Former WWE and WCW star Virgil (real name Michael Jones) has passed away at the age of 61, with the news shared by Pittsburgh referee Mark Charles III.

The post reads, “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!”

Virgil began his career in 1985, making his in-ring debut in 1987 and during that time, he made appearances for several promotions including the World Wrestling Federation, United States Wrestling Association, World Championship Wrestling, National Wrestling Alliance, International Wrestling Cartel, Game Changer Wrestling and more.

During his career, Virgil was an AWA International Heavyweight Champion, an AWA Southern Tag Team Champion alongside “Soulman” Rocky Johnson, a NJCW Heavyweight Champion, and is recognized as a holder of WWE’s Million Dollar Championship, having held the belt from August 26th to November 11th, 1991.

On behalf of Wrestling-News.Net, we would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Virgil.