WWE is saddened to learn that Dory Funk Jr., a WWE Hall of Famer and influential wrestling trainer, has passed away.
A member of the legendary Funk wrestling dynasty, they didn’t come much tougher or more respected than Dory Funk Jr.
The Texan started developing his wrestling business acumen and grappling mastery at a young age, driven hard by a caring father, Dory Funk Sr., whose own experience between the ropes made him an ideal mentor and role model for his impressionable son.
“As a kid, I used to dream I could do all the things my father could do,” Funk said during a 2007 interview with WWE. “I wanted to be just like him.”
Alongside his younger brother Terry, Dory earned a distinguished reputation as a marquee attraction in sports-entertainment as both a tag team and singles competitor.
He won numerous championships over a career that lasted more than half a century, most notably a four-year run as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, which ranks behind only Lou Thesz for the longest reign in that title’s history.
He regularly competed across the United States and Japan and also served as a promoter in both countries. His travels ultimately brought him to WWE for a run that was highlighted by The Funks’ victorious effort at WrestleMania 2 against Tito Santana and Junkyard Dog.
Dory eventually followed in his father’s footsteps by opening a wrestling school, the Funking Conservatory, which served as a veritable talent pipeline into WWE’s Attitude Era and beyond. Funk helped train Superstars like Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz, Mark Henry, Mickie James and more. He owned and operated the Funking Conservatory with his wife, Marti, whom he married in 1989.
Along with brother Terry, Dory secured his place in wrestling lore when The Funks were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame by longtime friend Dusty Rhodes in 2009.
WWE extends its condolences to Dory Funk Jr.’s family, friends and fans.
