Wrestling Hall of Famer Terry Funk Dead at 79

Terry Funk, iconic Hall of Fame wrestler, has died. He was 79.

WWE confirmed the news of his passing on its site on Wednesday, Aug. 23. The cause of death has not been shared yet. However, it was revealed in 2021 that Funk was receiving residential care for multiple health issues following the passing of his wife, Vicky.

Funk was born on June 30, 1944 in Hammond, Indiana. Wrestling ran in the family. His father was Dory Funk, a wrestler and promoter for Western States Sports. Funk's brother Dory Jr. also became a wrestling champ, but the late wrestler was the first to enter the ring. Funk made his debut on December 9, 1965, facing off against Sputnik Monroe.

Three years later, Funk and Dory Jr. joined the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance). Funk experienced his first major victory seven years into being part of the NWA, defeating Jack Brisco for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He held a 14-month title reign, until being ultimately defeated by Harley Race.

In 1985, Funk made his debut in the WWE—then known as the WWF (World Wrestling Federation). For his televised debut on Championship Wrestling, Funk beat Aldo Marino. He took another hiatus from pro wrestling in 1986, returning in 1989 to face off against NWA World Champion Ric Flair, who became one of his most famous foes in the ring.

Funk was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, the WCW Hall of Fame, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, the NWA Hall of Fame, and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. He announced his official retirement from wrestling in 2017.

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Mick Foley, who was mentored by Funk and became on of his famed opponents, shared an emotional tribute on X (formerly Twitter).

"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," he wrote.

His statement continued, "If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend - it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk."

Ric Flair, who famously faced off against Funk during many iconic matches, has shared various tweets in remembrance of his late opponent.

He first wrote, "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! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻."

"I Will Treasure My Memories With Terry Funk FOREVER!!!," he tweeted hours later, accompanied by a montage featuring some of their most memorable times together in the ring.

Additionally, in a statement shared with Sports Illustrated, WWE commentator Jim Ross shared, "I loved him like family. Terry was a brilliant mind. Absolutely amazing ring psychology. He was physically and mentally as tough as a $2 steak."

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