Dory Funk Jr., Legendary Wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, Dead at 85

The World Wrestling Entertainment Industry has recently announced the death of one of its premier talents. Dory Funk Jr, son of Dory Funk Sr and brother of the late Terry Funk, has passed away at the age of 85. Dory has left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry, not only in the United States but around the world. To honor his memory, this article will examine the extraordinary life and times of Dory Funk Jr.

In the Beginning

According to his autobiography, in the days leading up to his first bout in the ring, Dory stated that he was a rather shy kid who always had a strong interest in the wrestling business. “In my first year in the wrestling business, I had the opportunity to work with Pat O'Connor, Gene Kiniski, Verne Gagne, Fritz Von Erich, and Lou Thesz for the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) World Championship.” Dory was very “green” in his younger years, meaning he had limited or no experience in the ring. His father even told him that it would take four years to learn anything about the wrestling business, so Dory recalled, “I was just getting started.” His vigorous training sessions would soon pay off.

His Professional Career

Dory Funk Jr.(bottom) with his younger brother, Terry Funk(top)

Dory Funk Jr.'s career coincided with the likes of his younger brother, Terry Funk. Despite the hard training, Dory was willing to put his troubles aside to reach the goal he knew he was capable of reaching. If it wasn't for himself, it was for his younger brother. From his signature move, the "Spinning Toe Hold", to his iconic smack talk against his opponents, Funk proved that being related to a wrestling superstar shouldn't take away the fact that he was a superstar in his own right. And superstar he was. Throughout the decades, Dory's accomplishments include the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the NWA International Heavyweight Championship, and the AJPW (All Japan Pro Wrestling) World's Strongest Tag Determination League alongside his brother Terry Funk. The decades-long success of the Funk Brothers showcased the enduring power and significance they possessed within the wrestling industry. Whether it was in the United States or in Japan, the Funks proved to be an exceptional force to be reckoned with.

His Legacy

Although Dory Funk Jr. has often been overshadowed by the success of his younger brother, his impact in the wrestling industry, like his brother's, is immeasurable. The World Wrestling Entertainment Business showed its appreciation and respect for Dory and inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to wrestling. Mr. Funk was the living embodiment of fighting for what he believed in, no matter who stood in his way. The genuine connection of the Funk Brothers was easy to see whether inside the ring or outside the ring. Their legacies will be preserved and cherished for decades to come. That is the enduring legacy of the Funks.

Rest in Peace, Dory Funk Jr. (1941–2026)