The wrestling world mourns the loss of one of its charismatic stars, Michael Jones, known to fans as Virgil, who passed away at the age of 61. The sad news was confirmed through a heartfelt statement on his official Instagram account, affectionately referring to him as the “Meatsauce God” and “Wrestling Superstar.” The post reminisced about Jones’s larger-than-life character and wished him an eternity of unlimited pasta in the heavens, capturing the essence of a man beloved for both his in-ring persona and his unique off-screen personality.
Virgil became a household name in the wrestling community during his time with the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), most notably for his role as the valet and later adversary of “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase. Their storyline, which culminated in Virgil’s triumphant capture of the Million Dollar Championship at SummerSlam 1991, remains a memorable moment in wrestling history. His wrestling journey also saw him stepping into the ring for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the name “Vincent,” a nod believed to mock WWE owner Vince McMahon. Here, he aligned with the notorious nWo Hollywood faction, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Jones’s wrestling career began in 1987 in Tennessee, where he quickly made a mark by teaming with Rocky Johnson, father of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, to win the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship. This early success laid the groundwork for a career that would span several decades and wrestling promotions, including a notable appearance in All Elite Wrestling in 2019 as Soul Train Jones alongside Chris Jericho.
Beyond the ropes, Virgil was celebrated for his love of Olive Garden, pasta, and, of course, unlimited breadsticks, earning him affectionate nicknames such as “The Alfredo Assassin” and “The Breadstick Boss.” His genuine enthusiasm for Italian cuisine endeared him to fans, making his character one that was relatable and endearing. Tributes from fans often reference this culinary passion, with many pledging to enjoy meat sauce and breadsticks in his honor.
Virgil’s legacy in the wrestling world is indelible, marked by memorable moments, a distinctive character, and a warmth that resonated with fans and colleagues alike. As tributes pour in, it’s clear that his impact extended far beyond the ring, leaving a lasting impression on the wrestling community and beyond. The wrestling world has indeed lost one of its most colorful characters, but the memories and moments he created will live on, celebrated by fans and fellow wrestlers. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.
