Dory Funk Jr., a pro wrestling legend who competed across the globe and helped train countless stars, has died, WWE announced on Tuesday. He was 85.
Early Career and Achievements
Funk began his pro wrestling pursuits in 1963 after he finished his college football career at West Texas A&M University. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque wrote in a post on X, ‘Saddened to announce the passing of Dory Funk, Jr.’ Levesque praised Funk’s style, which inspired countless performers in the industry.
Funk started in his father Dory Funk Sr.’s promotion, Western States Sports, in 1963 and got real-world experience off the wrestling the likes of Harley Race and others. It was in 1969 where he came the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) worlds champion and held the title for more than four years.
Legacy and Impact
Funk’s wrestling legacy lives on through the people he trained at his school called The Funking Conservatory. Kurt Angle, Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, Mickie James, Lita, and others were among his students.
The National Wrestling Alliance is saddened to note the passing of Hall of Fame former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Dory Funk Jr. The NWA 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.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
