The family of WWE legend Virgil, known as the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase’s bodyguard, announced his death on Wednesday. He was only 61 years old.
Virgil, whose real name is Michael Jones, had been struggling with health problems in recent years. He suffered from several strokes and was diagnosed with dementia.
Jones started wrestling in 1985. He competed for different wrestling organizations, including Championship Wrestling Association, where he won the heavyweight title and the tag team championship with Rocky Johnson.
After that, he joined WWE, where he became famous working with DiBiase. He would carry DiBiase’s money and protect him from other wrestlers. But at Summerslam 1991, he turned against DiBiase and beat him at WrestleMania VII.
Later on, he joined WCW and went by the name Vincent. He was part of the nWo group and was their head of security.
He kept working with famous wrestlers like Hulk Hogan until he left in 1999.
In 2010, he made a short comeback to WWE as Ted DiBiase Jr.’s bodyguard. He also appeared in AEW as Soul Train Jones.
People close to him say he died peacefully in the hospital.
WWE released a statement, saying, “WWE is sad to hear about Michael Jones, known as Virgil, passing away.” They send their thoughts to his family, friends, and fans.