WWE is mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr., one of the most accomplished champions in professional wrestling history, who has died at 85.
The legendary wrestler leaves behind a career that stretched more than six decades and helped shape generations of talent. After breaking into the business in 1963, Funk reached the top of the sport in 1969 when he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He went on to hold the title for more than four straight years, giving him one of the longest uninterrupted championship reigns ever.
His influence didn’t stop when his in-ring career slowed. Funk became one of wrestling’s most respected trainers, helping develop future stars including Kurt Angle, Edge, the Hardy Boyz and Christian Cage.
Triple H announced Funk’s death Tuesday with a lengthy tribute honoring the wrestling icon’s impact on the business.
“From the Double Cross Ranch to the @WWE Hall of Fame, Dory’s style inspired countless performers in our industry,” Triple H wrote.
“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.”
He also praised Funk’s reputation as one of wrestling’s toughest competitors.
“A hard-nosed and fierce competitor.”
POLL: Should Sanctuary Cities Be Banned From Federal Funding?
“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,” he continued.
Funk also carved out a lasting legacy alongside his younger brother, Terry Funk. The pair competed together at WrestleMania 2 and remain the only brothers to have each captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame together in 2009. Terry Funk died in August 2023.
Triple H closed his message by offering condolences to the Funk family and pledging that “the entire @WWE Universe are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Fans quickly flooded social media with tributes, remembering Funk as a wrestling legend whose impact on the sport extended far beyond his championship accomplishments.
A cause of death has not been released.
POLL: Ilhan Omar Now Claims She’s Broke – Do You Believe Her?
