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The wrestling world has come together to mourn the passing of Terry Funk following the legendary star's passing this week.
The former NWA World's Heavyweight Champion died this week, as confirmed by his friend and former rival Ric Flair on Twitter. At this time, there is no confirmation on his cause of death.
Trained by his legendary father Dory Funk, young Terry would team with his brother Dory Funk Jr. for some time before establishing himself as a singles wrestler. In December 1975, Funk captured the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship from Jack Briscoe at Championship Wrestling from Florida. He would hold the title for close to 14 months before losing to Harley Race, kicking off the latter's second reign as champion.
Tributes to Funk
On social media, tributes have been paid to the legendary Funk, who in addition to being a wrestler, helped mentor several wrestlers. In a tweet, Mick Foley, who idolized Funk, spoke about his close friend.
Terry Funk is gone. I just talked to Terry’s daughter, Brandee, who gave me the awful news. He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw.
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) August 23, 2023
If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks… pic.twitter.com/WwdFLwXqZ0
John Bradshaw Layfield, who briefly teamed with Funk in the World Wrestling Federation, shared his tribute.
One of the reasons I got in the business was Terry Funk. Love you Texas legend, RIP. pic.twitter.com/4vSUaSHQmr
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) August 23, 2023
Fellow ECW alum Taz spoke about spending time at Funk's Double Cross Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, saying it's a time he'll never forget.
I’m very sad to hear of the passing of a true legend & a great person, Terry Funk. Several of us had the honor & pleasure of being at his Double Cross Ranch many years ago after a show in Amarillo, I’ll never forget that!! Words can’t explain how Terry was just GREAT on so many… pic.twitter.com/ftA7jUtAqt
— taz (@OfficialTAZ) August 23, 2023
WWE Superstar Natalya shared a photo of Funk, Foley, and Owen Hart, calling the Funker "universally respected and loved.
No matter what generation of wrestling you grew up with, I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about Terry Funk. He was universally respected and loved. Terry knew what was important in this life, the way you treat people. Thinking of Terry and his family tonight. pic.twitter.com/q1bslrj3mT
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) August 24, 2023
Terry's brother Dory Funk Jr. spoke about working with his brother and said Terry was blessed by his two daughters.
My Brother Terry Funk was all in with life and Loved pro wrestling and his fans- Terry has been Blessed with 2beautiful loving and supportive daughters All my Love to my brother Terry ✝️
— Dory Funk Jr. (@fuanku) August 23, 2023
WWE's CCO Paul 'Triple H' Levesque spoke highly of Funk's dedication to leave it all in the ring for the fans.
Every night in cities all over the world, Terry Funk left it all in the ring for our business and for the fans. An icon of our industry.
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 23, 2023
My thoughts are with Terry’s family, friends and fans.
WWE Producer Shane 'Hurricane' Helms called Funk a "titan" of wrestling, adding he could speak for days about the legend.
RIP Terry Funk pic.twitter.com/jz9jDEySmz
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) August 23, 2023
Following the taping of this week's AEW Collision, CM Punk held up a fan's sign reading 'Terry Funk Forever' in memory of the iconic wrestler.
CM Punk is such a class act ❤️
— Teffo (@Teffo_01) August 24, 2023
RIP Terry Funk. pic.twitter.com/FDBTgEA02C
We here at SE Scoops would like to offer our condolences to those who knew Terry Funk at this sad time.
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