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  • Virgil, whose real name was Michael Jones, died peacefully at hospital, Tuesday
  • He suffered ‘several strokes’ a few weeks earlier as he long battled for his health 
  • DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

Tributes have poured in for WWE star Virgil after he died at the age of 61 on Tuesday. 

Virgil, whose real name was Michael Jones, died peacefully at hospital a few weeks after having suffered ‘several strokes,’ a WWE spokesperson told DailyMail.com. 

An icon in wrestling, Virgil is best remembered for his eight-year tenure in the WWF, primarily as Ted DiBiaise’s personal assistant and bodyguard. He had been diagnosed with dementia in April 2022 before being diagnosed with stage two colon cancer, a month later.

His death was announced on Facebook by wrestling referee Mark Charles III.

Reacting to the sad news, WWE’s official X account tweeted: ‘WWE is saddened to learn that Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Jones’ family, friends, and fans.

Former wrestlers and celebrity WWE fans have shared their condolences to Virgil's family after the 61-year-old's death on Tuesday

Former wrestlers and celebrity WWE fans have shared their condolences to Virgil’s family after the 61-year-old’s death on Tuesday 

Virgil was best known for his eight-year tenure in the WWF primarily as Ted DiBiaise's personal assistant

Virgil was best known for his eight-year tenure in the WWF primarily as Ted DiBiaise’s personal assistant

Former WWE IC (Intercontinental) Wrestling Champion, Marc Mero also shared his condolences: ‘I’m sorry to hear that Former WWE star Virgil, real name Michael Jones, has passed at 61, weeks after suffering ”several strokes.” My thoughts are with his family and his numerous fans. RIP.’

Brutus ‘the Barber’ Beefcake, who headlined Starrcade 1994, in a match against then-WCW World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan, shared a selfie he took with Virgil as a way to remember his friend, tweeting: ‘RIP Virgil! May God Bless you and forever keep you, brother! #VIRGIL #WWE #RIP.’

Kayla Braxton – a WWE broadcaster – said 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. 

‘Rest in peace, Virgil,’ he tweeted. Sending my love, thoughts, & prayers to his family. #MillionDollarChamp.’

Brett Lauderdale – former owner of Game Changer Wrestling, an independent professional wrestling promotion based in New Jersey – shared: ‘RIP Virgil. As a performer – an incredible athlete and 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.’



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This post first appeared on Daily mail