feeling like complete crap. And at this point, it’s just take it a day at a time, and look, tomorrow’s another episode of NXT on USA. So, who knows what could happen if he shows up, if he doesn’t. Maybe he decides to take a little time off. Nobody knows, but I guess in the coming weeks, we’ll find out.”

Posted June 17th, 2021 in NXT, News. Tagged: .

Virgil Defends Hulk Hogan, Gives His Opinion Of Vince McMahon

Wrestling legend Virgil was recently interviewed by the Canadian Bulldog. Like most of his interviews, Virgil’s answers were borderline delusional. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

The highlight of his wrestling career: 

“Me and Nailz selling out Wembley Stadium. We crushed that s–t!”

Vince McMahon:

“Love that man. HE is a mentor of mine. A Genius. Loves the business. I love him”

Hulk Hogan:

“Hulk is a good guy. A good man. He never did anything racist to me, bro. We had a great run on top together and we are always there for each other. He was always around for me, bro. Hell, we started the nWo together!”

 

Posted October 12th, 2015 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Donald Trump Coverage Continues To Link Him To Pro Wrestling

All week, there’s been a noticeable pattern in Donald Trump coverage from mainstream and semi-mainstream media: Linking his theatrics and showmanship on the presidential campaign trail to the theatrics of pro wrestling. As you may remember, Trump has been involved with WWE on and off for over a quarter century, first by paying a site fee to host WrestleMania IV and V and his Atlantic City casino. In 2007, putting his hair against Vince McMahon’s at WrestleMania 23 led to the most bought WrestleMania worldwide in traditional pay-per-view history. Later, he did a brief angle where he bought the Raw brand and finally went into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.

The latest link comes from TMZ, who talked to Virgil of all people about Trump. They wrote that he said “he met Donald at WWE events in the ’80s and ’90s, and claims the business mogul picked his brain for tips on being a great showman.” TMZ also quoted him directly as saying that “People like the spectacle. People want to see confidence. He is confident just like a wrestler. […] All people want to know is that they can pay the bills and live a good life. They want confidence they can eat.”

Trump got in on it himself after CNN’s Republican debate Thursday, saying that “Vince McMahon would’ve loved it, because that was a WWE kind of a thing, Actually a couple of them came up and they said, ‘you know what Donald—can I hit you so that I can get a little bit more time?’’ Because some of these guys, I felt badly—a lot of them are friends of mine and they got, they got no air time last night.”

Back on Monday, Judd Legum of ThinkProgress tried to figure out Trump’s theatrics by putting them in the context of French philosopher Roland Barthes’ famous essay about pro wrestling. He cited quotes like this one:

It is obvious that at such a pitch, it no longer matters whether the passion is genuine or not. What the public wants is the image of passion, not passion itself. There is no more a problem of truth in wrestling than in the theater.

Given the type of statements and bombast that are getting Trump attention, this probably won’t end any time soon.

Posted September 19th, 2015 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , .

Triple H Addresses Tough Enough Finalists (Video), Dusty Rhodes’ Funeral, More

– The funeral service for the late “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th in Tampa, Florida.

– Former WWE Superstar Virgil celebrates his 53rd birthday today. Virgil was born on June 13, 1962. Also celebrating birthdays today are Headbanger Thrasher (46) and Jacques Rougeau (55).

– The following is a video of Triple H addressing the 13 WWE Tough Enough finalists at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida on Friday evening.

Posted June 13th, 2015 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , , , , .

Reason For WWE Network’s Lack Of Classic Footage, Virgil A WWE Legend, Brutus Beefcake

– One notable complaint from WWE Network subscribers is the lack of old footage being rolled out. According to F4WOnline.com, one major reason that WWE doesn’t add a ton of classic footage on a regular basis is because “almost nobody watches it.”

The most popular programs on the WWE Network are the specials and NXT. The most watched shows this past week were the WWE 24 episode on Roman Reigns and Chris Jericho’s chat with Stephanie McMahon. Jerry Springer Too Hot For TV and Tough Enough episodes from 2011 have also drawn strong viewer interest.

– While most wrestling fans would not consider Virgil a legend, according to WWE, he is.

Topps’ WWE 2015 trading card set features a legends category and Virgil is among those featured. Also included in the set are Bret Hart, Jimmy Hart, Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Sting, Pat Patterson, Ric Flair, Bruno Sammartino, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Gerald Brisco.

– SportsOttawa.com has a story on former WWE Superstar Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, who is advertised to wrestle for Great North Wrestling Event on Saturday, May 30 at the Earl Armstrong Arena in Ottawa, Ontario.

Posted May 10th, 2015 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , .

