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    Who is Terry Funk? (WWE superstar dead); Early life and Age, Professional Career, Personal life, Death

    Hall of Famer Terry Funk dies at age 79
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    Terrence Funk was an American professional wrestler. He was known for the longevity of his career which spanned more than 50 years and included multiple short-lived retirements and the influential hardcore wrestling style he pioneered in the latter part of his career. He is considered one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79.

    Terry Funk Early Life and Age

    Funk was born on June 30, 1944, in Hammond, Indiana. He is the son of Dorothy (Culver) and Dory Funk, a professional wrestler and promoter. Following the end of World War II, the family relocated to Amarillo, Texas, where Terry and his brother, known professionally as Dory Jr., grew up in the professional wrestling business. After graduating from high school, Funk attended West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University), where he competed in amateur wrestling and football.

    Terry Funk Professional Career

    WWE.COM states that Terry began wrestling in the 1960s, forming a successful tag team with his brother and fellow WWE Hall of Famer, Dory Funk, Jr., before breaking out as a singles star. In December 1975, Funk broke through when he defeated Jack Brisco to capture the NWA World Championship in Miami.

    Funk first competed for WWE in 1985 during the height of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling era alongside his brother. The Funks appeared on The Grandest Stage of Them All at WrestleMania 2, defeating the team of Tito Santana & The Junkyard Dog.

    His next stop was WCW in 1989, where he engaged in a legendary rivalry with “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, which culminated in an “I Quit” Match that is still regarded as an all-time classic to this day.

    Funk had an impact all around the world during his career, particularly in Japan where he became one of the most beloved legends of the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion alongside brother Dory. Later, he was an innovator of hardcore wrestling alongside WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley. The two brought the infamous style to a worldwide audience through a 1995 tournament where they battled in the finals, brawling through tables, chairs, barbed wire and more.

    Funk was also an instrumental figure in the growth of Extreme Championship Wrestling. Although he was in his 50s at the time, Funk proved himself against the younger hardcore competitors of the renegade promotion. When ECW presented its first pay-per-view, Barely Legal in April 1997, it was Funk who headlined the show, defeating Raven to win the ECW Championship.

    Funk returned to WWE in 1998 as Chainsaw Charlie, the deranged partner of Cactus Jack, and played a key role in the iconic Hell in a Cell Match between The Undertaker and Mankind.

    At nearly 60 years of age in his return to WCW in 2000, Funk was far from finished in the title picture, capturing the United States Championship and WCW Hardcore Title. The last match of Funk’s WWE career came at ECW One Night Stand in 2006 where he teamed with Tommy Dreamer and Beulah McGillicutty against Mick Foley, Edge and Lita.

    Funk left his imprints on Hollywood as well with a number of appearances on the big screen including roles in “Roadhouse,” “Paradise Alley” and “Over the Top”.

    In recognition of nearly 50 years in sports entertainment, Terry was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside his brother in 2009 by the late Dusty Rhodes.

    Terry Funk’s Personal Life

    Funk married his wife Vicky Ann on August 14, 1965. They had two daughters together, Stacy and Brandee. For many years, Terry and Vicky owned a ranch in Canyon, Texas, which they later sold. Vicky died on March 29, 2019, as confirmed by Ted DiBiase on Twitter. In the documentary film Beyond the Mat, Funk is told by a doctor he needs a knee replacement. Years later, he had the operation.

    Funk was close friends with NFL player John Ayers. Funk was also close friends with Sylvester Stallone. On September 12, 2016, Funk underwent surgery for an inguinal hernia, and was supposed to be resting and in bed for a couple of weeks, but chose to attend Tommy Dreamer’s House of Hardcore shows. 

    In June 2021, fellow wrestling legend Don Muraco reported Funk was diagnosed as living with dementia and was living in an assisted living facility. On December 29, 2021, Ric Flair announced on his podcast with Mark Madden that Funk had returned home and was doing well.

    Terry Funk Death

    Terry Funk died on August 23, 2023, at the age of 79. The news was shared by WWE on its social media site Twitter with a caption; “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.”

    The Hall of Famer was eulogized by many fans and WWE superstars alike;

    Some of the Superstars that eulogized Funk include Mick Foley who stated in his Twitter account; ”

    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. 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”

    Rick Flair also eulogized him by stating that, “I Will Treasure My Memories With Terry Funk FOREVER!!!”

    He also stated in another post, ”

    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!”

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