Wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer, Terry Funk, dies at 79

Wrestling icon and WWE Hall of Famer, Terry Funk has died at the age of 79. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) issued an official statement on its official social media channel on X, former known as Twitter.

Extending condolences to his loved ones, it wrote, “WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79. WWE extends its condolences to Funk’s family, friends and fans.”

Born on 30 June in 1944, Funk was son of late pro wrestler and promoter Dory Funk. In 1965, during the start of his career in wrestling, he had married Vicki Ann and who passed away on 29 March 2019. Terry and Vicki have two daughters Brandee and Stacy.

He started wrestling in 1965 and had a remarkable career of five decades till 2017. He had competed in many wrestling franchises which included All Japan Pro Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation (WWF), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), WWE. During his career, he secured many championship including NWA World Heavyweight Championship, the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, and the WWF Tag Team Championship.

Terry received his WWE Hall of Fame alongside his brother Dory Jr. in the year 2009. Funk was diagnosed with dementia in the year 2021, a report by Wrestling INC stated.

Meanwhile, wrestler Mick Foley broke the news of Terry's death on Instagram. While sharing a photo with Terry, he said he lost his mentor.

“WE JUST LOST A LEGEND Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, and one of my closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw. If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him. May God bless Terry, his friends, family and all who loved him. RIP my dear friend - it was an honor to know you. #RIPTerryFunk. I will be writing much more about Terry in the next few days. EDIT: Terry’s daughters, Brandee and Stacy, have asked me to express how much they appreciate the love and support you have given him over the years”

Wrestler Ric Flair said Terry was great wrestler, and a guy who worked harder. His post read, “In My Entire Life, I’ve Never Met A Guy Who Worked Harder. Terry Funk Was A Great Wrestler, Entertainer, Unbelievably Fearless, And A Great Friend! Rest In Peace My Friend Terry Funk Knowing That No One Will Ever Replace You In The World Of Professional Wrestling.”

(With inputs from The Sun and Wrestling INC)