Former wrestling star Michael Jones dead at 61. Who was the man known as ‘Virgil the Bodyguard’?

News of the former WWF star’s passing comes just one day after reports confirmed that another famous member of the wrestling alumni - Ole Anderson - had passed away. In this difficult time for fans of the sport, we can only remember Michael Jones in the in the best way possible.

Former WWF star Michael Jones has passed away

According to reports, Michael Jones, who was widely known for his role as Ted DiBiase’s bodyguard Virgil in the WWF during the late 1980s and early 1990s, has passed away at the age of 61. Jones’ death was initially confirmed by wrestling referee and friend, Mark Charles III.

“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,” Charles wrote on Facebook. “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!”

Who was Michael Jones?

In a way, one could say that Jones was destined for the ring. After training meeting the infamous Tony Atlas at a gym, Jones then found himself training with the Wild Samoans’ Afa in 1985 and it was clear that he had a knack for the sport. While he would go on to make his debut in the WWF just one year later, it wasn’t until 1987 that he truly came to the attention of the public. Introduced as Virgil the bodyguard of “The Million Dollar Man”, Ted DiBiase, it was clear that Jones had star power to spare.

From there, the pair embarked on what would be an act that was loved by wrestling fans in which Jones would often take beatings from opponents while DiBiase would make his safe escape. To that end, there is some irony involved in that Jones didn’t participate in many bouts but rather served in the capacity of bodyguard and manager. Of course that would all come to a monumental end when he famously turned on DiBiase at both Wrestlemania and SummerSlam in 1991. It was what could be called a turning point in his career as he went on to step into the ring with more frequency.

Indeed, it was no surprise though it was a shock when he joined the WCW as a member of the New World Order in 1996. Who was his accomplice? His former client/employer: Ted DiBiase. With a more prominent role under the spotlight, Jones opted for the name Vincent and would on occasion feature in his own bouts, however, he still continued to serve as the ‘hired muscle’ for the group. In 2000, Jones called time on his wrestling career, but would still continue to make appearances in the WWE. Indeed, he even made a brief return to the ring in 2010. He featured in his last wrestling match as recently as 2020, evidence of the fact that the ring is where he felt at home. “We would only ask at this time to remember as the man that he was,” one post about his passing read. “Wishing him all the unlimited pasta in heaven.”