WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr., one of professional wrestling’s most accomplished champions and influential trainers, has died at the age of 85, WWE announced Tuesday.
Funk’s death marks the end of a career that spanned more than six decades and left a lasting impact on generations of wrestlers.
After beginning his professional wrestling career in 1963, Funk rose to the top of the sport in 1969 by capturing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
He held the title for more than four consecutive years, one of the longest uninterrupted championship reigns in professional wrestling history.
Beyond his success inside the ring, Funk became one of wrestling’s most respected trainers, helping develop numerous future stars.
Among the wrestlers who trained under Funk were Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, Edge, Matt and Jeff Hardy, and Christian Cage.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque announced Funk’s passing in a tribute shared on social media.
“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.”
Triple H also praised Funk’s reputation as one of wrestling’s toughest competitors.
“A hard-nosed and fierce competitor,” he wrote.
“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.”
Funk also shared a historic legacy with his younger brother, Terry Funk.
The brothers teamed together at WrestleMania 2 and remain the only siblings to have each won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Their contributions to professional wrestling were recognized when they were inducted together into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
Terry Funk died in August 2023.
Triple H concluded his statement by extending condolences to the Funk family, per Trending Politics.
“The entire @WWE Universe are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” he wrote.
Following the announcement, fans and members of the wrestling community flooded social media with tributes honoring Funk’s career and influence on the sport.
Remembered both as a legendary champion and an accomplished trainer, Funk helped shape professional wrestling through his championship success, international career and decades spent mentoring future generations of performers.
