Terry Funk dies, aged 79: Pro wrestling industry pays tribute to hardcore icon

Liam O'Loughlin

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Terry Funk dies, aged 79: Pro wrestling industry pays tribute to hardcore icon image

Professional wrestling icon Terry Funk has died, aged 79.

The legendary performer, whose career spanned five decades across multiple promotions, had been battling dementia in recent years and living in an assisted living facility.

Funk rose to prominence in the 1970s, competing in Florida and Japan, before becoming a household name in the United States throughout the 1980s. 

Originally from Indiana, the Funk family would relocate to Amarillo, Texas and the region would become synonymous with his lengthy pro wrestling career. 

With stints across NWA, WCW, ECW and WWF throughout his career, Funk captured multiple world titles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside his brother Dory in 2009. 

But it was Funk's rejuvenation from a traditional southern grappler to an all-out hardcore wrestler that continued to transcend the business, with his battles against the likes of Mick Foley becoming an integral part of wrestling history. 

Funk finally retired - for good - in 2017, ending one of the longest careers the industry has seen. 

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WWE honours Terry Funk on Friday Night SmackDown

Throughout the night on the August 25th edition of WWE SmackDown, the company would show highlights from Funk's career, before Cody Rhodes shared his own memories in front of the live crowd. 

WWE would also run a special tribute match for Funk, with the Brawling Brutes and Street Profits squaring off in a hardcore tag team match. 

Pro wrestling industry pays tribute to Terry Funk

The aforementioned Foley, who remained close friends with the Funk family until the time of his passing, took to social media to confirm the news on Wednesday evening.

Long-time rival Ric Flair, who shared the ring with Funk on countless occasions and created some truly magical moments, paid tribute to his tenacity inside and outside the squared circle. 

Funk's protege and close friend Tommy Dreamer also posted on Twitter following the news of his passing. 

AEW World Champion MJF and WWE's Kevin Owens and Triple H, as well as ECW legends Bully Ray Dudley and Taz, were among those to also pay their respects to Funk on Twitter. 

Remembered as a trailblazer, pioneer and revolutionary inside the ropes and on the microphone, as well as a true gentleman away from wrestling, The Sporting News send our heartfelt condolences to Funk's family and friends. 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.