In a sorrowful announcement, WWE has confirmed the passing of wrestling legend Michael Jones, widely known to fans as Virgil, at the age of 61. WWE took to social media to extend their condolences, stating, “WWE is saddened to learn that Michael Jones, known to WWE fans as Virgil, has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to Jones’s family, friends, and fans.”
The heartbreaking news was also shared on Virgil’s official Instagram page, which read, “This is to confirm the sad news about our beloved meat sauce God and wrestling superstar Virgil. Michael Jones has passed away. There is so much to say here and would love to share stories, but for now, it’s a rough day as our friend is gone. We would only ask at this time to remember him as the man that he was, wishing him all the unlimited pasta in heaven. We love you, Mike.”
Former referee Mark Charles III was the first to report Virgil’s passing, expressing his deep sorrow: “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, diagnosed with dementia in 2022, had faced significant health challenges in recent years, including two minor strokes. His passing is a tremendous loss for the wrestling community, and our thoughts and prayers are with Virgil’s family, friends, and fans during this very difficult time. Virgil was only 61 years old, making this loss even more poignant.
**In Other News: WWE Stars Clash with CM Punk**
Many stars in WWE reportedly have issues with CM Punk, with Drew McIntyre being particularly vocal. In a recent interview on WWE’s “The Bump,” Drew McIntyre revealed, “I’m the only one that seems to have a problem with him because he’s been gone, he’s hurt. When he was there, there were lots of people with problems with him, but now that he’s not there, I’m the only one keeping his name alive.”
**Vince McMahon Retains Influence in WWE**
Despite recent allegations and his removal from the TKO board of directors, Vince McMahon still wields significant influence in WWE. Mark Shapiro, TKO president, revealed that McMahon holds approximately 20 million shares in the company, leaving the door open for potential involvement in WWE’s future.
**Matt Riddle Reveals Shocking Reason for WWE Release**
Former WWE star Matt Riddle has disclosed the reasons behind his failure of WWE’s wellness policy, which led to his release. In an interview on “The MMA Hour,” Riddle admitted, “I went to the strip club and did some cocaine a couple of times and I failed the drug test… honestly for me, and probably just from my experience with the UFC, I thought I was going to get fired a long time ago.”
**WWE Raw Draws Lowest Viewership Since January**
The February 26 edition of WWE Raw has drawn the lowest viewership since January, with an average of 1.738 million viewers. Despite the drop, the show still ranked number one on cable.
**Sha Spears Returns to WWE**
Formerly known as Ty Dillinger, Sha Spears made a surprising return to WWE during last night’s NXT, attacking Ridge Holland with a steel chair. Spears had signed with WWE before the airing of the recent “three faces” vignettes and is set to continue under the Spears moniker.
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