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WWE wrestling star born in Pittsburgh area dies at 61

WWE ring sculpture (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) (John Moore/Getty Images)

A former WWE star from the Pittsburgh area who rose to fame in the 1980s has died.

A post on Instagram confirms that Michael Jones, who wrestled under the name Virgil, Vincent and Soul Train Jones, died. He was 61.

“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,” the post reads in part.

A wrestling referee in Pittsburgh also confirmed the news in a post on Facebook, saying Jones died at a hospital Wednesday morning.

NBC News reports the cause of Jones’ death has not been made public, but the wrestler has been dealing with health issues in recent years. In April 2022, Jones shared on X that he suffered two strokes and was diagnosed with an early stage of dementia.

Jones was born in Wilkinsburg, People reported.

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