Kaitlyn Shows Off Her New Look (Photo)

-There will be a nWo reunion of sorts this coming weekend in San Antonio, Texas, as Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, Scott Steiner, Buff Bagwell, Scott Norton and Virgil will all be appearing at the Alamo City Comic Con on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Also appearing is WWE Hall Of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart and TNA Impact Wrestling star Hernandez. For more information, visit AlamoCityComicCon.com.

-WWE Diva Kaitlyn recently posted a new tweet on her Twitter account to show off her new look to her fans. Below is the tweet:

Kevin Nash & Scott Hall To Be Inducted Together In WWE Hall Of Fame? Details Here!

Posted October 23rd, 2013 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Former WWE Star Virgil Selling His Memorabilia In NYC Subway Stations

In a strange “Where Are They Now” sighting, former WWE superstar Virgil is currently selling his wrestling memorabilia in New York City subway stations. A fan at the Markedout.com message board posted the following on Friday:

“Yesterday I was on my way home from work. I was navigating the subway station just as I usually do, however something was different. Instead of the usual guys selling toys or making balloon dogs, there was The Man, The Myth, The Legend…. He had his usual stack of photos and 2 name placards. I was in such shock I doubled back, just so I could get this video for you guys.”

“[W]hen I made the pass the first time I saw him talking to somebody holding their wallet and then the person began laughing and walked away.”

Here’s the video he posted:

Another fan saw Virgil earlier in Grand Central Station and said he was able to buy a photo of Virgil for $5 (he haggled him down from $5). Twitter user @Stadiuminsider tweeted this photo of Virgil in the subway station:

BDv07fcCEAMl6DX

Posted February 23rd, 2013 in News, WWE. Tagged: .

Randy Orton Pulled From WWE Shows, Virgil Week At Kmart

— Randy Orton, who is currently recuperating from a herniated disc, has been pulled from advertising for next week’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California and SmackDown in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nonetheless, he is still booked full-time beginning with the January 23 Raw SuperShow in Phoenix, Arizona.

— Former WWE Superstar Virgil is appearing at the Kmart located at Schulykill Mall Rt 61 & I 81 Frackville, Pennsylvania every day at noon through Thursday. Call 570-874-3660 for more information. The week long fest began Friday.

— Tickets went on sale this morning for WWE’s 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida on March 31. The event could be sold out by the end of today. As of this morning, all lower level seats were gone with the only seats left in the balcony upper level.

source: F4WOnline.com

Posted January 14th, 2012 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , .

Raw Wrestler Loses Roster Spot, Original Plans For Brodus Clay

— Darren Young, who was selected as one of six former NXT contestants to return to the show in its fifth season, NXT Redemption, was listed as a member of the Raw roster upon its premiere. He had been largely relegated to WWE Superstars in recent months but is now competing for a spot in the sixth season of NXT.

— Former WWE creative member John Piermarini said on his Twitter account that Brodus Clay was originally tapped for the role of Ted DiBiase’s bodyguard last year. The role, however, went to Virgil.

— WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper said on Twitter that he’s filming a piece for Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week.

— The March 5 SmackDown live event in Albuquerque, New Mexico drew 6,000 fans and gate of $170,000. The March 6 show in Waco, Texas drew 4,000 fans for a gate of $120,000.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Posted March 11th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , , .

Orton Says His Injury Isn’t Serious, Virgil To Be Written Out

(sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— Randy Orton has told friends he doesn’t expect his shoulder injury to keep him out of action for long. While he initially feared the worst when he suffered the injury at Over The Limit, it appears he will be healed in time for next month’s Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view, which he is advertised for.

Though Orton appeared to suffer the injury during his match with Edge on Sunday, he entered the match hurt. He worked a tag match with John Cena against Batista and Sheamus the previous night and was nursing the arm late in the bout. It doesn’t appear a bump caused the injury as after making a tag to Cena, he immediately grabbed his arm and held it in pain for the remainder of match.

— Ted DiBiase suffered a concussion very early in his match with R-Truth this past Sunday night at Over The Limit when Truth slapped him across the face and knocked him loopy. An audible was called due to the injury, as DiBiase was tabbed to blame Virgil for his loss, subsequently knocking him out with the Dream Street. It remains unclear at this time whether Santino Marella hitting Virgil with the Vulcan Neck Pinch in a comedy segment the following night on Raw constituted his character being written off, or if it will happen within the next few weeks.

Regarding DiBiase, he won’t be allowed to wrestle until medically cleared. He is expected to be kept out the ring for a few weeks so he can heal.

Posted May 27th, 2010 in News, WWE. Tagged: , , , .