Dory Funk Jr., a legend in the pro wrestling industry, died today at the age of 85. The brother of Terry Funk, Dory was an all time great, an NWA champion, and was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009. WWE released a statement on his passing, as well as a tribute video:
WWE is saddened to learn that Dory Funk Jr., a WWE Hall of Famer and influential wrestling trainer, has passed away.
A member of the legendary Funk wrestling dynasty, they didn’t come much tougher or more respected than Dory Funk Jr.
The Texan started developing his wrestling business acumen and grappling mastery at a young age, driven hard by a caring father, Dory Funk Sr., whose own experience between the ropes made him an ideal mentor and role model for his impressionable son.
“As a kid, I used to dream I could do all the things my father could do,” Funk said during a 2007 interview with WWE. “I wanted to be just like him.”
Alongside his younger brother Terry, Dory earned a distinguished reputation as a marquee attraction in sports-entertainment as both a tag team and singles competitor.
He won numerous championships over a career that lasted more than half a century, most notably a four-year run as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, which ranks behind only Lou Thesz for the longest reign in that title’s history.
He regularly competed across the United States and Japan and also served as a promoter in both countries. His travels ultimately brought him to WWE for a run that was highlighted by The Funks’ victorious effort at WrestleMania 2 against Tito Santana and Junkyard Dog.
Dory eventually followed in his father’s footsteps by opening a wrestling school, the Funking Conservatory, which served as a veritable talent pipeline into WWE’s Attitude Era and beyond. Funk helped train Superstars like Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry, Mickie James and more. He owned and operated the Funking Conservatory with his wife, Marti, whom he married in 1989.
Along with brother Terry, Dory secured his place in wrestling lore when The Funks were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime friend Dusty Rhodes in 2009.
WWE extends its condolences to Dory Funk Jr.’s family, friends and fans.
NWA also issued a statement:
The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to note the passing of Hall of Fame former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk Jr.
On Feb. 11, 1969, Dory Jr. defeated Gene Kiniski to begin a landmark run as NWA Worlds Champion.
Losing the championship to Harley Race in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s “Match of the Year” on May 24, 1973, Funk Jr.’s 1,563 days atop NWA endures as the second-longest consecutive reign in the title’s history.
A proud native of Amarillo, TX, Funk Jr. was a member of one of pro wrestling’s most accomplished and legendary families. Dory Jr. and Terry Funk remain the only brothers to each claim the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title; their father Dory Funk Sr. reigned as NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion in 1958.
The National Wrestling Alliance sends its most heartfelt wishes to the family, friends and fans of Dory Funk Jr., a true legend whose contributions to professional wrestling are still felt and celebrated to this day.
Many in the pro wrestling industry have been paying tribute to Funk throughout the day.
Triple H:
Ted DiBiase:
B. Brian Blair:
Cody Rhodes:
May he rest in peace.
