Virgil former wrestling bodyguard passes away

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of former WWE superstar Virgil, also known as Michael Jones, at the age of 61. As Ted DiBiase’s bodyguared became a prominent figure in the wrestling world during the 1980s and 1990s. He left an indelible mark on the sport with his memorable performances and contributions. As well as being an inspiration for Booker T.

Virgil rose to prominence as the villainous bodyguard of The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, captivating audiences with his imposing presence and formidable skills. However, it was his sensational turn as a good guy in 1991 that solidified his place in wrestling history. Teaming up with Rowdy Roddy Piper, he defeated DiBiase at Wrestlemania and Summerslam, captivating audiences with his heroic exploits.

Despite his initial success, his career took a downturn, and he spent the remainder of his time with WWE as a jobber or enhancement talent. However, his journey didn’t end there, as he later joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and became known as Vincent, a nod to WWE owner Vince McMahon. He remained with WCW until 2000 when injuries forced him to retire from the ring.

Recent Years

In recent years, Virgil faced hardships, including health issues and financial struggles. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 and suffered two strokes, which significantly impacted his quality of life. Despite these challenges, Virgil remained resilient, continuing to make appearances at wrestling conventions and independent shows.

A strange twilight time of his career, one second appearing on AEW with Chris Jericho to sitting alone at conventions and the spawn of the ‘Lonely Virgil’ meme.

This passing so soon after Ole Andersons is a significant loss for the wrestling community, and his contributions to the sport will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.