Former WWE and WCW star Virgil, real name Michael Jones, passed away today at age 61.

The news was announced by wrestling referee Mark Charles III, known as The Count, on his social media.

“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,” he wrote. “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!”

Virgil started his wrestling career in 1985 and found fame in 1987 as Ted DiBiase’s ever-present bodyguard until 1991 when eventually Virgil turned on DiBiase following several humiliating situations on WWE television. He won the Million Dollar title from DiBiase at SummerSlam 1991, his biggest victory of his career.

After departing WWE in 1995, Virgil worked for WCW between 1996 and 2000 under the name of Vincent as a knock on Vince McMahon. He was the “head of security” for the nWo until the faction disbanded in late 1999.

He also made appearances under the name Soul Train Jones with AEW between 2019 and 2020.

Virgil was recently diagnosed with dementia and suffered two strokes in 2022 which started his health decline.