On August 23, 2023, the wrestling world was rocked by the passing of one of the industry’s most notable legends: Terry Funk. The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion passed away at the age of 79 after years of several health issues, including being diagnosed with dementia in 2021.
The Legacy of Terry Funk
Born on June 30, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana, Terry Funk was destined for the wrestling world. The son of Dory Funk Sr., a revered wrestler and promoter, Terry and his brother, Dory Funk Jr. were quite literally raised in the sport.
Terry debuted in 1965, quickly making a name for himself in his father’s promotion, Western States Sports, based in Amarillo, Texas. His early style was a reflection of his father’s influence—technical and hard-hitting. It would be a decade later that Funk’s crowning achievement came as on December 10, 1975, he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship by defeating the legendary Jack Brisco. Funk held the gold for 14 months and his technically sound bouts proved why he was the right man to hold the 10 pounds of gold.
The Reinvention
In the 1980, Funk did what few wrestlers can, or rather, want, to do; he reinvented himself. Moving away from the pure technical style of his early career, Funk embraced a more violent, unhinged persona. His work in promotions including All Japan and later ECW showcased a different, more violent side, complimented nicely by his technical savvy in the ring. Funk’s feud with Ric Flair in 1989, particularly their brutal “I Quit” match at WCW Clash of the Champions IX continues to be considered one of the pivotal matches of the career in both men.
As a pivotal figure in hardcore wrestling, it is fitting that Funk became ECW World Heavyweight Champion at the extreme promotion’s first pay-per-view, Barely Legal 1997. Having Funk be a part of the promotion proved to be pivotal for the rag-tag promotion that was looking to make its mark in wrestling, as the legacy and prestige of Funk proved impossible to deny.
An Influencer
Terry Funk’s impact on professional wrestling extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments. He was a mentor to countless wrestlers, including Mick Foley, Steve Austin, and Tommy Dreamer, all of whom credit Funk with helping them shape their careers. In the foreword of Funk’s book More Than Just Hardcore, Foley recalls being under a ring for over an hour as part of a planned spot involving Funk, stating that despite the cramped and uncomfortable area, he’d do anything for his mentor.
Funk’s influence also reached Hollywood, where he appeared in several films, including Road House and Over the Top, often playing the tough guy that mirrored his wrestling persona. This allowed Funk the chance to share the screen with top Hollywood names like Patrick Swayze, further etching his legacy in the media in and out of the ring.
Terry Funk Honored
In 2009, Terry, alongside his brother Dory Jr. was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a fitting induction given that it took place in the pair’s native Texas. Their induction also came the same night that ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, one of many names inspired by Funk, took his place in the annals of wrestling greats. Following his passing, WWE paid tribute to Funk and Kevin Owens, whose in-ring style bears a striking similarity to the Funker, wore a shirt of the legend for a Payback 2023 Street Fight.
The Funker may be gone, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of wrestling fans forever. The wrestling world will always remember him as a man of many roles: A champion, a pioneer, a symbol, and of course “middle-aged and crazy!”
