The legendary Dory Funk Jr. has passed away at 85 years old.
The news was announced on August 4 by Brian Blair and the Cauliflower Alley Club, who extended their condolences to Funk’s wife Marti and the rest of the Funk family. Blair said the following about the death of Funk in a post on soical media:
“It’s hard to find the right words to say goodbye to a man who became a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend, Dory Funk Jr. My love for him started all the way back as a kid at the Bayfront Center, booing him as the ultimate heel while he took on my hero Jack Brisco,” Blair wrote. “He was an absolute legend who commanded respect just by being himself. My heart goes out to his wife, Marti, and his family. You will be deeply missed, Dory. I know God is welcoming you with open arms. Rest easy until we meet again.”
The son of Dory Funk Sr. and the brother of Terry Funk, Dory Funk Jr. captured the NWA Heavyweight Championship twice, along with championship success in promotions such as All Japan, Georgia Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico. The NWA Title reign lasted 4 years, which ranks behind only Lou Thesz for the longest reign in that title’s history. Competing in more than 3,000 matches over the course of his legendary career, Funk Jr.’s final match took place in August 2024.
Funk Jr. also went on to open his own wrestling school, which helped train future stars such as Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry, and Mickie James among others.
Recognised for his contributions to wrestling, Funk Jr. was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the 2009 class.
Triple H Pays Tribute To Dory Funk Jr.
Taking to social media to pay tribute, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Triple H said the following regarding the passing of Funk Jr.:
Saddened to announce the passing of Dory Funk, Jr.
“From the Double Cross Ranch to the WWE Hall of Fame, Dory’s style inspired countless performers in our industry. Whether it was at WrestleMania 2, WCW, ECW, or the dozens of NWA-affiliated promotions, his travels across North America and Asia were a part of the early blueprint that helped build this business into a global phenomena. A hard-nosed and fierce competitor, his rugged in-ring style was only eclipsed by the decades he spent training athletes to perform in the squared circle he loved so much. My thoughts and those of the entire WWE Universe are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Featured image: WWE
