Virgil dead aged 61: Tributes pour in as WWE legend, real name Mike Jones, passes away after health battle

Tributes have poured in for WWE legend Virgil, who has passed away at the age of 61.

Virgil, whose real name was Mike Jones, died after a lengthy health battle.

WWEFormer WWE star Virgil has died at the age of 61[/caption]

WWEHe was diagnosed with dementia in 2022, and prior to that suffered two strokes[/caption]

The sad news was broken on Facebook by wrestling referee Mark Charles III.

He said: “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.

“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!”

Tributes poured in for Virgil, with one WWE fan saying: “Ugh, this hurts.”

Another declared: “Rip legend.”

One noted: “That’s very sad news.”

Another added: “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Virgil had reportedly suffered from various health problems in recent years.

In 2022 he was diagnosed with dementia.

And prior to that, Virgil also suffered two strokes.

WWEHe was involved in big fights involving legends like Andre the Giant[/caption]

WWEHe also linked up with the likes of Hulk Hogan[/caption]

Around the time of his dementia diagnosis, he also claimed he had been diagnosed with cancer.

But the claims were later rebuffed by his sister, according to Wrestling News.

Before taking on the character, Virgil’s was known as Soul Train Jones in the CWA.

Virgil got his big break in WWF in 1986 and went on to star alongside big names like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant and Roddy Piper.

He left the organisation in 1994 before briefly returning in 1995.

Virgil later moved to WCW and spent four years there before retiring from active competition in 2000.