'Unique' wrestling icon dies after health battle

Michael Jones – better known to wrestling fans as Virgil – has died at the age of 61.

The former WWF and WCW competitor had battled a number of health issues in recent years, suffering two strokes and being diagnosed with both dementia and colon cancer.

He began his pro wrestling journey in the 1980s, competing under the name “Soul Man Jones” across multiple promotions, before signing with the Vince McMahon-led WWF.

LIVE UPDATES: Australia vs New Zealand first Test live coverage

Jones would then become aligned with Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase under the Virgil moniker, acting as a bodyguard figure, before ultimately turning on ‘The Million Dollar Man’ and becoming a fan favourite in early-1991 after the crowd’s support for him grew.

Later that year, Virgil captured the Million Dollar Title from DiBiase in what was the highlight of his wrestling career, but would depart the WWF in 1994.

Jones spent four years with rival promotion WCW in the late-1990s, before a brief return to WWE in 2010 alongside DiBiase’s son, Ted Jr.

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. pic.twitter.com/i9QDodn9BD

— WWE (@WWE) February 28, 2024

Tributes began to pour in for Jones after the news of his passing, with the likes of Matt Hardy, Jake Roberts and Jim Duggan paying their respects.

Shocked and saddened to hear the news about Virgil.

Rest in peace, my friend. pic.twitter.com/G78YZnSPaS

— JakeSnakeDDT (@JakeSnakeDDT) February 28, 2024

The news comes just days after the passing of Ole Anderson – a founding member of the legendary Four Horsemen stable with Ric Flair – at the age of 81.