Tributes are still pouring in following the loss of WWE star Virgil, known off-stage as Michael Jones, who passed away at 61 on Tuesday. According to a WWE spokesperson, Virgil died peacefully in the hospital after battling several strokes in recent weeks.
Renowned for his eight-year stint in WWF, primarily known as Ted DiBiaise’s personal assistant and bodyguard, Virgil’s legacy in wrestling is profound. The wrestler struggled with health issues, including dementia diagnosed in April 2022 and subsequent stage two colon cancer diagnosis, as reported by Daily Mail.
Wrestling referee Mark Charles III announced the passing of Virgil on Facebook. The WWE took to its official X account and tweeted its condolences to Virgil’s family, friends, and fans.
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Former WWE Intercontinental Wrestling Champion Marc Mero also offered his condolences on the passing of Virgil and expressed sympathy to his family and fans following his battle with strokes.
Brutus ‘the Barber’ Beefcake, known for his Starrcade 1994 match against Hulk Hogan, paid tribute to Virgil by sharing a selfie they took together, bidding farewell with heartfelt wishes and hashtags #VIRGIL #WWE #RIP.
Kayla Braxton, WWE broadcaster, paid respects to Virgil, saying she “never got to know Virgil, but I know how much he meant to this business,” in a touching tweet.
“My thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him.” Wrestling fan Ken Jeong, best known for playing “Leslie Chao” in the Hangover trilogy, shared a snap of himself with Virgil to honor the Pennsylvania native.
Jeong bid farewell to the Pennsylvania native, sending love, thoughts, and prayers to Virgil’s family, alongside the hashtag #MillionDollarChamp.
Brett Lauderdale, the former owner of Game Changer Wrestling, paid tribute to Virgil, praising his athleticism and dedication as a performer.
Lauderdale remembered Virgil as not just an exceptional athlete but also a person with a great sense of humor, warmth, and enjoyable unpredictability.
“He was a trooper and a friend of GCW. I truly feel lucky to have known him and I’ll share my personal ‘Virgil stories’ forever.”
