Dory Funk Jr., a celebrated WWE Hall of Fame wrestler, has died at the age of 85. His passing was announced on Tuesday, prompting a widespread outpouring of tributes from across the professional wrestling community.
Triple H, a prominent figure in WWE, honored Funk's legacy on social media, highlighting his unique in-ring style and significant impact on the industry. "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 phenomenon."
Funk embarked on his professional wrestling career in 1963. He achieved a major milestone in 1969 when he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a title he held for more than four years. This reign remains the second-longest uninterrupted tenure in the championship's history.
Alongside his younger brother, Terry Funk, who died in August 2023 at age 79, Dory Funk Jr. was part of the only sibling pair to have both held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. The brothers competed together globally, including a notable tag-team appearance at WrestleMania 2. They were jointly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
Beyond his accomplishments as a competitor, Funk dedicated decades to training aspiring wrestlers. His tutelage shaped the careers of numerous future stars, including Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian Cage, and the Hardy Boyz.
"A hard-nosed and fierce competitor, 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," Triple H added. "My thoughts and those of the entire WWE Universe are with his loved ones during this difficult time."