Former pro wrestling superstar Terry Funk passed away at the age of 79 on August 23, 2023. Funk was well-known for the longevity of his career as it spanned over four decades. His career took him around the world and his hardcore wrestling style inspired bloody brawls and entertaining matches.
Funk was born to Dorothy (Culver) and Dory Funk on June 30, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana. Funk’s father Dory was also a professional wrestler and promoter. Funk started his career in Western States Sports promotion in Texas in 1965.
He was part of the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion for almost two decades from 1972 to 1991. However, his most notable appearance was in the WWE. He made his WWE debut in 1985 but left in 1986. Later, he joined the ECW and kept making brief returns to the WWE until 2016.
Funk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. His last appearance in the WWE was in March 2016 when he was giving a pep talk to Dean Ambrose for his match against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 32.
WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.
WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/1elQq5ZkDn
— WWE (@WWE) August 23, 2023
Funk’s death was announced in a statement by the WWE. No cause of death has been initially reported. However, it has been confirmed that Funk was suffering from illness. It was reported in 2021 that Funk was diagnosed with dementia but later that year, Ric Flair announced during a podcast that Funk was doing well.
WWE mourns the death of Hall of Famer Terry Funk
One of the first people to pay tribute to Funk was Mick Foley, who shares the nickname ‘The Hardcore Legend’ with Funk. Foley idolized Funk and paid a hearty tribute to him while explaining that he had spoken to Funk’s daughters about it.
Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.
If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks… pic.twitter.com/WwdFLwXqZ0
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 23, 2023
“Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw,” Foley wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Another Hall of Famer that paid his tributes to Funk was Ric Flair. The 16-time world champion posted on X, “In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend! Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling!”
Bubba Ray Dudley of the Dudley Boys also posted on X. He also paid tribute to Funk through his podcast called the Busted Open Radio.
Every night in cities all over the world, Terry Funk left it all in the ring for our business and for the fans. An icon of our industry.
My thoughts are with Terry’s family, friends and fans.
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 23, 2023
The Chief Content Officer of WWE, Triple H also posted about Funk. He wrote, “Every night in cities all over the world, Terry Funk left it all in the ring for our business and for the fans. An icon of our industry.
My thoughts are with Terry’s family, friends and fans.”
CM Punk’s tribute to Terry Funk after #AEWCollision ❤️
pic.twitter.com/s8QzpMFYTL— Teffo (@Teffo_01) August 24, 2023
Former WWE star CM Punk also paid tribute to the great wrestler after the AEW Collision. Funk was not only a great wrestler of his time, he went on to be a mentor of some of the later wrestling greats. The wrestling world has lost a once-in-a-lifetime great in the form of Funk.