(NewsInsights.org) – Michael Jones, a professional wrestler best known by his ring name, Virgil, helped establish some of the most classic and iconic 80s and 90s storylines in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) since 2002. Sadly, the man who briefly won the unofficial “Million Dollar Title belt” in 1991, at the height of his career, died on Wednesday, February 28, at the age of 61 after reportedly battling health issues.
Virgil first came to most fans’ attention as the bodyguard and valet for Ted “The Million Dollar Man” Dibiase, a boisterous wrestler who fashioned himself in the mold of Vince McMahon and used the tagline “Everybody’s got a price.” Dibiasi sported an unsanctioned championship Million Dollar Title belt that he created after he couldn’t win or buy the heavyweight WWF belt. Yet, he often humiliated and debased the loyal Virgil during onscreen skits.
So, when Virgil turned on Dibiasi in 1991 at the Royal Rumble, he became an instant fan favorite. The “boss” demanded that his valet place the Million Dollar Title belt on his waist, but Virgil refused, knocking his employer to the ground after enduring multiple insults. His actions spoke to every fan who resented overbearing, unreasonable bosses who treated people without dignity.
Easily Virgil's finest hour in my opinion. After years of abuse and torment at the hands of the dastardly @MDMTedDiBiase, Virgil finally snaps much to the delight of the crowd. Listen to the reaction! One of my favourite memories from my childhood. RIP Virgil. 🙏🏻 #RIPVirgil pic.twitter.com/jqwQya3s6s
— Will Powell (@SaveUsWP) February 28, 2024
However, Virgil’s popularity turned fickle in the WWF after his eventual win over Dibiasi. He left the WWF in 1994 and, in 1995, joined Hulk Hogan’s New World Order (nWo) wrestling group in the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) organization using the ring name Vincent.
Virgil left wrestling in 2000 because of injuries and became a high school mathematics teacher in Pittsburgh. According to the Daily Mail Online, he encountered financial difficulties in 2021 after experiencing medical issues and started a GoFundMe. Fans on X, formerly Twitter, noted that the former wrestler had posted about two strokes, a dementia diagnosis, and a stage 2 colon cancer diagnosis in 2022. He briefly ran another fundraiser in 2023 for help paying for toiletries and clothing.
And…'suddenly'😪💔
*Michael Jones-61 yrs-USA
*Pro Wrestler, known as 'Virgil'
*April 2022: revealed he suffered 2 Strokes, diagnosed with Dementia
*A month later, he said he was diagnosed with Stage-Two Colon Cancer.
*February 28, 2024
*Passed Away…https://t.co/IkuyJX1c2V pic.twitter.com/vTRucKjJJN— cheri maday (@resilient333) February 28, 2024
Notably, Dibiasi told the Mail Online that he had never observed Virgil partying as some other wrestlers had. He never saw his friend drink, smoke, or take illicit drugs while they traveled together. Mark Charles III, a wrestling referee, had become a caregiver to the former wrestler and announced his death on Facebook. Friends, fans, and wrestling associates have paid tribute on X. The family hadn’t released a cause of death at the time of publication.
Copyright 2024, NewsInsights.org
