Virgil (wrestler)
Michael Charles Jones (April 7, 1951[3] – February 28, 2024), better known by his ring name Virgil, was an American professional wrestler and actor. He is best known for his tenures in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
Virgil
Michael Charles Jones
April 7, 1951
Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
February 28, 2024 (aged 72)
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[2]
250 lb (113 kg)[2]
1985[1]
2020
In his four-year tenure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), he wrestled with the ring names Vincent, Curly Bill, Shane, Soul Train Jones, and Mr. Jones, primarily as a member of the nWo. After retiring, he became well known on social media as the subject of viral memes.
Early life[edit]
Michael Jones was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania on April 7, 1952,[3][4] to Warren Jones Sr. and Elizabeth Jones.[1] He had two older brothers, Warren Jr. and Donald, and a sister, Toni.
Jones attended Virginia Union University, and played as a defensive back for the college football team. He wrestled as an amateur.
Jones later worked at his uncle’s loading and moving company and began entering bodybuilding competitions. After a chance meeting with Tony Atlas in a Pittsburgh gym, Atlas recommended Jones to pro wrestling in 1985. In the same year, he began training with Afa of the Wild Samoans.
Professional wrestling career[edit]
Early Career (1985–1987)[edit]
Jones started wrestling professionally as Soul Train Jones in the Championship Wrestling Association based in Memphis, Tennessee in 1985. There, he feuded with Chick Donovan and Big Bubba. On January 4, 1987, he defeated Big Bubba for the AWA International Heavyweight Championship. On April 20, he was defeated by Donovan, ending his reign at 106 days. During this reign, he also participated in a tournament for the vacant AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship, defeating Tommy Rich, The Hunter, and Goliath on his way to the final, where he was defeated by Austin Idol. He would also unsuccessfully challenge Nick Bockwinkel for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Alongside Rocky Johnson, he later held the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship for 28 days, until they were defeated by Donovan and Jack Hart.