WWE Hall of Famer & hardcore wrestling icon Terry Funk passes away

CONNECTICUT: Legendary wrestler and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer Terry Funk passed away at the age of 79.

Funk has always known worldwide for his remarkable determination, passion, and lasting career. He has been celebrated as one of the most resilient competitors to grace the wrestling ring. His prowess extended across promotions like WWE, All Japan, World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), showcasing his ability to match up with the best and redefine the boundaries of wrestling possibilities.

Born to Dory Funk, Sr., Terry Funk embarked on his wrestling journey in the 1960s. He initially formed a successful tag team with his brother and fellow WWE Hall of Famer, Dory Funk Jr., before rising as a solo star. In December 1975, Funk’s breakthrough arrived when he triumphed over Jack Brisco to secure the NWA World Championship in Miami.

Funk’s introduction to WWE came in 1985, during the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era, where he partnered with his brother. The Funks made an appearance on the grand stage of WrestleMania 2, defeating Tito Santana & The Junkyard Dog.

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His path led to WCW in 1989, where he engaged in a legendary rivalry with “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, culminating in a classic “I Quit” Match that has continued to resonate as a defining moment.

However, throughout his career, Funk’s impact reverberated globally, particularly in Japan, where he emerged as a beloved legend in the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion alongside his brother.

He also played a pioneering role in hardcore wrestling alongside WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, introducing the world to the infamous style through a 1995 tournament where they faced off in a finals match that involved tables, chairs, and barbed wire.

Funk significantly contributed to the rise of the ECW, headlining its inaugural pay-per-view event, Barely Legal, in April 1997, where he seized the ECW Championship by overcoming Raven.

Returning to WWE in 1998 as Chainsaw Charlie, he partnered with Cactus Jack and notably participated in the iconic Hell in a Cell Match between The Undertaker and Mankind.

Even at nearly 60 years old in his WCW comeback in 2000, Funk continued to vie for titles, securing the United States Championship and WCW Hardcore Title. His final WWE match occurred at ECW One Night Stand in 2006, where he joined forces with Tommy Dreamer and Beulah McGillicutty against Mick Foley, Edge, and Lita.

Beyond the ring, Terry Funk left an indelible mark on Hollywood, making appearances in notable movies like Roadhouse, Paradise Alley and Over the Top.

In recognition of his nearly five-decade contribution to sports-entertainment, Terry Funk, alongside his brother, was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, a distinction presented by the late Dusty Rhodes.