The wrestling world is mourning the loss of WWE star Virgil, known in the ring as Michael Jones, who passed away at the age of 61. Tributes have been pouring in from fellow wrestlers, friends, and fans, painting a picture of a man who was not only a talented performer but also a beloved individual with a unique personality. One tribute comes from WWE Hall of Famer, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, a close friend of Jones.
“Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil. Rest in peace, my friend.” Roberts said, reflecting the somber mood felt by many in the industry.
Luke Gallows, another WWE star, shared a heartfelt tribute, thanking Jones for his camaraderie and the memories they shared. “R.I.P Virgil,” Gallows said. “Thanks for being a great sport during our shenanigans [and] for the memories. See you down the road, good brother.”
Matt Hardy, who worked with Jones during his time with AEW from 2019 to 2020, remembered him fondly, writing, “Virgil was a funny, unique individual that was always cool to me [and] I’m saddened to hear about his passing. My thoughts go out to his family, friends, [and] fans.”
Natalya Neidhart, whose family members also worked with Jones, shared a poignant photo featuring Jones alongside her father Davey Boy Smith, uncle Bret Hart, and the late wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. The picture serves as a reminder of the impact Jones had on the wrestling world.
Kayla Braxton, a WWE broadcaster, expressed her condolences, noting how much Jones meant to both fans and professionals within the industry. Despite not knowing him personally, Braxton recognized his significance and the void his passing leaves behind.
Anecdotes about Virgil from the Independent Wrestling Circuit
Virgil’s presence extended beyond the WWE, as he also performed in independent promotions like GCW. Owner Brett Lauderdale wrote, “As a performer — an incredible athlete and a reliable soldier, as a person — he was funny, cordial, and unpredictable in all the best ways. 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.”
Independent wrestler Tony Deppen shared a fond memory of Jones, recalling how he was present at Deppen’s first show. “He told me how he played football with Dan Marino and could run the 40 yd dash in 4.3 [seconds],” Deppen said. “Dude was the goat. RIP Virgil. Now you’re off to the big meat sauce in the sky.”
Anthony Bowens of AEW’s The Acclaimed also had a memorable encounter with Jones, who shared an elaborate story about his time in WWE. “I remember Virgil cornering me for 15 minutes in a hotel lobby to tell me that when he first got to WWE they invested 300 million dollars into his character and that he was going to be world champion but it never panned out, he always had a crazy story every time I saw him,” Bowens said, emphasizing Jones’s larger-than-life persona.
Sentiments Flow Following Virgil’s Passing
Shane “Hurricane” Helms, a wrestling veteran, reflected on Jones’s pivotal moment in the ring when he turned on Ted DiBiase, also known as The Million Dollar Man. Helms shared how that moment resonated with him as a fan and later as a wrestler, showcasing Jones’s enduring impact on the sport. “At a show once, I did a stare out into the crowd mid-ring and one of the boys asked if I was channeling Rock/Hogan. I replied, ‘Or Virgil/Dibiase,'” Helms wrote. “He thought I was joking. … Virgil was over [as f***] with me after turning on Dibiase.”
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, another wrestling legend, described Jones as “a good man” who left a significant mark on professional wrestling. His words underscore the deep respect and admiration many had for Jones, both in and out of the ring.
Even those outside the wrestling world, like actor Ken Jeong, star from “The Hangover” film franchise and the TV series “Community”, joined in paying their respects to Jones. Jeong, a self-professed wrestling fan, shared a touching message on social media alongside a picture of himself with Jones, offering his love and prayers to Jones’s family. “Rest in peace, Virgil,” Jeong wrote. “Sending my love, thoughts, [and] prayers to his family.”
Impact Wrestling star Frankie Kazarian also remembered Jones as a friendly and memorable presence. His tribute reflects the impact Jones had on those he encountered throughout his career.
Sam Roberts, a wrestling podcaster who frequently interacted with Jones, offered his own tribute, acknowledging Jones’s unconventional but iconic status in the wrestling world. “I got to have a lof of fun with Virgil. Thank you and RIP to an unconventional icon,” Roberts said, honoring the legacy of a man who will be remembered for his contributions to the sport.
As the wrestling community continues to mourn the loss of Virgil, it’s clear that he was more than just a wrestler; he was a beloved figure who touched the lives of many. His legacy will live on through the memories and stories shared by those who knew and admired him, ensuring that his impact on the wrestling world will never be forgotten.
Kaira’s Insight:
Virgil’s passing has left a void in the wrestling world, with tributes pouring in from all corners of the industry. From his iconic moments in the WWE to his impact on the independent scene, Jones’ legacy will be remembered for years to come. The outpouring of love and support from fans and fellow wrestlers is a testament to the mark he left on the sport.
